PLAINS TALK Kari Anderson, LMHC ANIMAL INSTINCTS Pet owners have long maintained that the unconditional kwe their animal friends provide them greatly enriches their lives. New research ackls further scientific evidence to this clam. The stuxly involved nearly 250 college stidents who were asked to either interact with dogs and cats (for ten minutes), observe other people interacting with dogs and cats, watch a slideshow of animals, or sit silently. Aflerward, samples were taken of the participant's saliva to measure their "cortisol" (a homone the body secretes in response to stress) levels. Overall, the analysis revealed who interacted with the animals had significantly lower cortisol levels after the intervention. This study bolsters the icea that pets should be part of mental patients' health care plans. the students We work with clients to create a plan which acklresses spocific needs and goas. A caring approach integrating evidence-based practices is designed to acklress life's struggles eflectively in a way that is also uniquely tailored to you and your family. To schedule a consultation, please call our office. We offer a wide array of behavioral health incluxding psychotherapy psychiatric medication services services, evaluation and management services. Call our office tockay at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our office is located at 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Caroll, Helping People Coye With Everyday Living. PS. An "entional sigyort aninal" is one dhat previkes a therapertic berefit to its ower thronegh conpanionship. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center wing Pe Cpeva dey ting www.plainsareamentalhealth.org PLAINS TALK Kari Anderson, LMHC ANIMAL INSTINCTS Pet owners have long maintained that the unconditional kwe their animal friends provide them greatly enriches their lives. New research ackls further scientific evidence to this clam. The stuxly involved nearly 250 college stidents who were asked to either interact with dogs and cats (for ten minutes), observe other people interacting with dogs and cats, watch a slideshow of animals, or sit silently. Aflerward, samples were taken of the participant's saliva to measure their "cortisol" (a homone the body secretes in response to stress) levels. Overall, the analysis revealed who interacted with the animals had significantly lower cortisol levels after the intervention. This study bolsters the icea that pets should be part of mental patients' health care plans. the students We work with clients to create a plan which acklresses spocific needs and goas. A caring approach integrating evidence-based practices is designed to acklress life's struggles eflectively in a way that is also uniquely tailored to you and your family. To schedule a consultation, please call our office. We offer a wide array of behavioral health incluxding psychotherapy psychiatric medication services services, evaluation and management services. Call our office tockay at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our office is located at 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Caroll, Helping People Coye With Everyday Living. PS. An "entional sigyort aninal" is one dhat previkes a therapertic berefit to its ower thronegh conpanionship. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center wing Pe Cpeva dey ting www.plainsareamentalhealth.org