Depressed? Poor? Sick? See green!

William Atkins
Friday, 16 October 2009 20:29

Science - Health

The results of the study was published Thursday, October, 15, 2009 in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the official journal of the Society of Social Medicine.

The title of the article is “Morbidity is related to a green living environment.”

Its authors are Jolanda Maas, Robert A. Verheij, Sjerp de Vries, Peter Spreeuwenberg, Francois G. Schellevis, and Peter P. Groenewegen.

The authors concluded, “This study indicates that the previously established relation between green space and a number of self-reported general indicators of physical and mental health can also be found for clusters of specific physician assessed morbidity."

And, "The study stresses the importance of green space close to home for children and lower socio-economic groups.” [Paper]

Learn more about your health and green spaces from the Green-Space.org.uk website "Health and Well Being."

The website begins with the remark: "Parks provide a much needed space for people to take part in organised or informal sports and provide recreational opportunities for those unable or unwilling to join a gym or leisure centre."

And, "We all know that a walk in the park can help clear the mind ...."