Life-Changing Benefits Of Greening Neighborhoods
A recent study suggests that the presence of trees and shrubs in your neighborhood might significantly enhance your health. Researchers from the University of Louisville reported at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology’s annual meeting in Santiago, Chile, that neighborhoods with a higher density of greenery showed reduced inflammation levels.
The study involved adding over 8,000 large trees and shrubs to select neighborhoods in south Louisville, Kentucky, between 2019 and 2022. These areas were compared with others that did not receive additional plantings. The research focused on low- to middle-income neighborhoods within a four-square-mile region. Health data from 745 residents were analyzed to assess the impact of increased greenery on their well-being.
The results indicated that residents in areas with more greenery had levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) — a biomarker linked to inflammation — that were 13% to 20% lower compared to those in less green neighborhoods. Elevated hsCRP levels are known to be a strong indicator of heart disease risk, and may also predict diabetes and certain cancers. The study found that the reduced hsCRP levels corresponded to a 10% to 15% lower risk of heart attack, cancer, or overall mortality.
Senior researcher Aruni Bhatnagar, a professor of medicine at the University of Louisville, emphasized that this study highlights the health benefits of increasing urban greenery beyond just aesthetic and shading effects. Although similar studies have suggested a link between greenery and health, this research is the first to show that intentional increases in neighborhood greenery can lead to measurable health improvements. These preliminary findings will need to be validated through peer-reviewed publication.
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