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Aquarium Therapy

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by: ocreef
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Word Count: 793
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 Time: 10:59 PM
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Taking time to watch and interact with pets provides a welcome break from the stress of daily cares and concerns. Aquariums are ideal for creating a soothing, tranquil, meditative place to relax and connect with nature, in your home or office. They can even pull your kids away from mindless TV to learn about prehistoric species and the cycle of life. They're great conversation starters and provide entertainment for guests.For business owners, they can make those waiting room times fly by for your clients. For busy people who want to experience the joys of pet ownership, but are concerned that they don’t have enough time to care for them, tropical aquarium fish are a great choice. They are easier to take care of than dogs, cats, and many other animals, and take up very little space. With the wide variety of aquarium shapes and sizes, they can fit in virtually any home or office.

Aquarium Therapy for Human Health

In addition to the joy, entertainment, and companionship many animals provide, it has been known for years, that animals can provide many health benefits to humans. Studies have shown that animals can increase longevity after heart attacks, lower cholesterol, and even predict seizures in people. Similarly, studies have found that watching fish in aquariums has many therapeutic effects, including: a notable and beneficial decrease in blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension. In a study of patients awaiting dental surgery, it was found that aquarium-watching was as effective as hypnosis, in reducing anxiety.

Purdue University researchers conducted an extensive study, which found that exposing Alzheimer’s patients to tanks of brightly colored fish may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve eating habits. Generally, it is difficult to keep these patients calm, attentive, or awake long enough for them to eat adequately, resulting in a need for costly nutritional supplements and medications. However, when aquariums were placed in the dining room of Alzheimer’s facilities, it appeared that the stimulating combination of color, sound, and the varying, gliding movement of the fish held their attention for a relatively long time. They were more relaxed, attentive, and alert – and ate up to 21% more. As a result of eating more, the patients required less nutritional supplementation. There was also a noticeable decrease in physically aggressive behaviors among the patients. For some, even short-term memory may have been stimulated.

These studies all show that in addition to both the educational and aesthetic benefits of aquariums, people who care for and watch fish can reap health benefits, as well. Make aquariums a part of your family experience.

Questions?

If you're still unsure whether or not an aquarium is right for you, or if you just have some questions regarding purchasing products, set up, and maintenance, please feel free to Contact Us