Here are the top 8 reasons you should spend every day at your local park…
health
We all like to spend time in parks. Many of our childhood memories happened in parks. All people need physical activity to maintain fitness and health. Parks, playgrounds, greenways and community open spaces help keep people and their families fit and healthy. Your local park is a great way to get the kids outside and improve their mental and physical health. It turns out parks are a crucial part of any community. They have a significant impact on the development of children and the happiness of everyone in the neighbourhood.
Celebrated the second Saturday of June each year, ‘Family Health & Fitness Day’ promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities active and healthy. Here are the top 8 reasons you should spend every day at your local park…
A place for physical activity: The sedentary lifestyle is directly linked to obesity, which can cause a number of health problems. It has been observed that people exercise more when they have access to parks. Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes.
Exposure to sunlight: Regular physical activity is essential to health and longevity. Exercising outdoors provides all the physical benefits of indoor exercise (blood flow, improved cardiovascular health, improved strength, flexibility, endurance, etc.) and can also provide vital exposure to sunlight that increases important levels of vitamin D, unlike indoor exercise.
Reduces stress: Visiting a park is a great stress reliever. Parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress levels, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety; improves mood; and enhances psychological well-being. A study by Finnish researchers found that even ten minutes in a park could tangibly reduce stress. Considering how few Pakistanis get enough exercise, this is incredibly important, especially for low income families and others who can’t afford a gym membership or classes.
Centre of social interaction: Parks are the centrepiece of every healthy community. Parks provide space for neighbourhood residents to interact with each other and meet new people. They’re also great spaces for events and for people to engage in recreational activities. This allows people to develop a sense of community. A park is perfect for a picnic, a concert, or a farmer’s market - whatever your community feels it needs.
Foster wellness: Trees remove a wide variety of pollutants from the air. You tend to get clean air when you go to the park. Parks foster overall wellness and healthful habits, such as becoming tobacco-free and engaging in enrichment activities that add balance to life. A growing body of research shows that mere contact with the natural world improves physical and psychological health.
A great place for discovery and growth: Parks are a great place for kids to discover nature and exercise their imagination. From building a fort to exploring uncharted territory, kids can discover the world around them and let their imagination run wild. Children who spend a significant amount of time in nature also experience better emotional stability and improved mental health.
A great place for bonding: While kids may feel connected with nature at a park, it also brings quality family time. Families can connect with one another without the distraction of TV's or crazy to-do lists. Parks are great places to bond with your kids. Playing around at a local park gives your family a great workout, and it's fun – also free. A big park is also a great place for a child’s birthday, giving them the opportunity to run around safely and learn to appreciate nature.
Protect natural ecosystems: Each park has its own ecosystem. They provide natural habitats for many different animals. As cities grow, more and more of these animals find themselves without homes. Parks provide a safe place for many of those displaced by urban sprawl. Building a healthy network of parks in our city is one major way we can protect these animals and preserve local ecosystems. Parks and open space conserves scenic vistas, maintains healthy ecosystems, and provides carbon reducing sustainable landscapes.
Despite the importance of parks and other recreational open spaces to health, many people do not have adequate access to parks and open space. This is particularly true in cities, where parkland is often inequitably distributed, putting certain populations at risk for health problems associated with inactivity.
Celebrated the second Saturday in June each year, Family Health & Fitness Day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. Many communities host special events on this day, while others simply encourage their residents to visit a local park or recreation centre where they can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, such as, walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, tennis and swimming.
Organised by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this year’s theme is ‘Parks Build Healthy Communities’. Families everywhere are encouraged to get active at their local park or recreation centre on Saturday, June 13, 2020, for Family Health & Fitness Day.
This year, park and recreation agencies everywhere are encouraged to participate by sharing ways families can get active while practicing safe physical distancing on June 13 — whether through participating in virtual programs at home or in their local parks where state and local ordinances allow. Members of the healthcare community are encouraged to participate, as well, even as sponsors.
