With the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sounds of the birds in the trees, stepping outside can help anyone feel instantly better. People who have been suffering from stress and sickness can spend quiet time in gardens. You may be surprised to learn that one of the best steps you can take to protect your health is to step outside and spend some time in the grass, dirt and water.
Our ancestors enjoyed the healing power of nature, and now scientists are starting to catch up, according to research in recent years, just having a view of nature has been shown to improve hospital patients’ recovery and reduce illness rates among office workers. Also, exposure to wildlife, horseback riding, hiking, camping and farms can be helpful for a variety of health conditions in adults and children.
Much of this type of research is focusing on children, and in fact an entire movement has quickly developed to connect kids with the healing power of nature.
Obesity (肥胖). Rates of childhood obesity have grown sharply in recent years, and this is partly because of reduced outdoor activity time. Increasing the time students spend learning about nature, both in and outside the classroom, would help solve this problem. Such lessons are often more attractive for students and often lead them to become more active outside.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (多动症). Exposure to ordinary natural settings in the course of common after-school and weekend activities may be effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children. According to a study, participation in green activities, such as nature walks, helped ADHD patients from a wide range of backgrounds to stay focused and complete tasks.
Stress. Access to nature, even house plants, can help children cope with stress.
Depression and seasonal emotional disorder. Major depression requires medical treatment, but physical activity, especially outdoors, can help ease symptoms. For your average case of winter blues, experts suggest spending time outside every day and, if possible, taking the family to a sunny vacation spot in mid-winter.
Experts emphasize that you needn’t go to wilderness preserves to enjoy nature’s benefit! Simply walking in a city park or growing in a rooftop garden can go a long way.
【小题1】What can be inferred from the first paragraph?| A．Enjoying the sounds of birds makes people feel instantly better. |
| B．Modern people pay little attention to the benefit of stepping outside to their health. |
| C．Stepping outside is one of the best steps you can take to protect your health. |
| D．People suffering from stress and sickness can spend quiet time in gardens. |
| A．should involve parents in them | B．should take place outdoors |
| C．are used widely at schools | D．are liked by students |
| A．walk a long way | B．go far away |
| C．make a difference | D．increase stress |
| A．Healing Power of Nature | B．Access to the Nature |
| C．Problems with Children | D．Solutions to Obesity |
