Unsavory Health Benefits of Pets
“Let kids have two dogs and a cat,” prescribes Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, Director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. According to Weinstock, pets expose kids to "intestinal worms that can promote a healthy immune system."
Weinstock's research is featured in a New York Times Personal Health Article this week, "Babies Know: A Little Dirt Is Good for You," by Jane E. Brody. The article explores recent research that is
concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma.
It's to late for us: Marshall already has allergies that preclude our having a cat. As for a second dog: Having a two-year-old can be a tricky time to introduce a new dog in the family.
Thanks, Steve, for sharing this article!