DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BENEFITS OF PETS
We tend to picture
registered dog owners in Sweden had lower rates of cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of death than individuals without dogs.
energetic dogs and cats thriving in young families with children, but animals are often happy to live with older, less active adults. These kinds of homes are especially suited to older animals that might otherwise have to spend their last days in the pound. Depending on your schedule and mobility, you might not want to adopt a large dog. But small lap dogs, cuddly cats, and even
Physical fitness is far from the only benefit of pet ownership. The love and companionship our animal friends offer can alleviate depression or loneliness. Linda Anderson, founder of the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis, says, “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pet’s companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet.” Caring for a pet takes work, but for many people, the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges. An energetic dog encourages you to leave the house and go for walks, a talkative parrot makes time spent alone less lonely, and a soft cat curled up on your lap helps alleviate a stressful day. If you can’t have a pet in your home due to lease restrictions or mobility challenges, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of being around animals. Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. You can help care for cats, dogs, and other animals while they wait for their own forever home. There are thousands of pets in shelters across the country waiting for someone to care for them. If there’s room in your retirement plan, why not invite one into your home? You might discover both you and your new friend have something to gain.
birds can make a great addition to your home.
As long as you do not suffer from allergies, having a pet can be great for your health. The American Heart Association says pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found evidence to support this claim when they discovered that
BRITANI QUINDOZA
Britani Quindoza joined North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in 2014. A lifelong San Diegan, she graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science in 2015. She currently serves as our front office assistant, but she’s previously worked as a physical therapy aide. Her knowledge of health, nutrition, and treatment allow her to bring a special expertise to the work she does every day. An Integral Part of Our Team For Britani, the most rewarding part of that work comes from her interactions with patients. She explains, “It’s never fun to see somebody in pain, but it’s amazing to watch them progress throughout treatment.” She also appreciates the environment created by the team. “It really is an inspiring atmosphere,” she notes. “Everyone believes in the power of physical therapy, and that enthusiasm allows us to deliver exceptional care.” When she’s not at work, Britani loves spending time with her family. She and her husband, Virgilio, have two beautiful children: 5-year-old Malakai and 2-year-old Leia. They recently moved to a new home, so there have been plenty of family game and movie nights. The new house, however, doesn’t stop them from exploring both close to home and farther afield.
Britani with her husband and family
everything San Diego has to offer.” They’re also avid campers and have already introduced their kids to the pleasures of nature. “Taking the whole family to Yosemite was a blast,” she recalls. “It’s awesome to know that we can share something we love with Malakai and Leia.” Britani is often the first face greeting our patients as they walk in the door. Her positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and passion for physical therapy are assets to our team. We’re lucky to have her on our staff. Be sure to say hi to Britani the next time you stop in.
“We like to think of ourselves as tourists in our hometown,” Britani says. “We love being outdoors, stand-up paddleboarding, and taking advantage of
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