It's almost impossible to not realize February is American Heart Month. Advertisements and public services announcements remind us cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign is in full swing with celebrities and "real women" alike sharing stories, health tips and news about heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. These reminders are good.

A while back the American Pet Products Association compiled some facts from various studies about the health benefits of pet ownership. We thought February was a good time to share this information. Perhaps it will inspire potential pet owners to take the plunge. Perhaps it will inspire others of us to become more active with our pets for both our health and theirs.

Healthy Benefits of Pet Ownership
(Source: American Pet Products Association)

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)