Re: Woodlands improve health

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:08:10 +0100, Malcolm
<Malcolm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


In article <a1qre21ums3s2ngl8pbks9su1rob4bort6@xxxxxxx>,
amacmil304@xxxxxxx writes
On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 18:41:03 +0100, Malcolm
<Malcolm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


Angus was recently criticising efforts to improve woodlands around our
towns and cities.

He can't possibly criticise these benefits that come from the public
using such woodlands. Can he?

The Scotsman, Thursday 24th August.

Patients walking their way back to health
CRAIG BROWN

DOCTORS are to tell patients to take a hike instead of popping pills, as
part of a new scheme unveiled yesterday.
GPs will prescribe woodland walks to people with a range of physical and
mental health problems, rather than relying solely on conventional
medicines. It is believed that the joint NHS and Forestry Commission
scheme, the first of its kind, will help people suffering specific
conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and stress.
Groups of walkers will be told to meet at health centres across Glasgow
where trained guides will take them on a hike, lasting up to 30 minutes,
to help improve fitness levels.

Gosh, trained guides? I like that for 30 minute walks:-))

Kevin Lafferty, who has just been appointed by the commission as a
health adviser or "woodland walks tsar", said: "Where appropriate,
doctors now have the option to prescribe a programme of health walks.
"We're using the woodland environment to help improve health and
wellbeing. Woods and forests are great places to help us feel better, to
improve our mental and physical health, to combat stress, to help us
raise confidence."
Rhona Brankin, the minister responsible for forestry in Scotland, said
that engaging in this sort of outdoor activity could boost patients'
sense of well-being. "Ultimately, the decision on how treatment is given
will rest with the GP," she said. "They will always decide based on the
patient's best interests.
"The outdoors is nature's health service and this scheme makes it easy
for patients who perhaps do not feel safe walking on their own or who
feel self-conscious about joining a gym."
The walks will take place in Drumchapel and Easterhouse, in Glasgow,
with another project planned for Cathkin Braes near Castlemilk.
Dr David Willox, a GP in Glasgow's Croftfoot area, welcomed the idea,
saying: "Exercise is extremely useful in preventing heart disease. The
advantage of walking is superb and the stress benefits of outdoor
exercise in scenic places are proven."
Fiona Hamilton, NHS Glasgow's health promotion officer, said of the
plan: "Our research has shown participants have improved activity levels
and benefit mentally and physically.
"We are now carrying out new research to look at the long-term benefits
for patients."
Walkers will also be able to look out for a variety of wildlife in the
oak woods, such as roe deer, the great spotted woodpecker and the purple
hairstreak butterfly.
Robert Scott, 42, who has been diagnosed as suffering schizophrenia, has
been participating in a pilot scheme for the walks for six weeks. He has
already experienced benefits, saying: "It has been a confidence-builder
for me.
"For many years, I was a loner and didn't mix well with other people. It
is difficult to describe how I felt, but I closed myself off from the
world.
"I have been walking every Friday and it has been making me more active
and is improving my physical condition."


I'm sure a mix of the half dead, mentally incapacitated, socially
bereft and local thugs will make for an exciting time :-))


Another madcap scheme.

Better to get them working.

What part of the above suggests that this is an alternative to work?

I they're "patients" with time to walk on weekdays, it suggests that
they are not working. If they're fit enough to walk they should be
fit enough to work in the time they spend walking.

Or are you just a bigot?

I'll leave that to you, Malcolm.


Angus Macmillan
www.roots-of-blood.org.uk
www.killhunting.org
www.con-servation.org.uk

All truth passes through three stages:
First, it is ridiculed;
Second, it is violently opposed; and
Third, it is accepted as self-evident.
-- Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)
.