The health benefits of walking and nature are something special – Steve Cardownie
Nearly 350 patients were prescribed nature as part of treatment for 32 different health conditions and it has been reported that this technique should be part of every health care professional’s toolkit in the future.
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Hide AdWhen I wore the clothes of a younger man (to quote Billy Joel), my days were largely taken up with playing football or training for and running in, half-marathons, which were obviously outdoor pursuits.
Now that my silky fitba’ skills and running a 13-mile race are a thing of the past, I have found that walking offers me a reasonable substitute.
As a dog owner I have discovered the pleasures of walking along Portobello beach or around Arthur’s Seat, as well as other beauty spots dotted throughout the city. Walking through city streets or meandering around Leith is also therapeutic and, time permitting, I try to undertake at least one hour’s walk every day.
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Hide AdWhen referring to the trial, Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation spokesman, Ian Mackenzie, said: “In urban areas, such as Edinburgh, we often overlook the nature on our doorstep and this has been a great way for people to explore how nature can make us both healthier and happier.”
I’ve found that the benefit derived from taking a regular walk cannot be understated and I highly recommend it.
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