Healthy + Happy #11: Nature Rx
“Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health.”
- Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods
Nature-Deficit Disorder (a concept coined by journalist and author Richard Louv in 2005) refers to the human costs of not spending enough time in nature. On average, kids spend 4-9 hours per day on screens, compared to 4-7 minutes in nature. According to recent studies, Nature-Deficit Disorder can contribute to attention difficulties, obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses.
Not all children have equal access to nature’s benefits (the “nature gap”), and organizations like the Sierra Club, Outdoor Alliance for Kids, Children and Nature Network, and Trust for Public Land are helping advance equity in the outdoors. Medical professionals are trying to combat Nature-Deficit Disorder by offering nature prescriptions (think: nature walks and fresh air) and ecotherapy (structured, purposeful interactions with nature), and their efforts are gaining traction. Here’s why:
When we’re outside, we breathe in bioactive substances called terpenes (aromatic compounds released by plants, trees, shrubs, mushrooms, etc.), which may help fight depression, anxiety and even cancer. Research also shows that kids who play in green spaces have an improved microbiome and lengthened telomeres, both of which help build immunity. One solution? Try forest bathing (originated in Japan as “shinrin-yoku”) with your kids!
Our bodies use sunshine to produce Vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and stave off chronic disease. There are limited food sources of Vitamin D, and 7 out of 10 children in the U.S. don’t get enough of the “Sunshine Vitamin.” Children with darker skin tones are more at risk of this deficiency.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise, and screen time is primarily to blame. Time spent in natural light can reduce the risk of myopia and/or slow its progress.
For more info on the benefits of nature on kids’ health, check out: Child Mind Institute, National Wildlife Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.
With the school year fast approaching, check out these (mostly free) ideas for getting outside with the kids. Despite the potential negative effects of screen time, technology can actually play a helpful role in getting kids outside (like this Park Finder tool or this list of nature-inspired apps). If you’re really feeling committed, try 1000 Hours.
In the News
School food round-up.
Last week, the House Committee on Education and Labor released The Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act.
The USDA increased funding for free and reduced-price meal reimbursement rates.
The School Nutrition Association, School Nutrition Foundation and No Kid Hungry released a collaborative report that highlights the growing difficulties facing school nutrition professionals.
The costs of youth sports.
In a previous newsletter, we noted the potential consequences of parents’ bad behavior in youth sports. Coaching from the sidelines can also have a similar cost. Those interested can join The Sideline Project in taking a pledge to improve sideline behavior.
Concern is growing alongside the widening economic divide in youth sports. Project Play offers the strategy to bring movement and sports to all children.
Looking for ways to make sports more affordable? Here are some helpful ideas.
Sad snacks.
Next time your child is sad, watch their food choices. When kids are upset, they may gravitate to “sad snacks” (e.g., fried foods, sweets, sugary beverages), which can negatively impact their mood and create destructive cycles.
Are Skittles fit for human consumption? A class-action lawsuit says no.
Be on the lookout for TikTok “junk food challenges,” another way junk food brands are targeting kids. The good news: when teens learn of misleading marketing, many begin to reject these foods.
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
The Loppet Foundation (Minneapolis) is looking for part-time Loppet Cycle Works (LCW) coaches, Trail Kids Mountain Bike Session coaches , and Orienteering + Run Session coaches.
Bolder Options, which provides wellness-based mentoring for middle school youth, is looking for mentors in the Twin Cities and Rochester.
Do you have bike maintenance skills? Minneapolis Public Schools need help getting their bicycle fleet ready for fall. Learn more.
Maryland State Youth Soccer Association needs volunteers for it’s Let’s Play! program for under-served children this fall (Montgomery County and Baltimore City). Learn more.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts.