Dr. Lam Author of
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Green Nature Improves Body's Health
Dutch researchers have studied the medical records of around 350,000 people in Holland and found that people who live within 1 kilometer of a wooded area or park experience less anxiety and depression. It seems that the natural environment seems to have a healthy influence on humans. People who lived in urban environments were seen with higher chances for anxiety disorder and depression.
2.6% of the people who lived in areas with only 10% green space experienced anxiety disorders; compared to 1.8% for those in areas of 90% green space. Depression percentages also showed that those who lived in more urban areas had higher numbers compared to those who lived in rural areas. Those who lived near greener spaces also had higher protective effects against respiratory diseases and infections like asthma and COPD.
In addition, receiving more natural sunlight has been connected to lower incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This added sunlight also means that more vitamin D gets to the skin, which lifts up spirits and improves muscle strength. Hospital patients who have direct exposure to sunlight were found to have shorter stays and fewer problems. Experts believe that much of the relief could come simply from the ability to de-stress.
Source: HealthDay. David Rakel, M.D., director, integrative medicine, and assistant professor of family medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison;
Depression
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