Audit Your Stress Level This Tax Season; APPMA Encourages Americans to Pet a Pet, Studies Show it Helps Relieve Stress.Business Editors GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004 April 15 is one of the most dreaded dread v. dread·ed, dread·ing, dreads v.tr. 1. To be in terror of. 2. To anticipate with alarm, distaste, or reluctance: dreaded the long drive home. days of the year for many Americans. Long lines In communications, circuits that are capable of handling transmissions over long distances. , confusing tax forms and financial woes help tax season rank as one of the most stressful times of the year. This tax season, take the time to audit your stress level by getting or petting a pet. Studies show having pets reduces stress levels and can make a chaotic time like tax season easier. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA APPMA American Pet Products Manufacturers Association ), 63 percent of pet owners cite stress relief among the top benefits to owning a pet. "We've known for a long time that we feel good when we are around our pets," said Bob Vetere, COO and managing director of APPMA. "We now have studies confirming what many of us suspected all along -- pets are good for our health. To name a few findings, having a pet lowers the risk of a second heart attack by 80 percent. Petting your dog or cat or just watching fish swim lowers blood pressure. And, interacting with a dog can help improve the owner's physical fitness." Recent research has found that stress can affect the brain and hurt the body at many levels. This can mean diminished health, which can reduce quality of life. Maintaining a moderate stress level can help people fend off Verb 1. fend off - prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike" deflect, forefend, forfend, head off, avert, stave off, ward off, avoid, debar, obviate some of the negative affects that tension and anxiety can have on the body. "This tax season is a perfect time to spend a little extra quality time with your pet, or consider getting a pet," said Vetere. "It's an investment that will provide returns all year long." Some pet shelters are also offering additional pet stress relief this season by having puppies on hand at the post office. Check your local humane society A humane society is a group that aims to stop animal suffering due to cruelty or other reasons. Examples Examples of humane societies include: The Humane Society of the United States, Peninsula Humane Society, American Humane which was founded in 1877 as a network of or animal shelter "Dog Pound" redirects here. For the rap group, see Tha Dogg Pound. An animal shelter is a facility that houses homeless, lost or abandoned animals; primarily a large variety of dogs and cats. for details. Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation's leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA's membership consists of more than 750 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation's leading pet product companies. |
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