February 3rd

By Mutt Mulligan

5 reasons green space is good for your heart

Every February, Heart Month brings attention to the importance of cardiovascular health. Did you know spending time in nature – including your own family yard – is good for your heart? Here are just a few of the reasons why.

• A review of research published between 1976 and 2017 found consistent associations between greater urban green space exposure and decreased mortality, heart rate, and violence, as well as between greater urban green space exposure and increased attention, mood, and physical activity.
• People who live within a half mile of green space were found to have a lower incidence of 15 diseases by Dutch researchers — including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, migraines, depression and anxiety.
• A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had better heart and metabolic health.
• In an eight-country study, people who lived close to a park were more active. And access to green space (parks, fields, forests) has been associated with less obesity, a lower chance of early death and even positive thinking.
• Urban nature experiences – like spending just 20 minutes in a park – has been shown to reduce stress, one of the contributing factors to heart disease

One final note since we are big fans of dogs at the TurfMutt Foundation. Pups are good for your heart, too. Scientists have found that playing with or even just petting a dog lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate, regulates breathing and relaxes muscle tension.

To learn more about the many benefits of our yards and community green spaces, go to TurfMutt.com.