Archives
0800 040 7526
-
November 22nd, 2017
Dog owners are healthier finds new study
A new Swedish study of 3.4 million people has found that dog owners are healthier and have a lower risk of cardio-vascular disease than those without dogs.By comparing national registration data for both dog ownership and health data, the study found that single dog owners had a 33% reduction in risk of death and an 11% reduction in the risk of heart attack, compared to single non-owners.
The lead study author Mwenya Mubanga of Uppsala University found that not only were the health benefits marked for those living alone, but those that owned hunting and retrieving breeds also fared well in longevity and disease prevention. Although the researchers from the University of Uppsala agreed that dog owners were already more likely to be active people, having a dog reinforced this trait; in less active people owning a dog also increased their levels of activity and exercise.
For their study, published in Scientific Reports, the team looked at data from 2001 to 2012. In Sweden, every visit to a hospital is recorded in national databases – while dog ownership registration has been mandatory since 2001.
Dr Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation said:
“Owning a dog is associated with reduced mortality and risk of having heart disease. Previous studies have shown this association but have not been as conclusive – largely due to the population size studied here. Dog ownership has many benefits, and we may now be able to count better heart health as one of them. However, as many dog owners may agree, the main reason for owning a dog is the sheer joy.”
He added:
“Whether you’re a dog owner or not, keeping active is a great way to help improve your heart health.”
At Diets Don’t Work we are happy to operate a free dog sitting scheme for those wishing to enjoy the health benefits of dog ownership; lodging and sitting for Wilson and Ryder comes free with a block of 10 PT sessions with Adam. They are (supposed to be) retrievers so the health benefits are even better.
-
November 10th, 2017
The best sleeping gadgets
We’ve looked at the paramount importance of sleep for health and fitness before; from its effect on hunger, weight gain to longevity and disease prevention.
The more obvious and well known tips for a good night’s sleep remain true; avoid caffeine after 6pm; try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day; switch off computers and tablets at least an hour before bedtime; invest in a good mattress individually tailored to you; keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
But if you need a little extra help, here are some of the best sleeping gadgets to help you nod off and get that much needed long deep sleep.
ResMed S+
By syncing with your smartphone, the resmed provides detailed feedback on your breathing, room temperature, ambient light, noise and body movements. This can help you adjust things accordingly to get a good night’s rest. £130, available here.Juvo sleep
The Juvo has a sensor that sits beneath your mattress and monitors your heart rate, movement and breathing during the night. Instead of going off at a set time, the alarm will gently wake you within a set timeframe when you are sleeping the lightest. £174, available here.Dodow
Made by French company Livlad, the dodo aims to help those who have trouble falling asleep. It pulses ambient light onto the ceiling which you match your breathing to. This relaxes you into a semi-medative state and then off to the land of nod. £44, available here.Fitbit Alta HR
Better than most wrist worn (and sometimes uncomfortable, not to mention inaccurate) fitness trackers that claim to monitor your sleep, the Alta follows your movements, heart rate and breathing to determine what stage of sleep you are in and then offers tips on how to improve. Available here.Smart Nora
No relative of chuffing Nora, the Nora is a pillow expander and sensor designed to stop snoring. So it could improve not only your sleep but that of your snoring partner too. Once snoring has been detected, the sensor inflates your pillow, gently raising the head and stopping snoring £254, available here.
