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Heart Health

Walking the dog: Yes, it counts as exercise

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A canine companion may help older people stay active — and provide other heartfelt benefits.

If you're among the many millions of dog owners in the United States, you're probably more active than most people without a canine companion at home. But that's just one of the potentially heart-protecting benefits dog owners enjoy, says Dr. Elizabeth Frates, director of wellness programming at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

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