Joslyn's Blog Spot - Green Spaces = Happy Faces

Scientific research has shown that living near a green space reaps a wealth of health benefits. Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health says that the following diseases benefit from green spaces:

*Coronary heart disease
*Neck, shoulder, back, wrist and hand complaints
*Depression and anxiety
*Diabetes
*Respiratory infections and asthma
*Migraine and vertigo
*Stomach bugs and urinary tract infections
*Unexplained physical symptoms

Those included in the study were registered with their GP for longer than 12 months as the study covered the minimum amount of time people would have to live in such an environment to effect a change. Whilst it is ideal to have green space within a 1km radius from your home, those that had a green space within at least 3km of their home reported improvements in anxiety disorders and diseases of the digestive system as well as those of medically unexplained physical symptoms. One area that wasn't affected was blood pressure.

Part of this probably reflects the changes in air quality and more opportunity to exercise.

It's great to know that this kind of green exposure can lead to better general health. If you don't live within 1-3km of a green space, try and detour through one on your way to or from work, or get out to the country at the weekend for your green fix!

Have a good week and stay green!!

Joslyn