Department for Environment and Water’s Post

https://lnkd.in/gAKSWkBw Why should Ontario Parks lead the way on Healthy Parks Healthy People? There are many types of green space in Ontario ranging from backyards, to urban parks, to provincial and national parks. All of these places offer green health benefits. But Ontario Parks sits in a unique position to lead the charge to connect nature with health and well-being for Ontarians. From the very beginning, health had a role in the mandate of provincial parks. Algonquin, created in 1893, was established in part “To serve as a sanitarium or place of health resort.” 10 reasons why Ontario Parks can make the connection between nature and health & well-being 1 - HIGH NATURE DOSE  – Ontario Parks offers one of the highest doses of nature in the province. With over 330 provincial parks protected to preserve ecological integrity, Ontario Parks provides a high quality natural experience. 2 - PROTECTED FOREVER – Provincial parks protect almost 8% of the area of Ontario… in perpetuity. That’s bigger than New Bruns-wick and Prince Edward Island combined! This means that the trees that clean the air we breathe and the wetlands that clean the water we drink are sustained to support our health and the health of ecosystems. 3 - MEMORABLE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES – Over 110 parks across Ontario offer facilities for visitors. This includes almost 20,000 campsites, 8,000+ kilometres of hiking trails, beaches, picnic areas, canoe routes, and ski trails just to name a few. Ontario Parks offers a diversity of experiences for every interest and ability. Each year Ontario Parks receives over 10 million visits. 4 - NEARBY – Ontario Parks are located across the province. Most Ontarians live within 50 km of a provincial park. The healthful benefits of provincial parks are easily accessible. 5 - WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION PROGRAMS – Each year, Ontario Parks delivers 10,000 education programs to over 2 million participants. We have a proven track record of reaching out to young people and other park visitors and delivering powerful messages. We are also introduc-ing new people to the joys of camping through our Learn to Camp program. 6 - RELATIONSHIPS  7 - KNOWN HEALTH BENEFITS  8 - PARKS SYSTEMS ARE LEADING THE HEALTH CHARGE WORLD-WIDE 9 - WE’RE AN INFLUENCER  10 - LAST BUT NOT LEAST, ONTARIO PARKS IS ALREADY DOING IT!

➔ Exploring the road less travelled in urban design: #ActiveTravel faces political pressure but holds the key to sustainable, healthy communities 🏡🏡 "The truth is that a lot of the population – particularly younger people – are already doing a lot of active travel, largely because people are becoming more and more invested in looking after their physical and mental health." Mike Axon discusses the undeniable benefits and urgent need to stay the course over on The Planner RTPI ↓ ➔ https://lnkd.in/eRYkbUEQ #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #PublicHealth

#WaterAndWellness #SDG6 #Rivers #BlueMind 💧Rivers and Creeks are natural surroundings to improve health and wellbeing - a good reason to protect and care for flowing waters in nature. 💙Since the average temperature of the flowing fresh water in the Faroe Islands hardly ever goes beyond 8 degrees, shallow river and pond banks and river bends offer a perfect, extremely effective and free Health Treatment for locals and guests, which is a little less challenging than Cold Water Dipping with the full body in the ocean. ☯️According to #HydroHealth concept, which is based on the German Water Health principles of Sebastian Kneipp, regular treading in cold water up to the knees improves immune systems and increases stress resilience. Water also has a calming and soothing effect on the mind just by it's pure presence. This phenomenon is often referred to as "blue mind," which describes the meditative state that water can induce, reducing stress and anxiety. 💦 Visit the flowing waters in the Faroe Islands and enjoy them for better health! Brim Hildardóttir Hoydal Kolbrún í Haraldsstovu Óluva Reginsdóttir Eidesgaard Bernhard Uehleke Theresa Al- Wadi Eydna Hansdóttir Djurhuus Helena Jakobsen Gunn Hernes IWRA - International Water Resources Association Ignacio Deregibus Pætur Trónd Thomsen Rannvá Poulsen Edward Leo Dorthea Joensen Sissal Carlsdóttir á Lag Sissal Kristiansen #Science #HealthResearch #Water #Creeks https://lnkd.in/duKaSJYM

Working long hours without a break can drain your creativity and productivity. As professionals, it's crucial to recharge by exploring new realms of relaxation and enrichment outside work. The perfect vacation not only rejuvenates you but also fuels your creative spirit! Check out https://lnkd.in/dJyZxwJP for some exciting destinations curated by Approach Guides that promises the ideal combination of tranquility and inspiration. Your next big idea might just be a vacation away! #TravelAdvisor #WorkLifeBalance #RechargeYourself #lookingforwardtravel

Why Country Living Triumphs Over City Life Living in the countryside offers a unique charm and countless benefits that city life simply can’t match. From the serene landscapes to the tight-knit communities, country living provides a quality of life that many people dream of. Here are a few reasons why country living is better than living in the city. 1. Peace and Tranquility: The countryside is a haven of peace and tranquility. Without the constant noise of traffic, sirens, and bustling crowds, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and experience a much slower pace of life. 2. Healthier Lifestyle: Fresh air, open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor activities contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply taking a leisurely walk, the countryside encourages physical activity and a connection with nature. 3. Sense of Community: Country living fosters a strong sense of community. Neighbors often know each other and look out for one another, creating a supportive and friendly environment. 4. Lower Cost of Living: Generally, living in the countryside is more affordable. Housing, groceries, and other necessities often cost less than in urban areas, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain. 5. Closer to Nature: Living in the countryside means being surrounded by natural beauty. Stunning landscapes, wildlife, and clear night skies enhance your daily life, providing endless inspiration and a deep sense of peace. 6. Personal Space: With more land and fewer people, country living offers ample personal space. Whether you have a large garden, a spacious yard, or just more room to breathe, the countryside gives you the freedom to live expansively. 7. Reduced Stress: The slower pace and natural surroundings of the countryside significantly reduce stress levels. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can find more time for relaxation and reflection. 8. Sustainable Living: Country living often provides opportunities for sustainable living. Growing your own food, using renewable energy sources, and living in harmony with the environment are more feasible in rural areas. #CountryLiving #RuralLife #PeaceAndQuiet #HealthyLiving #CommunitySpirit #NatureLovers #SustainableLiving #LifeInTheCountry #TranquilLife #PersonalSpace

We need greener cities with parks and more trees in backyards and nearby forests. "Studies suggest that accessible natural regions are a serious resource for improving mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world," writes Hiroko Ochiai of the NHO of Japan. #greenercities #trees #forests #mentalhealth #urbanization

Did you know that outdoor recreation provides an incredible $15 billion in economic benefits to British Columbia each year? Or that 7 in 10 British Columbians spent time in nature over the past 12 months? Earlier this year, we released a literature review that breaks down how outdoor activities not only enhance our health and well-being but also strengthen communities, boost local economies, and foster inclusion. 🌍💪 From improved physical and mental health to fostering connections within communities, the benefits of spending time in nature are truly limitless. Outdoor recreation also supports diverse rural economies by attracting new residents and promoting sustainable tourism. Dive into the full report to learn how time outdoors can make life better for us all—and our communities. 📈🌲 https://lnkd.in/gip3yYQB

5 ways 101 Mobility Long Island can transform your life: From increasing home accessibility to enhancing independence, we're here to support you every step of the way. 💚 #LifeChanging #Accessibility #IndependentLiving #LongIsland #101Mobility

Living in Charlotte Costs Less – Here’s Why You Should Move! Tired of high living costs in California? 🏡 Discover why moving to Charlotte offers a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality! #CharlotteLiving #CostOfLiving #RelocationTips

New 📑 published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism🎉! It examines drivers of demand in the UK for #greennaturalspaces (GNS) through a #travelcost approach using #NaturalEngland #PeopleandNatureSurvey data. It finds that the increase in visits (🚗🚆) during #Covid19 to GNS is mainly due to casual, infrequent visitors (visiting around 6 times/month). #frequentvisitors (visiting GNS around 11 times/month) enjoy an increase of welfare around £65 per trip to GNS. Living in a socially or economically deprived area does not affect demand for trips to GNS, nor do changes in prices of petrol. All this to say: people love 🌲🌲 and will visit no matter what but it's getting #crowded out there! Authorities have their hands full.. Open-access paper can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dpQEKxUf