Is owning a dog good for your health?

     Dogs really are our best friends, according to a Swedish study that says canine ownership could reduce heart disease. A study of 3.4 million people between the ages of 40 and 80 found that having a dog was associated with a 23% reduction in death from heart disease and a 20% lower risk of dying from any cause over the 12 years of the study. Previous studies have suggested dogs relieve social isolation and depression – both linked to an increased risk of heart disease and early death.

     Dog owners show better responses to stress , have higher levels of physical activity and slightly lower cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association was sufficiently swayed by a review of dozens of studies to release a statement in 2013 saying that owning a dog “was probably” associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Their reluctance to more strongly endorse dog ownership is because most studies are what is called observational – researchers note an association, but can’t prove causation. This means that other factors might explain why dog owners are healthier than, say, goldfish owners – for example, perhaps only people who are fit in the first place buy pets that need daily walkies.

     Tove Fall, an epidemiologist and the lead author of this latest study, says they tried their best to allow for any differences in education, existing ill-health and lifestyles between those with and without dogs. The study found the biggest positive impact of having a dog was on people living alone. “It seems that a dog can be a substitute for living with other people in terms of reducing the risk of dying,” says Fall. “Dogs encourage you to walk, they provide social support and they make life more meaningful. If you have a dog, you interact more with other people. If you do get ill and go into hospital and you have a dog, there’s a huge motivation to try to get back home.”

     Of course, getting a dog and watching it from your sofa while you eat fatty food is not going to reduce your risk of heart disease. And a toy dog may look cute, but won’t have any effect either. Fall’s study showed the most health benefits came from having retrievers or pointers.

Question 1:  [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

1. This is the first time a study on the benefits of having a dog has been carried out.
2. The American Heart Association has always stated how owning a dog definitely reduces heart disease.
3. Having a dog improves your social life.
4. A lot of different people took part in the study.

Question 2: `[2 points] Answer the following questions in your own words.

1. What physical benefits do dog owners show?
2. How does having a dog help people in their social life?

Question 3:  [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

1. lessen, reduce (par. 1)
2. unwillingness (par. 2)
3. principal (par. 3)
4. help, stimulate (par.3)
5. significant, important (par.3)

KEY

Question 1.

1. False." Previous studies have suggested dogs relieve social isolation and depression – both linked to an increased risk of heart disease and early death."
2. False. " The American Heart Association was sufficiently swayed by a review of dozens of studies to release a statement in 2013 saying that owning a dog “was probably” associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Their reluctance to more strongly endorse dog....."
3. True. " Dogs encourage you to walk, they provide social support and they make life more meaningful."
4. True. "A study of 3.4 million people between the ages of 40 and 80 found that..."

Question 2.

1. Dog owners are more active, feel fit and enjoy walking, have good levels of cholesterol and don´t suffer much stress.
2. Most of the people who own dogs feel less isolated and depressed; as they have to walk their dogs, they relate to other people more easily and all that gives a meaning to their life.

Question 3

1. to relieve
2. reluctance
3. lead
4. to encourage
5. meaningful