BALTIMORE (Map, News) - More than 57 percent of American households own pets, according to the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook published by the American Veterinary Medical Association last week.

Pet owners have less stress, lower blood pressure and fare better after a heart attack, said nurse Erika Friedmann, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

When did you start studying pets and health?

In the mid-1970s, we studied coronary surgery patients at the University of Maryland. People who owned pets were more likely to be alive one year later than people who didn’t have pets, independent of whether they had other people around to talk to. It didn’t matter how severe their heart disease was.

What’s happening here?

We started looking at the physiological responses to stress, things like blood pressure and stress hormones. The people who had animals around had lower responses to stressor. If you reduce stress, you can slow the progress of chronic disease. It also works for people who like animals and are in the presence of animals.

Isn’t this the same as having a support network of friends?

Social support from other people is good for you and owning a pet is good for you, but they’re not the same. People don’t give the same unconditional kinds of love and support. Pets also act as a kind of social lubricant, making it easier for people to reach out to other people and talk to other people. Having a pet, like walking a dog, has been proven to make you seem more friendly.

Comments from Examiner Readers

7:16 PM MST on Thu., May. 15, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Don Mathis"

Carol Cooley said:
Excellent article - the issues facing the poor are so overwhelming - it is heartening to see that there are people helping to address their needs. However, if we do not ALL work to eliminate poverty people will continue to go to bed hungry in this very wealthy county. Mathis represents Community Action Agencies across the U.S. -- we need to support their efforts. This is an issue for all of us.

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3:37 PM MST on Thu., May. 15, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Quentin Forrest"

Examiner Reader said:
If we are really going to get a handle on important environmental monitoring and reduce time to action we need more innovative ideas from men such as Quentin Forrest. Well done.

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12:01 AM MST on Sun., May. 4, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Anne Meister"

Examiner Reader said:
Hi, Regarding the article on D.C. Sperior Court on finding the will of Frederick Douglass, I sent this news to a gentleman who portrays the spirit of Frederick Douglass and he asked me this question? Thanks Patricia. This is very interesting but I didn't die in 1886. It was 1895. Does she have the right Frederick Douglass?

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3:12 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 29, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: George Jones"

Examiner Reader said:
Its wonderful to see a relatively young man who is committed to and has dedicated his life to assisting the down and out. I hope and whish you success in your future undertakings.

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2:11 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Robin Davidov"

Marilyn said:
Waste to energy makes sense, just ask Montgomery County,MD. Let's hear more about recycling too.

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11:36 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Angela Phelps"

Examiner Reader said:
Le Village Marche is a great store. Too bad the reporter, Bill Sammon, is map challenged. Shirlington is in Arlington not Alexandria. Bit of fact finding would have shown that.

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9:46 AM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: David Johnson"

Examiner Reader said:
Hearing comments from a Parkinson patient certainly should carry weight when additioinal funding is considered!

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7:00 AM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Margaret Downey"

Nikolet said:
Nice site!

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6:12 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 8, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Diane Leasure"

Examiner Reader said:
Ms. Peirce, I make the following corrections on your interview with Judge Leasure: (1) Governor Glendenning appointed her to the bench in 1992. (2) The overhaul of the Case Management System has been nothing but chaotic. An excellent system was ruined by Judge Leasure and her court administrator. (3) Judge Leasure DOES NOT carry the same caseload as the other judges which in a small part is caused by the fact that during the past eighteen months she was spending a good part of her time in Annapolis with trying to get one of the two appellate court openings. Ms. Peirce, you should always check your facts before writing a fluff article such as the one above.

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7:23 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Lisa Gladden"

Examiner Reader said:
Mizeur is a one issue, gay rights only promoting, delegate. When will Examiner inteview an interesting legislator? I have nothing against gays, but how about interviwing a heterosexual to balance things out.

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2:23 PM MST on Wed., Jan. 30, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Carl Cephas"

Examiner Reader said:
Examiner Reader said: >>Re: The 3-minute interview: Carl Cephas<< For the record, I recall the Psychotronic Film Society meeting in Adams Morgan living rooms -- including mine -- in 1982 or 1983. The Psychotronic film guide wasn't out in 1982. Published/Created: New York : Ballantine Books, 1983. Maybe you mean eye and eye from D.C. Space.

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1:12 PM MST on Sun., Jan. 27, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Lisa Gladden"

Examiner Reader said:
Gawd, is this the best the Examiner could come up with for an interview? Why not interview an O'malley wind-up doll? The responses would be more interesting and original. State stat's done nothing to fill hundreds of unfilled public safety vacancies in a state that is "making public safety its number one priority".

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9:44 PM MST on Sat., Jan. 26, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Lisa Gladden"

Examiner Reader said:
lisa "party trumps race" gladden is laughable.

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1:14 PM MST on Sat., Jan. 26, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Lisa Gladden"

Examiner Reader said:
Lisa Gladden is just another liar as a Baltimore senator. She knows citistat was ineffective in Baltimore. But, she would rather suck up to the governor and allow him free reign to impose that failed program on the entire state of Maryland.

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2:14 PM MST on Fri., Jan. 25, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Susan Krebs"

Examiner Reader said:
Congratulations Ms. Sheehy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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2:06 PM MST on Fri., Jan. 25, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Kathleen Sheehy"

Examiner Reader said:
You rock Ms.Sheehy! from your student

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10:30 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008 re: "The 3-minute interview: Eliza Leighton"

Examiner Reader said:
What is so hateful about not wanting criminals(Yes Eliza entering the USA ilegally is a crime)moving into your hometown. I also think CASA is breaking the law by aiding people who are here ilegally,What kind of message does that send?

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8:44 PM MST on Sun., Dec. 9, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mel Krupin"

Examiner Reader said:
I worked with Mel back in the late 80s. Glad to see he's still at it. He'd be happy to know I left the restaurant business and I am now an attorney. Glenn Swiatek

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4:33 PM MST on Thu., Dec. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Susan Krebs"

Examiner Reader said:
I strongly disagree.

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4:28 PM MST on Thu., Dec. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Jeff Lawson"

Examiner Reader said:
The silence on the sewage sludge matter is disturbing. What's going on? Is everyone now colluding with the powerful sludge industry?

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6:06 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 28, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: George Della Jr."

Examiner Reader said:
It sure is nice how George forgets that he also represents the southeastern district,you know everybody's orphan.

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10:08 AM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Grace Kubofcik"

Examiner Reader said:
Grace, my Howard County has been taken over by the socialist party.

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7:04 AM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Bob Perilla"

Examiner Reader said:
Bob Perilla's Big Hillbilly Bluegrass Band is a group of virtuoso musicians who are great ambassadors of American bluegrass in foreign countries and at home. Finally, some good news about our government--they were smart enough to send Big Hillbilly Bluegrass to spread goodwill overseas!

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5:28 PM MST on Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Bob Perilla"

Examiner Reader said:
A nice three minute interview. I have followed Bob Perilla's brand of bluegrass music for years. I am so pleased that our government is sending such a great representative to create goodwill for America. In Perilla we have chosen someone who is both musically and intellectually capable.

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8:43 PM MST on Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Saurabh Dalal"

Examiner Reader said:
Great article about a dear friend, Saurabh Dalal, who is at the helm of the Vegetarian Society of D.C.! What the lead-in failed to mention is that the V.S.D.C. is -- or has been in recent years -- the largest local vegetarian society in the U.S.A. Saurabh's somewhat responsible for that, with his personable, helpful demeanor and his professional, consistent approach to public education. Saurabh heads a knowledgable and reliable team.

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7:46 AM MST on Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Susan Krebs"

Examiner Reader said:
Delegate Susan Krebs, I could not have said it better. But, frankly, what can we intelligent people expect from a bunch of demorat socialists? I'm sure it must be very frustrating for you as an intelligent person to be in that circus atmosphere. But until the people of Maryland wake up, you, I and all the other intelligent people will suffer greatly. I do so hate rats, and I am not referring to their four legged first cousins. But, in the interim, thank you for trying to bring some common sense in Annapolis. It must be very very frustrating.

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7:48 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 10, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mike Gimbel"

Examiner Reader said:
Mike Gimbel has SAVED more lives then this poison pen writer could ever reach. I know of that which I speak. Thank Goodness we have a Mike Gimbel in this town.

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2:20 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 8, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mike Gimbel"

Examiner Reader said:
Thanks Mike for all you do. This town is full of jerks

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2:18 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 8, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mike Gimbel"

Examiner Reader said:
To the person questioning Mike Gimbel's credentials, GET A LIFE. Gimbel has done more to help people with drugs problems in this town than anyone you can mention. Maybe he doesn't have a degree but I would trust him before any Doctor.

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2:10 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 8, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mike Gimbel"

Examiner Reader said:
To the misinformed reader who has questioned my credentials, I challange you to find any where in my CV or anytime in my life that I have lied about my creditials. Everyone in Baltimore knows that my life experience of being a recovering addict with 35 years of sobriety and being the Drug Czar for Baltimore County Government for 24 years is my experiene. I have never said or wrote in my CV that I have degrees in any profession, my life experience is my degree. Often times in the addiction field, one who has lived the life is better at helping people than one with a paper degree. If you would like to challange this, please call me.

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9:33 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 5, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Margaret Downey"

Examiner Reader Rozmarija said:
Atheist Alliance "WEB based"?It's reality-based, we become members for mutual support in a myth-absorbed society which demonizes us.There are International conferences, publications, and we have a lobbyst in Washington, fighting to reinstate Separation of Church and State so we can have Freedom OF Religion as well as Freedom FROM Religion.Whenever an article about atheists appears in any medium, the questioning is in a thinly veiled hostile manner. Today even scientific research supports us, showing how moral character and ethics can be hard-wired in DNA, we just happen to be the people who personally accept responsibility and accountability with no delusions about "heavenly reward" after death. The rest of society distrusts us, and hates us for our rational analyses of daily life.

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11:16 AM MST on Fri., Sep. 14, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Mary Slicher"

Examiner Reader said:
Forget about it. I always thought it was against the law to panhandle. It should be. There are plenty of charitable places they could go. These people are a blight on society. I have worked hard so that I would never be in that situation. These people just went and blew their minds on drugs or whatever and they have no control. In fact, I see a couple, man and woman every day at the same corner Hospital Drive and Crain Highway. You mean to tell me out of the both of them neither can support themselves. I say fine them, lock them up, whatever it takes to get rid of them. JUST GET RID OF THEM.

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11:25 AM MST on Mon., Sep. 10, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Carl Cephas"

Examiner Reader said:
>>Re: The 3-minute interview: Carl Cephas<< For the record, I recall the Psychotronic Film Society meeting in Adams Morgan living rooms -- including mine -- in 1982 or 1983.

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8:32 PM MST on Thu., Sep. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Larry Gibson"

Examiner Reader said:
Re: The 3 minute Interview w/Larry Gibson Remember, there are always 2 & sometimes 3 sides to every story. We dont really Know if Keiffer Jr. attempted to throw his father under bus. You did just read a comment from only one representative of one part of the party.

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6:44 PM MST on Thu., Sep. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Larry Gibson"

Examiner Reader said:
Brown wanted to become a prosecutor once. Julius Mitchell's boy, Henson stopped him in his tracks by bringing out numerous Brown scandals into the public light and Brown dropped out of the race for state's attorney. Alsi, I believe Warren Brown was oncw a US attorney. Been there, done that.

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12:52 AM MST on Thu., Sep. 6, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Larry Gibson"

Examiner Reader said:
If Keiffer Mitchell would throw his parents under the bus to promote himself, what would he do to the rest of us. This little boy should go home and come back when he's a man.

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12:40 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Warren A. Brown"

What!!!??? said:
"No matter what the police do, it's not going to make a bit of difference until the [city] state�s attorney�s office does a better job..." what? Brown is one of the guys responsible for getting criminals off or, failing that, getting them a sweet sentence. If he truly feels that way about the prosecutor's office, he should lead by example and become a prosecutor.

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3:17 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "The 3-minute interview: Yale Beverly"

Examiner Reader said:
What a noble and needed figure! I admire the dedication of Mr. Beverly and pray that he receives the assistance needed to give hope to our future! When young people have hope, there is no stopping them! When they have guidance and love, the world is theirs for the taken! I commend those dedicated to this project and hope to collaborate with them in the very near future!

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