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2012/09/18 [United Daily News / Reporter Huang Wen-Yan]
A foreign study found that newborns exposed to cats and dogs tend to live healthier lives. A Finnish research team studied 397 newborns and discovered that exposure to cats and dogs can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. The paper was published in the August issue of the journal *Pediatrics*.
Yang Jing-Yu, chairman of the Taipei Veterinary Association, stated that unless a newborn has an allergic constitution, pets at home can not only improve the infant's immune tolerance but also help stabilize their mood.
However, Dr. Hong Yi-Li from Cathay General Hospital's pediatric department remained cautious. She noted that while many studies have made similar findings, most were conducted abroad, where the climate is drier and more open compared to Taiwan's humid and confined environment.
Hong Yi-Li pointed out that aside from allergies, newborns might also ingest germs after touching pets. She recommended that families with newborns opt for short-haired pets and avoid co-sleeping with them to minimize allergy risks.
On the other hand, Yang Yao-Xu, director of the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, said such studies remain inconclusive, but exposure to allergens may indeed help build resistance.
Yang Yao-Xu suggested that if a family already has pets, there’s no need to rush to rehome them. Instead, they can observe the newborn for a while. If allergic reactions like skin redness, swelling, or sneezing occur, then rehoming the pet would still be timely.
In fact, beyond boosting immune tolerance, some studies also indicate that children raised with dogs tend to be more active. Huang Shu-Hui, a clinical psychologist at Cathay General Hospital, explained that touch is one of the earliest developed senses. Newborns can cultivate cognitive functions and understand the essence of life through petting and sensory experiences.
Source: http://mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ storypage. jsp? f_ART_ID=413264#ixzz26q6hxdtW
Pediatrics Journal: Newborns Exposed to Cats/Dogs Have Increased Immunity
A foreign study found that newborns exposed to cats and dogs tend to live healthier lives. A Finnish research team studied 397 newborns and discovered that exposure to cats and dogs can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. The paper was published in the August issue of the journal *Pediatrics*.
Yang Jing-Yu, chairman of the Taipei Veterinary Association, stated that unless a newborn has an allergic constitution, pets at home can not only improve the infant's immune tolerance but also help stabilize their mood.
However, Dr. Hong Yi-Li from Cathay General Hospital's pediatric department remained cautious. She noted that while many studies have made similar findings, most were conducted abroad, where the climate is drier and more open compared to Taiwan's humid and confined environment.
Hong Yi-Li pointed out that aside from allergies, newborns might also ingest germs after touching pets. She recommended that families with newborns opt for short-haired pets and avoid co-sleeping with them to minimize allergy risks.
On the other hand, Yang Yao-Xu, director of the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, said such studies remain inconclusive, but exposure to allergens may indeed help build resistance.
Yang Yao-Xu suggested that if a family already has pets, there’s no need to rush to rehome them. Instead, they can observe the newborn for a while. If allergic reactions like skin redness, swelling, or sneezing occur, then rehoming the pet would still be timely.
In fact, beyond boosting immune tolerance, some studies also indicate that children raised with dogs tend to be more active. Huang Shu-Hui, a clinical psychologist at Cathay General Hospital, explained that touch is one of the earliest developed senses. Newborns can cultivate cognitive functions and understand the essence of life through petting and sensory experiences.
Source: http://mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ storypage. jsp? f_ART_ID=413264#ixzz26q6hxdtW