July is National Parks and Recreation Month
Since 1985, July has been the official Park and Recreation Month, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. This month recreation facilities and parks kick-off summer programs, promote outdoor physical activities, and pull together volunteers to make their outdoor space a better place.
Spending the day at the park is great for your health. Going to a park regularly and being active reduces stress, improves cardiovascular health, helps decrease obesity and lessens the feelings of depression. Other healthy benefits include the following:
- People who actively usepublic parks have a lower body mass index (BMI)
- People who visit parks for an hour or more have significantly lower systolic blood pressures
- Park users who are more physically active and are less likely to feel depressed
- People who have better access to parks make fewer visits to their doctor
Think there are just benefits for adults to be active in parks? Playing in parks helps kids build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, and improve self-esteem. Kids don't have to engage in organized sports; flying a kite, running through fields and rolling down hills can put a smile on a child face, while helping the child stay active and connecting with the great outdoors.
July is ...
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