From Viral Video Star to Heart Health Hero
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 8, 2024
Think cats are just aloof little furballs that knock things off tables for fun? Think again.
New research reveals these purring felines could be the unsung heroes of healthcare.
In fact, scientists say cats do far more than just give us a good laugh by starring in the latest viral video…
For years, dogs have hogged the spotlight of pet health benefits.
In fact, if you were a fan of cats, it meant risking being labeled a “crazy cat lady” or a “foolish feline fellow.”
But science is finally giving cats their moment because what researchers have discovered about our feline friends is rather remarkable.
Studies show that cat owners have a SIGNIFICANTLY lower risk of dying from…
- stroke,
- heart disease, or
- other cardiovascular problems.
But it gets even better…
Unlike health interventions that require strict routines or expensive equipment, cats deliver their health benefits through simple everyday interactions.
It’s almost like having a tiny, furry therapist who also happens to be an expert in heart health!
So, let’s go ahead and bust that “crazy cat lady” myth right now. These benefits aren’t just for one type of person. Anyone who opens their home to a feline friend can collect these advantages.
And the science behind this beneficial relationship is fascinating.
Cats have been our companions for THOUSANDS of years, and in that time, they’ve developed some remarkable ways to support our health:
- Their purr vibrates at frequencies known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote healing.
- Daily cat care creates routines that give structure to your day, provide a sense of purpose, and combat loneliness.
- Interactive play sessions offer light physical activity, mental stimulation, and stress relief.
The best part? You don’t need to train your cat to do anything special. Just being themselves is enough to deliver these health benefits.
Remember: while cats might not fetch your slippers or guard your house, they’re working their own kind of magic on your health… one purr at a time.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
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P.S. Thinking you’d like to add a cat to your family? Consider adopting from your local shelter. You might just end up saving two lives… theirs and your own!
Source:
Qureshi AI, Memon MZ, Vazquez G, Suri MF. Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study. J Vasc Interv Neurol. 2009 Jan;2(1):132-5. PMID: 22518240; PMCID: PMC3317329.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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