Quick Reads

Shorter articles from government websites, academic institutions, or news pages.

1. New York State: Immerse yourself in the forest for better health (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20forests%20boosts%20our,which%20help%20plants%20fight%20disease)

Key Points: Exposure to forests boosts our immune system, reduces blood pressure, and improves focus, even in urban green spaces.

2. How Parks and Green Spaces Can Improve Your Health

(https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2022/04/parks-green-spaces-improve-health/#:~:text=Parks%20and%20green%20spaces%20provide,%2C%20cost%2Deffective%20treatment%20plans.)

Key Points: NC State - Urban green spaces improve air quality and provide a space for an active lifestyle. Spending time in nature enhances cognitive functioning and attention and reduces stress

3. History of Schuylkill River Greenways NHA

(https://schuylkillriver.org/heritage-area/history-of-the-schuylkill-canal/#:~:text=In%202000%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Congress,unique%20natural%20and%20recreational%20resources.)

4. Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

(https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/spend-time-in-nature-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety)

Key Points: Simply being shown views of nature has been proved to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety.

5. American Psychological Association: Nurtured by Nature

(https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature)

Key Points: "Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition"

6. American Psychological Association: Student mental health is in crisis.

(https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care)

Key Points: A majority of college students are affected by mental health issues and on-campus resources can be scarce.