A prescription for better health

Studies are in, and they're showing that the environment has important impacts on human health.
The benefits of being outside are being demonstrated in a variety of studies from around the world. Click through these links to check out peer-reviewed studies that make the case for outdoor time as being part of your community's health regimen:
- Reduced instances of obesity & obesity-related diseases (including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers)
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced stress, depression & anxiety
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Improved eyesight
- Reduced symptoms of dementia
- Reduced risk of developing asthma
- Improved sleeping patterns
- Improved immune function
- Extended lifespan
Something else to check out: Environmental Health Perspectives put together a Research Agenda that collects peer-reviewed articles to support health claims for outdoors exposure. This comprehensive listing identifies 20 health benefits related to the outdoors and is a great resource to have on hand.
For a look at where the health benefits of being outside has shown up in the news, head over to our Resources for Outdoor Partners page.