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NUMBER 6 - SPRING 2010
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Green Spaces "Improve Health"
There is more evidence that living near a 'green space' has health benefits.
Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health says the impact is particularly noticeable in reducing rates of mental ill health. The annual rates of 15 out of 24 major physical diseases were also significantly lower among those living closer to green spaces.
One environmental expert said the study confirmed that green spaces create 'oases' of improved health around them. The researchers from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam looked at the health records of 350,000 people registered with 195 family doctors across the Netherlands. Only people who had been registered with their GP for longer than 12 months were included because the study assumed this was the minimum amount of time people would have to live in an environment before any effect of it would be noticeable.
Health Impact
The percentages of green space within a one and three kilometer (0.62 and 1.86 miles) radius of their home were calculated using their zip code. On average, green space accounted for 42% of the residential area within one kilometer (0.62 miles) radius and almost 61% within a three kilometer (1.86 miles) radius of people's homes. And the annual rates for 24 diseases in 7 different categories were calculated. The health benefits for most of the diseases were only seen when the greenery was within a one kilometer (0.62 miles) radius of the home.
The exceptions to this were anxiety disorders, infectious diseases of the digestive system and medically unexplained physical symptoms which were seen to benefit even when the green spaces were within three kilometers of the home. The biggest impact was on anxiety disorders and depression.
Diseases that Benefit the Most from Green Spaces
- Coronary heart disease
- Neck, shoulder, back, wrist and hand complaints
- Depression and anxiety
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections and asthma
- Migraine and vertigo
- Stomach bugs and urinary tract infections
- Unexplained physical symptoms
Article taken from: BBC News UK |
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E.G. Rall, Jr. Landscape Design Receives Rave Reviews from Angie's List
A+ Rating on Angie's List
Angie's List is where you'll find thousands of unbiased reports and reviews about service companies in your area. Its members share their experiences with each other so that you can choose the service company that's right for the job the first time around.
Recently E.G. Rall, Jr. Landscape Design has been listed on Angie's List and has been receiving rave reviews about its services. For more information on Angie's List or for FAQs on Angie's List. |
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Tick Talk ... Not Tic Tock
It's that time of year, tick season
Yes, we have sprung ahead one hour, but we are not going to discuss that topic today.
Now that the weather is improving, we will all be headed outside to work in our yards, hike, play, or simply relax and enjoy the sun's warmth.
We are not alone. Ticks are also moving about. Take precautions and check yourself, or have someone else check you once you have returned indoors. The deer tick is very small and can be hard to find.
Here are some tips:
- Wear long pants.
- Apply tick repellants to clothing. Allow to dry before putting clothes on.
- Put clothes in dryer for a few minutes. Ticks will fall off and die.
- Treat your pets with tick repellant.
- Do not light a match or use alcohol to remove a tick. Simply pull straight out using tweezers. Apply antiseptic to wound.
- Make a note of where you were bitten as well as the date. If a red mark appears, see your doctor.
- If you want to have the tick tested for lime disease, please it in a plastic bag with a moist cotton ball. Store in freezer until you need it.
- Don't flush ticks down the toilet; they can swim back into your life!
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Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
Mulch can consist of shredded leaves, straw, compost, or bark, as well as many other organic products.
In all cases, mulch holds moisture in place, in the soil, where it is needed. A three inch layer of mulch will provide an insulating blanket that greatly reduces surface evaporation, slows runoff, moderates soil temperatures on hot days, and lowers moisture requirements of plants. Weed production is also cut down. A homeowner can save 5-10% on water usage by mulching! |
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Plant Spotlight: Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper or five-leaved ivy (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody vine native to eastern and central North America, in southeastern Canada, the eastern and central United States, eastern Mexico, and Guatemala, west as far as Manitoba, South Dakota, Utah and Texas.
The flowers are small and greenish, produced in clusters in late spring, and mature in late summer or early fall into small hard purplish-black berries 5 to 7 mm diameter. These berries contain oxalic acid, which is poisonous to humans and other mammals, and may be fatal if eaten. However, accidental poisoning is uncommon, likely because of the bad taste of the berries. Despite being poisonous to mammals, they provide an important winter food source for birds.
Oxalate crystals are also contained in the sap, and can cause irritation and skin rash Virginia creeper is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its deep red to burgundy fall foliage. It is frequently seen covering telephone poles or trees. The creeper may kill vegetation it covers by shading its support and thus limiting the supporting plants' ability to photosynthesis.
Article Source
I hope you enjoyed this issue of our newsletter, please let me know what you think, we love feedback and suggestions.
In February, I attended the "Land Ethics Symposium," sponsored by Bowman's Hill Wildflowers Preserve. The topic was "Creative Approaches for Ecological Landscaping." This one day event covered topics which focused on creating low-maintenance, economical and ecologically balanced landscapes with native plants and restoration techniques. So I'll be able to bring you more topics of interest and keep you informed as our industry embraces landscape sustainability.
If you would like to learn more about Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve located in New Hope, PA, visit their website.
Sincerely,
Eugene Rall
E.G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design |
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