FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact:   Loran Hickton, NAPHIA

                                (412) 319-7730 / (412) 908-9766

                                http://www.naphia.org

Pets Provide Better Human Health and Wellness and Reduce Healthcare Costs

As the North American Pet Health Insurance Association celebrates National Pet Health Insurance Month, the association shares the positive impact of pets on human healthcare.

(Pittsburgh, PA) September, 2009: The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) has raised awareness of the value of pets, and pet health insurance, by designating September as National Pet Health Insurance Month.

Pet health insurance provides a financial safety net for pet owners, and often gives them the ability to provide a higher level of care to their ill or injured pets.  Every day, pet health insurance spares pet owners the excruciating decision to limit veterinary care for beloved pets, or even to euthanize them, due to economic limitations.

As pet owners consider health insurance for their pets, they might think of it in the context of their own health.  Research shows that humans with a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat in their home enjoy a measurable improvement in health, and in fact spend less on their own healthcare.

Documented studies on human health suggest that pet ownership bestows the following benefits:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

• Higher survival rates from heart attacks

• Significantly lower use of general practitioner services

• Reduced risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pet allergens during the first year of their life

• Better physical and psychological well-being for seniors

The Delta Society is a human services organization dedicated to improving people's health and well-being. The mission of Delta Society is to help lead the world in advancing human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.

“At a time in which our society is looking for treatment alternatives to complement western medicine, research is consistently demonstrating that pets can have a profound impact on people’s physical and emotional health.  Delta Society has focused on this single concept since 1977.  We are excited to see more healthcare professionals and other leaders embracing the fact that pets can be a cost-effective approach to improving people’s health while enriching their lives,” stated Lawrence Norvell, President and CEO of Delta Society.

According to NAPHIA Executive Director Loran Hickton, "As the human healthcare debate continues, some have asked, ‘why provide pet insurance when so many humans do not have health coverage?’ First, we know that the uncertainty of the current economy makes pet insurance critically important for the financial well-being of all pet owners. Many pet owners simply don't have the disposable income to cover emergencies or even routine pet health care, and each day, pets face economic euthanasia.  In addition to financial benefits, now more than ever it is essential to share the human health benefits of pet ownership.  Our pets are part of our families; they make a difference and contribute to better health and lower human healthcare costs. To people without pets this may be hard to understand, but most pet owners corroborate the research that indicates having a pet improves life and a sense of wellness and health!”

During September, NAPHIA is sponsoring a nationwide contest to select pet health insurance customers’ favorite veterinary practices from over 20,000 across North America. Pet owners are posting pictures of their pets, along with a story, at the NAPHIA website. The contest highlights the care and recovery of pets for whom pet health insurance helped to provide needed care. There are prizes for the pet owner, an educational grant provided to the veterinary care provider, and a donation to the pet shelter or rescue group of the winner’s choice. The National Pet Health Insurance Month contest page is http://www.naphia.org/pet_health_month.htm

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