New research indicates green spaces reduce "health gap"

A new study shows that a bit of green space near homes can cut the "health gap" between rich and poor, say researchers from two Scottish universities. Even small parks in the heart of cities can protect citizens from strokes and heart disease, perhaps by cutting stress or boosting exercise. Their study, recently published in The Lancet -- a UK medical journal -- matched data about hundreds of thousands of deaths to green spaces in local areas. When the records of more than 366,000 people who died between 2001 and 2005 were analyzed, it revealed that even tiny green spaces in the areas in which they lived made a big difference to their risk of fatal diseases. Although the effect was greatest for those living surrounded by the most greenery, with the "health gap" roughly halved compared with those with the fewest green spaces around them, there was still a noticeable difference. These findings suggest that communities should introduce more greenery to improve well-being.