NATURE ITSELF IS THE BEST PHYSICIAN
Today we have become all too familiar with the global threats to our physical environment and the destruction that is taking place across our planet. It is likely that most of us will be able to express some understanding around the deforestation of our rain forests, climate change or the disappearance of world biodiversity. However, can you recall the last time you lay watching the clouds move, or were alone exploring a forest and listening to the sounds of nature around you? Research has shown that our physical contact and intimacy with nature, for young and old alike is fading rapidly and with this loss in intimacy we are not only endangering our planet, but also our own health.
A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.
Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels and boosts immunity. Simply having a view of nature leads to faster patient recovery times in hospitals and higher job satisfaction and increased concentration in office workers. Simply being outdoors generally means we are exercising in some way, which increases our energy levels and reduces anger, depression and obesity.
A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.
Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels and boosts immunity. Simply having a view of nature leads to faster patient recovery times in hospitals and higher job satisfaction and increased concentration in office workers. Simply being outdoors generally means we are exercising in some way, which increases our energy levels and reduces anger, depression and obesity.
THE OTHER SIDE OF HONG KONG
Hong Kong is often referred to as 'Asia's World City' and is arguably one of the greatest cities on this planet. However, with so much focus on the neon-lit metropolis, with its busy financial districts and the hustle and bustle of seven million people living on top of each other in a predominately vertical urban landscape, few visitors would ever have thought that three-quarters of its 1,104 square kilometres of land is actually rural and nearly pristine.
Scenically, Hong Kong has a huge amount to offer – a landscape rising from sandy beaches and rocky foreshores to heights of almost 1,000 metres, woodlands and mountain ranges covered by open grassland and a variety of scenic vistas rarely, if ever, matched in so small a territorial area.
Scenically, Hong Kong has a huge amount to offer – a landscape rising from sandy beaches and rocky foreshores to heights of almost 1,000 metres, woodlands and mountain ranges covered by open grassland and a variety of scenic vistas rarely, if ever, matched in so small a territorial area.
Now it is your turn to get outside.
Go and explore the other side of Hong Kong!
'Unless we are willing to encourage
and our children to reconnect with and
appreciate the natural world, we can't expect
them to help protect and care for it.'
- David Suzuki