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HEALTH & NATURE
"In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Conserving Land; Preserving Human Health
by Howard Frumkin, M.D., and Richard Louv
Evidence suggests that children and adults benefit so much from contact with nature that land conservation can now be viewed as a public health strategy
Public health professionals know that protecting watersheds is one of the best ways to assure clean, safe drinking water—so protecting the sources of clean water protects public health. Clean air is also part of a healthy, wholesome environment. Air pollutants contribute to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and allergies. Therefore, protecting air quality is protecting public health.
What about land? Do people benefit from parks and green spaces? When we protect land, do we protect public health? Intuition, experience and theory suggest the answer is yes.
Evidence suggests that children and adults benefit so much from contact with nature that land conservation can now be viewed as a public health strategy
Public health professionals know that protecting watersheds is one of the best ways to assure clean, safe drinking water—so protecting the sources of clean water protects public health. Clean air is also part of a healthy, wholesome environment. Air pollutants contribute to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and allergies. Therefore, protecting air quality is protecting public health.
What about land? Do people benefit from parks and green spaces? When we protect land, do we protect public health? Intuition, experience and theory suggest the answer is yes.
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The Turfmutt FoundationThe TurfMutt Foundation encourages outdoor learning experiences, stewardship of our green spaces, and care for all living landscapes for the benefit of all. By teaching about the outdoors and educating citizens about sustainability, we are helping sustain a greener, healthier quality of life for this and future generations. We promote urban habitat and ways everyone may save the world one yard at a time. TurfMutt is the symbol and spokesdog of this mission.
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Texas Children in Nature--San AntonioTexas Children in Nature — San Antonio is a network of organizations dedicated to connecting children and families with nature to be Healthier, Happier and Smarter. TCiN- SA focuses on the region in and around the San Antonio metro area. We collaborate to raise awareness about why it is important that children and families have a daily connection with nature. Children today are spending on average 7-11 hours per day indoors, sedentary with media and only minutes per day playing in nature. Not surprisingly we are seeing a rise in childhood obesity, depression, diabetes, near sightedness and a number of other health issues. Research also shows that children who are disconnect from nature do not understand where their food comes from, water cycles, weather, or develop a basic care about the world around them.
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The good news is this is a solvable problem. TCiN-SA works through community partnerships to create opportunities to nature-based learning and access to nature.
NatureRocksSanAntonio.org is one of the tools the collaboration supports to share all the local green spaces, parks, zoos, nature centers, and activities with families. |