Urban parks and gardens can literally save our lives, reducing the risk of stroke by 16%, the second leading cause of death in our country.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himLiving near a park or green area can increase life expectancy, protecting against the risk of stroke.
According to a recent study, in fact, people surrounded by parks and gardens they are less likely to have a stroke.
According to data from the Ministry of Health stroke is the second leading cause of death in our country and the first one of disability: every year about 90.000 people are hospitalized for cerebral stroke; 20-30% die within one month of the event and 40-50% within the first year.
Green areas could saving the lives of thousands of people, thanks to the reduction of atmospheric pollution given by the presence of plants.
The researchers calculated that every ten micrograms of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) per cubic meter of air increases the risk of stroke by 4% and that each additional microgram of fine particulate matter increases it by 5%.
Abitare about 300 meters from a green area instead it would reduce the risk by 16%.
To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers analyzed theexposure to pollutants of 3,5 million people in Catalonia, Spain.
To make the difference, in addition to the better air quality there would also be a reduction in stress, an increase in physical exercise and greater socialization, given precisely by the proximity to green areas.
Taking into account the results, the researchers argue that the European Union should, on the one hand, strengthen the limits of nitrogen oxide and particulate levels currently considered "safe" for the population and, on the other hand, increase green areas in urban areas.
Plant trees, make proper maintenance of existing green areas, increasing greenery in the city could literally save people's lives.
Read also: The mayor of this city decided to remove the concrete that surrounded the trees to make them breathe
Each of us clearly can make the difference, asking the administrations to take greater care of urban greenery and making their voices heard every time you notice green areas that are not well cared for or that you learn of tree felling, perhaps to make room for yet another parking lot or supermarket.
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Sources of reference: Environment International / Ministry of Health
Read also:
- Cities need to think of trees as a public health infrastructure
- Symptoms of poor circulation: the first signs to watch out for (and that we sometimes ignore)
- Quitting smoking reduces the risk of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat
