, a practice that involves spending time among trees to improve health. But in the U.S., prescribing time in nature is still pretty far outside mainstream medicine.
“We want to know what's exactly within view — is it trees, is it flowers? — and how those things are related to health behaviors and health outcomes,” James explains. Researchers also are trying to figure out how long the benefits of spending time among trees or greenery lasts. Onesays two hours a week is enough for people who get outdoors to report better health and a greater sense of well-being than those who don’t. The benefit was the same for people of all ages, races and income groups. And study co-author Dr. Sara Warber says it didn’t matter whether they were exercising or sitting still.
"Some of those benefits may come from looking at something that is so much larger than you ... and being in a space that existed long before we were here as humans and will exist long after we’re gone."Of course, there are lots of trees we pass by every day that don’t inspire awe. And some can be harmful to people who are allergic to pollen or have asthma.
“We’re part of what keeps people out of hospitals,” Friedman says. “An arboretum like the Arnold and the other magnificent green spaces in Boston should be thought of as essential to the health and well-being of the citizenry.”in Massachusetts. Access to trees depends a lot on where you can afford to live.In green, leafy neighborhoods of Newton, more than 50% of the land is shaded by trees. Parts of Arlington are at 40%. But in Chelsea, that percentage drops to just 12% of city land.
So Carella works most days on her first floor, where the AC works best. She's given up on outdoor exercise in the heat.