By Jean Larson
A research study at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki has found that time spent in nature may reduce your need for some medications. The research, co-conducted by Dr. Anu Turunen, suggests that being in nature three to four times a week is associated with 36% reduced odds of using blood pressure pills, 33% reduced odds of using mental health medications and 26% reduced odds of using asthma medications.
Does that mean going for a walk at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum three or four times each week will reduce the need for anxiety, asthma, depression, high blood pressure or insomnia medications? Unfortunately, the study can’t say whether it is the proximity to greenspace or the physical activity that leads to reduced use of medications, but we do know walking in nature is beneficial to your health.
Specifically, the study interviewed approximately 6,000 randomly selected individuals in three of the largest cities in Finland about their use of green (and blue spaces) within a kilometer (.6 miles) or walking distance of their homes. Green spaces included forests, gardens, parks, cemeteries, wetlands, natural grasslands and zoos. Blue spaces included lakes, rivers and the sea. The results of the interviews supported the fact that those visiting nature three to four times a week used fewer medications.
This is one of many prior studies that found that people living near green spaces reap significant health benefits. We know from the literature the positive impact of spending time in nature on physical and mental health so how about we add NATURE as the fourth pillar of good health; along with good nutrition, sleep and exercise. Who knew you could take charge of your own health simply by taking a walk in nature 3-4 times each week?!
To learn more about the healing benefits of nature, join us on a Wonder Filled Experience (AWE) walk at the Arboretum! Check out the list below for upcoming sessions.
- Tuesday, July 11, 2-3:15 p.m.
- Thursday, July 20, 2-3:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2-3:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2-3:15 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 21, 2-3:15 p.m.
Cost is $20 member/$35 non-member
Dr. Jean Larson is the manager of Nature-Based Therapeutics and Nature Heals Initiative at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and is faculty lead of the Nature-Based Therapeutic Studies at the Earl Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing of the University of Minnesota.
Cover image: Sarah Palm, Nature Heals Initiative Programming Lead, facilitates an AWE Walk at the Arboretum. Photo by Brad Palm.