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06.06.2020 Science

Green Living For Health

By Stratcom Africa
Green Living For Health
06.06.2020 LISTEN

Franklin D Roosevelt once said, “A nation that destroys its soils, destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” His quote highlights the importance of ‘Green Living.’

Green living involves learning and practicing an environmentally–mindful lifestyle that reduces negative impacts on the environment. It is essential to making life on earth sustainable. As the entire continent celebrates World Environment Day, let’s ponder on the numerous health benefits of green living.

It goes without saying that reducing deforestation and energy waste helps the environment. But did you know it is also good for your health? Green living helps reduce air pollution.

The chemicals in polluted air affect the body’s immune system, making the body more vulnerable to certain diseases. Breathing clean air and having a strong immune system are very vital to good health, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing food organically is another example of green living for health. Organically-grown food doesn’t have harmful chemicals, which can cause terminal diseases. Chemical-free food means the food we eat is of better quality, and that is great news for our health. In such times where fruit and vegetables cannot be frequently imported into the country, it is advisable to make space for a garden in your back yard to grow your own organic vegetables.

A study conducted by Roger S. Ulrich, Director of the Center for Health Systems and Designs at Texas A & M University, revealed that green living can heal the body. He discovered that patients whose hospital rooms overlooked trees recover faster than patients whose hospital rooms overlooked brick walls.

The findings of his study informed the designers of health care facilities to incorporate features such as nature views, aquariums, lobbies with greenery fountains in the patient’s room as well as a garden at the hospital where patients, staff, and families can find relief.

Green living is indeed critical and essential for healthy living. It is the responsibility of everyone to be environmentally-conscious because every step taken to protect the environment benefits you.

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