Conservation and Health Issues

Physical Heath Issues *

• The National Center for Disease Control (CDC) is conducting extensive studies on people’s physical activity levels and how to encourage people to do basic physical activities, such as walking on a routine basis. CDC is working with urban planners to investigate how urban form (such as street layout and the presence of sidewalks) can encourage walking and biking.
• Weight related medical expense trends for adults are alarming; studies suggest that when inactive adults increase their participation in regular moderate physical activity. Annual mean medical costs are reduced by $ 865 per person (in 2000 dollars).

Mental Health Issues **

• Trees in public housing neighborhoods lower levels of fear, contribute to less violent and aggressive behavior, and encourage better neighbor relationships and better coping skills.
• School related studies show that children with ADHD show fewer symptoms and girls show more self-discipline in academics if they have access to natural settings.
• Other studies confirm that hospital patients recover more quickly and require fewer pain killing medications when having a view of nature.
• Studies also suggest that offices with a view of nature are more productive, report fewer illnesses and report higher job satisfaction.

References:

Pratt, M., Macera C. A., & Wang G. (2000). Higher Direct Medical Costs Associated With Physical Inactivity. Physician and Sports Medicine. *

Kuo, F.E. (2003). The Role of Arboriculture in a Healthy Social Ecology. J of Arboriculture.**