Live Longer with a Cat!

Live Longer with a Cat!

One common myth has it that cats have nine lives. While this may not be true, scientific studies show that having a cat as a pet can actually extend our own lives by many years. How exactly could this be possible? First of all, cats are a source of laughter. When your cat is pouncing on a light that you are shining on the wall or leaping from the sofa and doing a one-eighty in the air, chances are you are rolling on the floor laughing. And you know what they say: laughter is the best medicine. Laughter boosts your body’s immune system by increasing your white blood cell count. Secondly, cats are known stress-relievers. The company and affection that a cat provides has measurable effects on the human body. Petting and cuddling your cat can actually reduce cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” So it seems that your cat is not the only one who is benefiting from that back scratch! Lastly, one study of 1000-plus senior citizens showed that elderly people with cats were more active, and of course being more active leads to better health. Besides the daily chores relative to caring for a pet, chasing Kitty around the house is great exercise!    Now you may be wondering, “Just how much longer can I live if I have a cat?” Well, the answer isn’t so clear yet, but one 20-year study indicated that people who didn’t own cats were 40% more likely to die from heart attacks. Apparently, rather than an apple a day, spending some time with a cat keeps the doctor away! 中文翻譯 與貓長壽！ 常見的迷思說貓有九條命。這不一定是真的，但有研究顯示養寵物貓事實上可以延長我們的壽命。這怎麼可能呢？ 首先，貓咪是笑聲的來源。當你的貓咪朝著你投射在牆上的燈光猛撲，或從沙發跳起來在半空中180度大旋轉之類讓你會笑倒在地板上的情況出現時。你我都知道:笑聲就是最佳良方。大笑可增加白血球數量而提升免疫力。 第二，貓咪是有名的舒壓劑。貓咪所提供的陪伴及情感對身體有明顯的影響力。撫弄貓咪、擁抱貓咪其實都可以降低皮質醇---也就是「壓力賀爾蒙」。看來，你家貓咪不是唯一一個從摸背得到好處的。 最後，有一項研究調查了1000以上的高齡人士顯示出養貓的老人家較為活耀，當然，較為活躍就促使較佳的健康狀況。除了每天照顧貓咪的雜事要做之外，在屋裡到處追著貓咪跑也是一項好運動！ 你也許會想知道：「如果我養貓，那我可以活多久？」好吧！這個答案還沒有人知道，但有一項20年的研究顯示，沒有養貓的人死於心臟病的機率多出百分之40之多。很明顯地，多花點時間和貓咪相處比一天一蘋果更能使醫生遠離我！ Vocabulary 好字精選 1. myth (n) a widely held but false idea/a traditional story  迷思、(希臘羅馬)神話、虛構的人事物 It is a common myth that the Great Wall can be seen from the moon. No astronaut has ever reported this. 從月球上可以看到中國長城是件常見的迷思。從沒有太空人回報這個情況。 2. pounce (v) to jump on (an animal’s) prey  猛撲、猛衝 The lion crouched low to the ground, preparing to pounce on the deer. 獅子蹲伏在地面上準備要衝向那隻鹿。 3. boost (v) help something to increase/push from below  推動、增加、促進 The government is funding the construction of several new beachside resorts as part of an effort to boost tourism. 政府正在籌募資金建立數座海邊渡假村來推動觀光業。 4. company (n) a business/companionship 公司、夥伴、情誼 Jane was thankful that her brother Tom had decided to stay home all weekend to keep her company while she was sick. Jane很感激她生病時弟弟Tom決定整個周末待在家陪她。 5. cuddle (v) hold close in one’s arms to show affection 偎依、摟抱 The couple cuddled in bed while they watched the movie. 這對夫妻在床上看電影時偎依在一起。 6. apparently (adv) obviously, seemingly  明顯地、顯然地 Nick had a big smile on his face all day. Apparently, he was finally getting over his recent breakup with his girlfriend. Nick臉上整天都掛著微笑。很顯然地，他終於忘懷與女友分手這件事了。 Phrases and Sentence Patterns句型解析 1. rumor/myth/legend has it that (phr)  謠言/迷思/傳說中… Rumor has it that Frank and Debbie and dating again! 有傳言說Frank和Debbie又開始約會了。 2. one-eighty (n/exp) to turn 180 degrees.  180度大迴轉 The skateboarder did a one-eighty in the air and landed on the park bench. 溜滑板的人在空中180度大迴轉，然後落在公園長椅上。 3. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. (idiom) it is important to eat healthy  一天一蘋果醫生遠離我 John, you should eat more healthily. You know what they say: An apple a day keeps the doctor away! John，你應該吃的健康一點。你知道他們怎麼說的。一天一蘋果醫生遠離我！ 4. Chances are that +S+V… 是大有可能的… Chances are that she has already heard the tragic news. 她很有可能已經聽到這件悲劇性的消息了。