Summer 2009 - Scottish Natural Heritage

2
Nature is good for you – that’s offi cial. Medical
research has shown that contact with nature has
a positive impact on people’s blood pressure,
cholesterol, outlook on life, stress reduction and
child development.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that too few of us
are taking advantage of the benefi ts that being outdoors can
bring. As a nation, we should be making more use of the
natural heritage to address some of the important physical
and mental health issues facing Scotland today.
That’s why the Scottish Government are looking to
increase the number of adults enjoying the outdoors each
week. Getting people out and about goes some way
towards meeting the medical advice that we should be
taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least fi ve times
a week. It should also help with other government goals of
curbing weight increase in children, improving adults’ mental
well-being and increasing the life span of people living in
disadvantaged areas.
1
A visit to your local
park can provide a
health boost for all the
family.
2
Growing food in
community gardens or
allotments is a good
way to exercise and
meet people, with the
added bonus that you
can eat the results of
your hard work!
3
For many people, the
natural environment
provides the perfect
place to exercise and
relax.
12 The Nature of Scotland