Dossier
Natural surroundings and health
Natural surroundings can benefit human health in many ways. Wageningen University & Research studies issues concerning the optimal design and management of natural surroundings, the impact of landscape and urban design on social safety and possibilities for using the existing natural surroundings to influence human behaviour.
Examples of how natural surroundings can contribute to human health
- Recovery from stress;
- Promotion of social contact;
- Ensuring optimal childhood development;
- Stimulaion of personal development and providing a sense of purpose;
- As an impetus for exercise, reducing obesity.
News about natural surroundings and health
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A plant a day keeps the doctor away - Employees find a workplace with plants more attractive than a space without plants. Plants increase air humidity, contribute to a positive mood, bring... -
Effects of global change on chemicals in aquatic ecosystems - Today the formal agreement has been signed for the Marie Curie ITN project ‘Effects of global change on the emission, fate, effects and risks of...
Projects about natural surroudings and health
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Green schoolyards The project helps to highlight the importance of children’s contact with greenery and nature. More specifically, it can help to form a... -
Healing Gardens We are testing to what extent gardening can help (former) cancer patients meeting the norms of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake, and... -
Green entrepreneurial reintegration practices for residents with mental health problems Since 2015, municipalities are responsible for the reintegration of people with mental health problems. A large part of this group of people doesn't... -
Green initiatives in cities for elderly with dementia and their caretakers The aim of this research is to explore opportunities and constraints of urban green care facilities such as parks, gardens and farms. -
Plants for a healthy indoor climate Plants can contribute significantly towards improving the climate in office buildings. They add moisture to the air, can help purify the air and...
Publications
- Green space and changes in self-rated health among people with chronic illness - 2014 - The European Journal of Public Health
- Nature and Health - 2014 - Annual Review of Public Health
- Streetscape greenery and health: stress, social cohesion and physical activity as mediators - 2013 - Social Science & Medicine
- Is a green residential environment better for health? If so, why? - 2012 - Annals of the Association of American Geographers
- Linking green space to health: a comparative study of two urban neighbourhoods in Ghent, Belgium - dec 2012 - Population and Environment
- Green cities and health: a question of scale? - 2012 - Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
- Greenspace in urban neighbourhoods and residents' health: adding quality to quantity - 2012 - Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- Does ‘grey’urban living lead to more ‘green’holiday nights? A Netherlands Case Study - 2012 - Landscape and Urban Planning
- Contributions of natural environments to physical activity: theory and evidence base - 2011 - Forests, trees and human health
- Allotment gardening and health: a comparative survey among allotment gardeners and their neighbors without an allotment - 2010 - Environmental Health
- Green areas and outdoor play in the city - 2006 - Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
- Vitamin G: effects of green space on health, well-being, and social safety - 2006 - BMC Public Health
- Green space, urbanity, and health: how strong is the relation? - 2006 - Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Related dossiers
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Greenery in the city A green environment has many advantages. It has a positive effect on people's health and contributes to the quality of life in a neighbourhood.... -
Urban climate A green environment is essential for a resilient climate and a sustainable environment in the city. It reduces air pollution, provides water storage,... -
Urban agriculture Urban agriculture can contribute to urban needs by connecting local food and energy production to community goals, like care for the urban...