Hope
for the Allergy-Prone
Clients expecting their first child may have a number of concerns about introducing their pets to a baby. Here is one common fear you may be able to allay.
In
the past, allergy experts thought that children are more likely
to develop allergic reactions the more they are exposed to
animals. That idea may not be accurate. A recently
released study of more than seven hundred children in Detroit
indicated that raising youngsters with pets may reduce rather
than increase the likelihood that they will break out in itching
and sneezing fits. In addition, they found, children who
live with cats and dogs are less likely to develop allergies to
pollen, mold and grasses. In fact, the researchers said
that infants under six years old who were raised with two or more
animals were 70% less likely to become allergic than other
children. Similar evidence has been reported by other
studies, including those of farm communities in Europe and cat
loving societies in New Zealand.