Better Living in CitiesHow does Urban Green Space Planning

Affect Human Health?

Theresa McGuire, RN, MREM, COHN (c), CRSP

Livable Cities Forum, Halifax, NS

September 12, 2016

Internship summer 2015

Determinants of health

Effects of nature on health- physical , social and mental

Research on biophilia and nature deficit disorder

Implications for future urban planning

Overview

Children's Camp Internship Sunset, water, trees, open fields, gardens, birds, quiet

Effects of poverty- 1/6 children in Canada- anxiety, stress, decreased outdoor recreation, food and shelter insecurity , increased risk of violence

Dynamic Hypothesis Model- Livable City and Human Health

Fig. 1. Dynamic Hypothesis Model- Livable city and environmental quality relationships

with human health and well-being. (Mahamoud et al, 2013)

Social Determinants of Health

Source:healthynashville.org

Asthma and respiratory conditions Diabetes Heart disease Arthritis Mental health- mood and anxiety disorders Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Chronic diseases and conditions affected by environment and lifestyle

" Health isn't just the absence of illness or pain, it's also physical, emotional, intellectual

and spiritual fitness- in short it's about the joy of being alive” Richard Louv

Loss of sense of wellbeing and connection to nature

“What children lose when they lose direct contact with the outdoors “ Richard Louv

Why? Overscheduling, busy lifestyles, parental fear of strangers and traffic, excessive technology

Nature Deficit Disorder

Comparison between cities and green/blue space

Sitting in chair and observing, questionnaires post walking , driving

Measurement of BP, heart rate, cortisol (stress hormone ) , mood, MRI, cognitive function

Decreased anxiety, muscle tension and fatigue, improved sleep, memory and thinking

Research shows…

Biology of human link to nature

Instinctive love of life and nature- E.O. Wilson

Natural light is most basic step

Biophilia

“Put the pale withering plant and human being into the sun, and, if not too far gone, each will recover health and spirit”. Florence Nightingale

• 70 % of Canadian population live in cities

• 20% higher rate of anxiety/ 40% higher mood disorders (CMHA) than rural residents

• Increased noise, heat, traffic, stimulation, commotion, congestion

Mental Health and Urban Living

Parks are the lungs of our cities

Green space is not vacant space

Cooling effects- shade, open space breeze, water evaporation, UV protection

Pollution and noise filtration, CO2 reduction

Escape congestion and stimulation, provide quiet, recreation, socialization

Offer greenery, open views, and separation from urban noise and commotion.

Keep nature nearby, everyday!

Welcome all!

Shinrin-yoku - forest bathing

Park prescriptions –frequent or daily exposure

Personal , occupational and student health - daily walks, view from window, outdoor meetings

Accessible, free , safe, and nearby

What can we do?

Concept of equity-operational principal of urban forests

new construction plans revitalization of empty lots, community parks,

community vegetable /flower gardens/traditional medicine and healing gardens

Sense of urgency as effects of urbanization and climate change increase

Urban planning recommendations

Perks of Parks

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Dr Peter Duinker

Dr David Zarr

Richard Louv

Aziza Mahamoud

CDC

PHAC

Health Canada

Florence Nightingale

References

Questions /comments?“Trees give us joy through the senses”

(Duinker et al, 2015)

Thank you!