Engaging with nature to promote health: bridging research silos to examine the evidence.
While there is considerable research on environmental contamination and degradation, there is equally credible evidence on the healthful qualities of the environment. Being in and caring for nature can be health promoting for individuals, families, communities, ecosystems and the planet. In this paper, we use a conceptual model for nature-based health promotion and a socio-ecological model of health promotion to guide the scope, organization and critique of relevant literature on nature-based health promotion in several fields and generate recommendations for practice, policy and research. We conclude that participatory community-based research is needed to build local knowledge and create systemic change in practice and policy to support healthy living for people and the planet.
Hansen-Ketchum
Patricia A
PA
School of Nursing, Saint Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Edmonton, NS, Canada. phketchu@stfx.ca
Halpenny
Elizabeth A
EA
D004777:Environment; D005190:Family; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control