User:Metsuko/sandbox

In 2018, 4.2 billion people, 55% of the world population, live in urban areas. Urbanisation accelerates a sedentary lifestyle, along with the increased use of technology. Population tends to be physically less active and the health issues such as obesity, mental illness become growing concerns of the global health. Globally, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years related to high Body Mass Index, followed by diabetes. Major depression is the second leading cause of the 2013 global burden of disease study (years lived with disability).

Aiming at reducing the burden of non-communicable disease, public health professionals pay more attention to the benefits of contact with nature for health. The impact of nature on human cognitive function and health is getting recognised by the inter-disciplinary experts involving in the health care. New Zealand, some parts of Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, have been implementing the ‘Green prescriptions’ to increase the level of population’s physical activity as primary preventive care as well as the management of ill health, in conjunction with the outdoor activity.

However, only a limited number of researches have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of these prescriptions to date. The more empirical evidence is required for further investigation.