The healing benefits of nature

Many of us have an intuitive sense that spending some time outside is good for us — and in recent years, science is backing that up.  

Whether it’s going on a walk down a tree-lined street, splashing in a lake or just eating outside with a view of a garden, spending time in a natural setting can boost our mood.  

And that’s not all.

Growing research shows that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, improve attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD, prevent near sightedness and strengthen the immune system.

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a health researcher and the director of a nature center about the healing power of the outdoors and ways to incorporate more nature into your summer.

Guests:

• Cathy Jordan is a pediatric neuropsychologist and a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Her research interests focus on how environments, especially natural environments, shape children’s physical and mental development and health. She is also a consulting research director for the Children & Nature Network based in St. Paul.

• Colleen Foehrenbacher is the executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro. The center is situated in 250 acres of restored prairie and mixed hardwood forest and runs a nature-based preschool, field trips for and other outdoor education programs for children, families and adults.  

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 Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.