SELF Approved

WHICH IS BETTER…

For your health: having a dog or a cat as a pet?

DOGS DO MORE FOR YOU. Pet ownership has many health benefits, but research tends to favor dogs. For one thing, they have a greater impact on their owners’ physical fitness. “By taking your dog out for walks, you can automatically meet your own exercise needs,” says Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., who has led dog-walking and weight loss studies at the University of Missouri in Columbia. And when you’re out and about with them, dogs tend to prompt feel-good interactions with other people. Growing up with a dog may also help to lower a person’s risk of suffering from allergies and asthma. But don’t worry if a pup doesn’t fit your lifestyle—or if you’re more of a cat person. All furry pets provide stress relief and a mood boost, thanks to the rush of oxytocin you (and they) get when you snuggle or play together, says Lori Kogan, Ph.D., associate professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

WHICH IS WORSE...

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE or HOT CHOCOLATE?

LIMIT THOSE LATTES. Even if yours contains real pumpkin, it’s probably not enough to have any significant health benefits. On the other hand, cocoa has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and may improve blood flow, says Kimberly Gomer, R.D., director of nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Miami. Note that coffee shop drinks can be high in sugar and calories, so consider making hot chocolate at home with unsweetened cocoa and a little sugar.