World Health Day Reminds Us of Nature's Importance
The world is crowded. It is becoming increasingly urbanized, as more than 50 percent of the world's population currently lives in cities, according to the World Health Organization. And this trend will continue. In 20 years, according to WHO, 6 out of every 10 people will live in a city.
Issues with Urbanization
City dwellers sometimes struggle to lead healthy lives in urban spaces that are more concrete than green space and don't' offer appealing options for outdoor activity. In fact, a growing number of psychologists assert that many mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, may be partly due to our alienation from nature.
Eco-therapists suggest that patients can benefit from combining conventional treatment, such as medications, with spending time outdoors (or even bringing the outdoors in, with potted plants, natural lighting, or an indoor garden). These outdoorsy additions contribute to the creation of a healing environment.
What's Happening on World Health Day
Enter the World Health Day campaign, 1,000 Cities, 1,000 Lives, which aims to inspire cities around the world to open portions of their streets for five days of healthy, outdoor activities from April 7-11. The World Health Organization's campaign also hopes to share stories of city dweller 'health champions' who have found ways to make their own city life healthier, while positively impacting their communities.
Learn more about the event here: http://1000cities.who.int/.
In London, England, April 11 is designated as Open Streets Car Free Day, during which Londoners are invited to walk, bike, rollerblade, or ride a bus to a downtown event. On the same day, Australians in Melbourne are invited to participate in a half-day running and biking event.
Some cities are extending World Health Day into more of a World Health week or month. For example, Atlanta, Georgia is hosting Atlanta Streets Alive on May 23, during which 5.5 miles of streets will be closed to motorized vehicles and open to bicyclists, walkers, runners, and others seeking outdoor activity.
What You Can Do on World Health Day
What's going on in your city? If there are no official events planned in your city, here are some ideas that could be implemented on a smaller scale with friends or family:
- Explore local bike trails
- Go hiking and have a picnic in a local or state park
- Play basketball in your driveway
- Take your dog for a walk
- Teach your child to ride a bike
- Try a new sport or activity
- Tend to your garden or start contributing to a community garden
- Organize a neighborhood walk or run
This World Health Day (or week, or month), take some time to reflect on the amount of time you spend outdoors versus the amount of time you would like to spend outdoors. Does it match? What could you change? Who could help?