Nature Time During Childhood Promotes Early Development
Razi Berry Want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New UBC research suggests living in areas with high exposure to greenspace can help set them up for success. For the study, researchers at the UBC faculty of forestry and faculty of medicine analyzed the developmental scores of 27,372 children in Metro Vancouver […]
Closeness to Nature Helps Prevent Depression
Razi Berry Depression, especially in urban areas, is on the rise, now more than ever. Mental health outcomes are influenced by, among other things, the type of environment where one lives. Former studies show that urban greenspace has a positive benefit on people experiencing mental ill health, but most of these studies used self-reported measures, […]
“Prescribing” Outdoor Time Could Undermine Benefits
Razi Berry Spending time in nature is believed to benefit people’s mental health. However, new research suggests that giving people with existing mental health conditions formal ‘green prescriptions’, may undermine some of the benefits. An international research team led by the University of Exeter and published in the journal Scientific Reports, investigated whether contact with […]
Watching Nature on Television to Improve Health
Razi Berry Watching high quality nature programs on TV can uplift people’s moods, reduce negative emotions, and help alleviate the kind of boredom associated with being isolated indoors, according to a new study published today in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Experiencing nature in virtual reality could have even larger benefits The research has also […]
Psychological Effects of “Green Time” Versus Screen Time
Razi Berry Less screen time and more green time are associated with better psychological outcomes among children and adolescents, according to a study published September 2 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Tassia Oswald of the University of Adelaide, and colleagues. Less screen time and more green time The prevalence of mental illness among […]
Natural Remedies for Bug Bites
Sarah Cimperman, ND Nature is good for us! Studies show that forest environments promote lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol, lower blood pressure, and better balance in the nervous system.1 Spending time outside can improve markers of immune function,2 boost levels of vitamin D, and expose us to fresh air. It also exposes us […]
CBD Helps Anxiety in Those Suffering with Substance Addiction
Razi Berry Cannabidiol (CBD) reduced cue-induced craving and anxiety in individuals with a history of heroin abuse, suggesting a potential role for it in helping to break the cycle of addiction, according to research conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published May 21 in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The […]
Take a “Nature Pill” to Lower Stress Hormones
Razi Berry It doesn’t take long to reap the benefits of being outside. A recent study concludes that taking twenty minutes to sit or stroll in nature significantly impacts stress hormone levels. Taking twenty! Sitting or strolling in nature significantly impacts stress hormones This study was conducted using urban nature experiences. So, even if you […]
What to do During Cold and Flu Season
Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND What do you do when you are sick? What do you do when your child is sick? Last year, our son spiked a 40-41C/103-104 F fever a few days after Halloween. As a Naturopathic doctor, I already feel “on the fringe” with the amazing awareness we have of health – but […]
Growing up surrounded by greenery increases cognitive function later in life
Node Smith, ND Humans have an intimate connection with nature; it is part of the human evolutionary process, to be in contact with the natural world. This is commonly referred to as the biophilia hypothesis, and more and more research is supporting its practical impact on our lives, and especially the lives of our children […]