Fireside Chat with Peak Performance Affinity Group - Nature as Medicine
Virtual
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Eastern Standard Time
Mounting evidence that supports daily exposure to nature and fresh air are also vital to optimizing overall physical and mental health. Time spent in nature has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. Moreover, the evidence demonstrates associations between greenness and overall improved health. In a study of 20,000 people, a team led by Matthew White of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces-local parks or other natural environments, either all at once or spaced over several visits-were substantially
more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don't. The positive
effects of time spent in nature spanned across different occupations, ethnic groups, financial status
and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. "Forest Bathing" is the term coined by Japanese
researchers for walking in the woods. It is suspected that aerosols from the forests which are inhaled
during walking, are responsible for elevated levels of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the immune system
which can help to fight off infections and tumors. In a culture of ever increasing technology and
screen time, now more than ever it is crucial to educate and empower individuals to incorporate
nature into their healthful lifestyle behaviors. Dr. Melissa Sundermann, DO, DipABLM, a board
certified Lifestyle Medicine physician and avid outdoors aficionado, will demonstrate the potential
benefits of fresh air, share evidence supporting nature and healing and provide tools to help engage
individuals to achieve more time spent outdoors.
Learning Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the potential benefits of Movement with respect to Physical and Mental health
and well-being.
2. Share evidence regarding the role of Nature and Healing.
3. Provide tools to help engage individuals to achieve more time in Nature.