How does nature affect your health? 

Increasing research shows that total immersion in nature can reduce obesity, crime and violence and can increase productivity at work and in school.

The mere presence of trees in an apartment or workplace can have drastic effects on one's mental and physical health. Better social relationships, higher self esteem and more effective coping skills are directly correlated with the presence of nature and activity in 'green spaces.'

Want to learn more? Start with these literature articles.

How do you measure up? Take our Health and Nature survey.

Listen to a special KTOO Focus on Communities radio program about the health challenges that children and adults face today, and about how nature can positively affect health.  

Hosted by Discovery Southeast's Beth Weigel and featuring Sierra Club National Youth Director and Children and Nature Network vice president Martin LeBlanc, Linda Kruger of the USFS Pacific Research Station, AEYC-SEA director Joy Lyon, and Kristen Romanoff of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 

Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD)

Is your child spending more time in front of a screen than outdoors? According to many experts, a lack of routine contact with nature could be contributing to an undesirable side effect of the electronic age: nature deficit disorder (NDD). Richard Louv (author of Last Child in the Woods) first concepted NDD when he found a connection between declining health and decreasing amounts of time spend in nature by children. According to Louv, "Kids learn better when they get outside. It's a way to truly help our kids learn in all areas of education."

Research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors are likely to be:

• Happier
• Healthier
• Smarter
• More creative
• Better problem solvers

Read more about NDD here and check out options for fun outdoor activities to do with your child in nature.