Greener play areas boost kids' immune systems - Printable Version

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Greener play areas boost kids' immune systems - Kyng - 10-15-2020

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/greener-play-areas-boost-childrens-immune-systems-research-finds

Children whose outdoor play areas were transformed from gravel yards to mini-forests showed improved immune systems within a month, research has shown.

The scientists believe this is because the children had developed significantly more diverse microbes on their skin and in their guts than the children whose playgrounds were not upgraded.

Across the western world, rates of autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks itself, are rising. The diseases include asthma, eczema, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. A leading possible explanation for this trend, called the hygiene hypothesis, is that children are being exposed to far fewer microbes than in the past. This means their immune systems are less challenged and more prone to making mistakes.

Previous studies have shown statistical associations between exposure to microbial diversity and the development of a well-functioning immune system. But this is the first study to deliberately change the children’s environment and therefore indicate a causal link.

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I have to admit, this article makes me a little sad. When I was at school, we had a mini forest - but we weren't allowed in it after the first couple of days. I guess too many children got lost in there, or they came out of it covered in bugs and creepy-crawlies .

Still, I'd have preferred this over playing football any day .

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