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The health benefits that come with having a four-legged friend have been studied for years. Researchers have documented lower blood pressure, lower levels of stress and less cardiovascular illness among pet owners. Now science is spotlighting another potential asset of canine companionship – regular physical activity.

Washington, D.C. - American Institute for Cancer Research - infoZine - AICR recommends being active every day in any way for at least 30 minutes. When you’ve got a pup who needs to go out, achieving that goal is always just two short, 15 minute walks away.

Several studies have shown that dog walking can increase the frequency and length of physical activity. In a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, scientists at Johns Hopkins followed over 2,500 adults ages 71-82 for three years and found that dog walkers were more likely to achieve 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog walkers and had a more rapid walking speed.

In addition to an increase in activity, the commitment to physical activity increases with man’s best friend. Research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association by experts at the University of Victoria in British Columbia concluded that the sense of responsibility and obligation to the health of a dog was the main motivation for physical activity among dog owners.

Just as people need to stay active, dogs require exercise and can be excellent fitness buddies to some of the 72 million households that already own them.

Why walk?

1. include other friends and family members to make it a leisure activity.
2. a low risk of injury.
3. It’s adaptable: You can change you route daily or travel to new places in your town for a scenery change.

Why walk with a dog?

1. It gives every walk a purpose. The obligation to the dog can motivate you to keep up a regular walking routine.
2. You can help your overweight dog get in shape, too!
3. A dog provides social support and even an element of safety to your walk. You’ll never be alone with a pet partner.

What if you don’t own a dog? Luckily, there are several organizations nationwide where you can form a dog walking partnership. Check with your local animal shelter for volunteer opportunities or with animal rescue centers that host adoption drives.

Other dog walking specific initiatives might be available, like the Walk a Hound, Lose a Poundexternal site program based out of Indianapolis that pairs homeless animals with walking partners. Shelter dogs in programs like these get extra exercise they couldn’t get otherwise, and research suggests that regularly exercised animals have a better chance of finding a home. So grab a leash to stay physically active while helping a dog find a healthy, happy home.

For more ideas on getting active, you can order a free copy of AICR’s brochure Moving More for Cancer Prevention
http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pub_Moving_More

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research