The Health Benefits of the Great Outdoors

When treating military veterans in the aftermath of injury in combat, GPs tend to reach for medication and/or talking therapies first or exclusively. This can be frustrating when outdoor activities suit veterans so well. Occupational therapist Deborah, has worked with combat-injured military veterans for a number of years facilitating their engagement in outdoor activities to support their recovery, including off-road motorsport and surfing. She is a trustee of Surf Action, a charity based in Cornwall using the 'Blue Gym' to work with serving military, veterans and their families.

If the benefits of walking could be produced in a pill they’d be sold as a wonder drug. Sarah Hanson’s talk will explain the science behind walking, particularly in a group, and some of the challenges we still face in getting people more active and how this could benefit our NHS and society.

‘Shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’ is an ancient Japanese practice that means ‘taking in the atmosphere of the forest’. In recent years this has been gaining popularity in the UK, but is this simply tree hugging or are there real medical benefits? Why are big corporations, schools, and army veterans taking such an interest?
Caoimhe is a PhD student who's research focuses on the health benefits of exposure to greenspace. Caoimhe will explore the science behind forest bathing, and its potential in the UK, as well as neighbourhood greenspace exposure.

We all know it’s good for us to get out and be physically active but often the sofa is so much more inviting, especially on days when it’s cold and wet outside. But might help come from the unlikely source of our canine friends? Work by UEA’s Andy Jones suggests that a walk with the dog might be the springboard to a healthier and longer life, and his presentation will explore why we might want to swap our gym-shoes for a dog leash if we really want to get fit.