American Heart Association Best Friend Fridays™
The American Heart Association is going to the dogs. And cats. And other critters. For a lot of heart-healthy reasons! Did you know your four-legged friend could help boost health and well-being?
According to a scientific statement by the American Heart Association, pets may help their owners get more exercise, may lower blood pressure and cholesterol and boost happiness1. Not only that, pets at work may help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve employee satisfaction, teamwork and collaboration2. When a dog is part of a collaborative group setting, group members rank their teammates higher in terms of trust, team cohesion and intimacy[i].
Overall, pet parents tend to live longer than non-pet owners3 and dog parents are more likely to fit in the recommended level of physical activity than those who don’t have a dog4. Pets also add an element of companionship – letting you know you are not alone and providing social support – an important factor in helping you stick with healthy habits5.
This June, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, is launching Best Friend Fridays™, an initiative that celebrates happy minds and healthy hearts one pet parent at a time. Companies everywhere can join the American Heart Association in the fight to lick heart disease and stroke by supporting Best Friend Fridays™ this June in the following ways:
- DONATE Ask your employer to celebrate Best Friend Fridays™ this June. Bring your pet to work and give $25, $55 or $505 in honor of your heart’s best friend. Your gift will support important heart research and education (for humans). That’s a high-five for heart health!
- GET SOCIAL When you bring your pet to work on Best Friend Fridays™, post a selfie of you and your heart’s best friend to spread the word using #BestFriendFridays.
- TAKE IT OUTSIDE If your company does not have pets at work yet, find a park where you and your pet can meet up with other pet parents in your company! It could be a whole new way to make new friends with your best friend.
It’s a win-wag combination for health and happiness. Happy Minds. Healthy Hearts.
American Heart Association