James S. O’Neill reports for The Record:
University of Southern California researches found that 9- to 18-year-olds who live near green space — parks, ball fields, golf courses and the like — exhibited significantly less aggressive behavior than those who live in neighborhoods with less green space.
They found the same results even when accounting for such variables as family income, age, gender, race and educational background. They measured the behavior benefit of green space to be equivalent to as much as 2½ years of adolescent maturation.
The study adds to an expanding body of research that indicates contact with green space can benefit human health, both mental and physical. For instance, it can lower stress and help children with attention-deficit disorder, according to some research. And as an easy and often free way to exercise, it can improve physical health, reducing the medical issues related to obesity.
As a result, a growing number of medical professionals are making connections with local park systems and prescribing time in local parks for their patients.
Read the full story here
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