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New study: Children living near green spaces ā€˜have stronger bonesā€™ ā€“ meaning better health!

We already know that living closer to nature and green spaces has great benefits for human physical and mental health. It seems pretty obvious when you think about it, but it is always super interesting to discover new studies that show different aspects of this.
And this is the case with this new study by Hasselt University.ļ»æ
According to them, children with more green space near their homes have stronger bones, which leads to lifelong health benefits.
You might wonder how having stronger bones helps improve health. Well, I didn't know it before reading this study but bone strength grows in childhood and adolescence, before plateauing until about the age of 50 and then declining. As their strength declines, bones are more likely to break! So this means that increasing the size and accessibility of green spaces for children could prevent fractures and osteoporosis in older people. šŸŒ³
ā€œThe stronger the bone mass is during childhood, the more capacity you have for later in life,ā€ said Prof Tim Nawrot. ā€œSo the real public health message from this study is that urban planners can make stronger bones of children, and that has long-lasting consequences.ā€ šŸ’Ŗ
The link between green spaces and stronger bones is likely to result from higher levels of physical activity in children who live near parks.
Previous research has found greater access to green spaces increases physical activity in children. Studies have also discovered multiple benefits for child development, including a lower risk of being overweight, lower blood pressure, higher IQs, and better mental and emotional well-being.
This study really shows that urban planning has a role to play in improving people's long-term health. And more green spaces mean better health for all!
With more green spaces also reducing crimes and doing so much more, it seems to be a no-brainer to include nature in cities. What are we waiting for?
Robert Collins, Unplash
Robert Collins, Unplash
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31 more agrees trigger social media ads

  • George Kariuki

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    41 w

    This offers compelling evidence for the importance of incorporating green spaces into urban planning strategies.

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    • walter lungayi

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      This study reinforces the importance of green spaces for children's health and well-being. It's a reminder of the positive impact nature can have on our lives.

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      • Gorffly mokua

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        42 w

        I love this cool environment, But this is not possible without enough calcium and regular exercises!

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        • Esther Wanjiku

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          42 w

          Well agreed ,their mental health also could be at its best

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          • We Don't Have Time

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            42 w

            Dear Marine Stephan Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to UHasselt by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time

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            • Richard S

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              42 w

              #Maslows #Heirachy

              • Rashid Kamau

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                42 w

                Green environment is a crucial resource to effectively improve human health.

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                • Abraham Jok Atem

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                  42 w

                  Green environment provides a conducive atmosphere that improves the physical health of human beings

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                  • Gorffly mokua

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                    42 w

                    @abraham_jok_atem With enough exercises!

                  • Tabitha Kimani

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                    I am admiring the image of the children playing under the natural set-up. The happiness and the energy feels good.

                    7

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