Gesundheit!

Local Sneeze speaks:

Publication:Waukesha Freeman (Conley);
Date:Feb 23, 2008;
Section:Nation/World;
Page Number:6A


Your health
Cat owners less likely to die of heart attack, stroke, study finds
Health benefit not seen for dogs

MINNEAPOLIS (MCT) – Here, kitty kitty. A new study suggests cat owners are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than people who, well, don’t own cats. And no, dogs don’t do the same trick. The study, by researchers at the University of Minnesota, found that feline-less people were 30 percent to 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those with cats. Yet dog owners had the same rate as non-owners. ‘‘No protective effect of dogs as domestic pets was observed,’’ said the study, which was presented Thursday at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans. Dr. Adnan Qureshi, a stroke expert at the university, said he decided to raise the question because other studies have suggested pets can help reduce stress. He and his team analyzed a group of 4,435 people who had answered questionnaires about pet ownership and other risk factors. But the cat-dog differential came as a surprise. ‘‘We don’t understand this completely,’’ he said, but ‘‘it’s probably not a coincidence.’’ Asked if he owns a cat, Qureshi replied: ‘‘No. Maybe I should get one, though. With this new research, I think the time has come to change. ’’

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The SR News editor agrees with today's above article from the sometimes impeachable Ann Coulter-running Waukesha Daily Freeman. Living with serene Mona-Bob the cat very likely saved him from expiration, and more than once. Of course - any maybe the reader didn't know THIS - living in close proximity to sewer raccoons also helps.