kids having more green areas According to a scientific study, the bones of people who live close to their homes are much stronger than those who live surrounded by concrete and asphalt. improving health status throughout their lives.
The study authors found that children living in places with 20-25% green or naturalized areas had greater bone strength, equivalent to half a year of natural growth.
The study, the first of its kind, cited by the British newspaper GuardianIt also reveals that the risk of having very low bone density is approximately approx. In the case of these children, it is 65% lower.
The risk of having very low bone density is approximately 65% lower in children who live close to nature.
Bone strength increases during childhood and adolescence, remains constant until age 50, and then declines. Therefore, increasing the size and accessibility of green spaces for children could prevent fractures and osteoporosis in the elderly, the researchers said.
The link between green spaces and strong bones is likely a result of higher levels of physical activity in children living near parks, as this promotes bone growth. This relationship is more evident in green areas with trees.According to scientists, this may be because these are more attractive places for children to visit and enjoy.
Dr. “The stronger the bone mass in childhood, the more capacity it has later in life,” said Professor Tim Nawrot of Hasselt University in Belgium, who was on the study team with Hanne Sleurs and others.
Previous research has already shown that greater access to green spaces increases physical activity in children. Studies also found that: Many benefits for child developmentThese include a lower risk of being overweight, lower blood pressure, higher IQ, and better mental and emotional well-being.
But green spaces are also associated with better physical and mental health in adults. In the UK alone, woodland walks are estimated to save around €200 million a year in mental health costs.
Study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, Examined more than 300 children It is in the Flanders region of Belgium, in a region encompassing urban, suburban and rural areas.
Scientists used ultrasound systems to measure the bone density of children aged four to six. The age, weight, height, ethnicity and education level of the child’s mother were taken into account.
65% less risk
The results showed, for example: Children with 25% more green space within 1,000 meters of their home had a 65% lower risk of having very low bone densitythat is, being in the bottom 10% of measurements. The study found no difference between boys and girls.
The results are significant, the researchers said. Low bone growth at a young age is equally important For the onset of osteoporosis, which is bone loss due to aging.
Whether the time children spent in front of the screen, the vitamin supplements they took, and the daily consumption of dairy products also affected the children’s results was taken into account, but no significant effect was found.
Two recent studies on adult bone density and green spaces yielded conflicting results. An analysis of 66,000 people in southwestern China showed a clear relationship between both factors. But a study of 4,000 people aged 65 and over in Hong Kong found no convincing link; This is perhaps because Hong Kong is a very densely populated city with very little green space.
Reference work: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2813603
……………………
Contact address of the environmental department:[email protected]