The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee published this article on the benefits of nature during the coronavirus quarantine in their latest newsletter--
Amid this COVID-19 pandemic that is severely impacting citizens, communities and economies across the world, we can find some solace during our time of social distancing by being outside in nature when possible.
With anxiety levels at an all-time high and the future un- known, we can ease our minds-- even for a short time-- by going outside and breathing in some fresh air.
Spending time in nature provides both physical and mental health benefits. Given the stressors of our daily lives along- side the added stress caused by the current health crisis, taking time to destress can be critical.
Many of us are accustomed to working an office job that requires us to sit at our desks in front of computer screens for 8+ hours a weekday. And unfortunately, being in front of a screen doesn’t stop when our workday is over.
We often find ourselves at home watching TV or glued to our smartphones at night.
By stepping away and heading outside for some fresh air-- even if it is only for a few minutes-- it allows our bodies and minds to decompress and reduces our cortisol stress levels.
Research and studies have indicated a number of benefits to being outdoors, particularly in areas that are green spaces.
Some of the health benefits that have been examined and reported include: helping individuals fight depression and anxiety; boosting memory and overall mood; decreasing blood pressure; and strengthening the immune system.
In a study titled Factors Associated with Changes in Subjective Well-Being Immediately After Urban Park Visit, researchers found that spending time outdoors provided health benefits, even if it was just for a short amount of time.
In this study, 94 adults were surveyed to spend time in one of three urban parks close to Birmingham, Alabama in the summertime and fall.
The adults were geared up with fitness trackers to monitor their amount of physical activity and they also filled out a questionnaire to determine their subjective well-being, including affect and life satisfaction components.
Based on the answers provided in the questionnaire, a subjective well-being score was then calculated both prior to spending time in one of the parks and then afterwards.
The adults surveyed were not given instructions on what the type of activity they should be participating in at the park, or how much time they should spend there.
The researchers found that 64 percent of the adults saw an increase in the life satisfaction component while they were spending time in the parks for 20.5 minutes.
Based on this finding, the researchers concluded that by simply being surrounded by a green space for at least 20 minutes, it was sufficient enough to improve an individual’s mood.
The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research.
Dozens of studies have also examined the benefits of shinrinyoku, or “forest bathing,” a practice that first began for medicinal purposes in Japan in the 1980s and has since then been utilized all over parts of the world.
Forest bathing consists of individuals spending time in forests and connecting directly with nature. The studies found that this type of activity has helped to reduce stress levels in individuals as well as decrease levels of depression in adults.
Medical professionals have also examined the benefits of green space as an additional treatment method for patients through a number of different initiatives.
Over the years, several initiatives have been created across the United States that utilize the benefits of green spaces on the health and vitality of patients and individuals.
Dr. Robert Zarr, a pediatrician in Washington, D.C., founded Park Rx America in 2017. Dr. Zarr’s mission of Park Rx America is to, “decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, by virtue of prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare by a diverse group of health care professionals.”
Approximately 10,000 parks are involved with the non-profit program which spans across 46 states and Mexico. This program allows health professionals to write park prescriptions for individuals facing medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and mental health issues.
Another program that was established is Walk With a Doc, which provides the opportunity for communities to gather together to go on walks led by physicians -- at no cost.
Walk With a Doc was founded by Columbus, Ohio cardiologist, Dr. David Sabgir in 2005 and has since expanded into 47 states across the U.S.
While physicians lead these walks, individuals participating are provided with more knowledge and understanding about health practices and conditions, the importance of increasing exercise and ways to practice good nutritional habits.
According to the program, “the power of exercise, education, social connection, and nature are an all-in-one prescription for a healthy life.”
Pennsylvania is very fortunate to boast many natural resources and wonders, from its 300,000 acres of state parks to its 2.2 million acres of state forestland in 48 counties.
All of these natural resources offer individuals with peaceful serenity, abundant wildlife and many recreational activities to partake in.
It is important to note that while being immersed in nature is by no means a cure-all for ailments and diseases, it certainly doesn’t hurt and - it doesn’t cost a thing to go outside.
If you choose to go out and enjoy nature, remember to keep you and your community safe. Practice social distancing, proper hygiene and, when possible, visit areas without other people.
You can keep yourself updated on the CDC’s recommendations to make sure your time outside is good for everyone’s health.
Other Articles
The newsletter also featured articles on--
-- Northeast Air Pollution Reduced
-- The Myth Of Plastic Recycling
-- Seed-Coated Pesticide Reporting
-- Solar Power Job Total Up Modestly In Pennsylvania
-- 28 Years Ago - 1991 Drought In Pennsylvania
Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, call 717-787-7570, Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Committee.
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[Posted: April 17, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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