Ecosystem services and preventive medicine a natural connection

Abstract

Modern public health challenges require inter- disciplinary solutions that integrate knowl- edge of  human behavior and its complex relationship with the physical environment. Historically, this discourse was dominated by studies  of hazards and other negative health consequences associated with human–environment interactions.  However, growing evidence1 suggests that contact with green spaces (e.g., parks, forests, gardens)  can be beneficial to physical and mental health. Despite these findings, integration of the natural  environment into preventive medicine policy and practice has been slow.

Citation

Jennings, Viniece L.; Larson, Claire K.; Larson, Lincoln R. 2016. Ecosystem services and preventive medicine a natural connection.  American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 50(5): 642-645 . 4 p. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.11.001