Helsinki by nature: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Urban Planning

Background:

• The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) meeting focused on improving respiratory health and reducing chronic disease mortality.
• Planetary health, encompassing human and environmental well-being, is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Interconnectedness of human and planetary health necessitates integrated strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of the "Nature Step" for enhancing respiratory health.
• To highlight the link between urban lifestyles, reduced nature contact, and increased non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• To advocate for strengthening nature connections in daily life and urban environments.

Main Methods:

• Review of innovative research on lifestyle, microbiota, immune regulation, and NCDs.
• Analysis of the "Nature Step" concept promoting physical activity in natural settings.
• Consideration of urban planning and policy implications for integrating nature.

Main Results:

• Reduced contact with biodiverse environments in urban settings is linked to NCDs.
• The "Nature Step" promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and reduced consumption of harmful substances.
• Integrating nature into cities presents challenges for urban planning, food systems, and public health.

Conclusions:

• Successful programs exist in Europe for reducing respiratory disorders and NCDs.
• Well-coordinated, multidisciplinary actions involving all stakeholders are key to changing unhealthy behaviors.
• Addressing urban NCDs requires more than healthcare; it demands a holistic, integrated approach.