Get Out of the Office

The British Allergy Foundation suggested this month that symptoms such as sore eyes and throat, headaches and tiredness could be caused by allergic reactions caused by ozone emitted by common office equipment like computers, fax machines and printers. In a survey, more than 40% of office workers had symptoms which could be linked to ozone allergies. Ozone can worsen existing Asthma and other allergies as well as causing it's own reaction.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, U.S.A are studying the positive health effects which can be gained by exposure to an outdoors environment.

Whilst many scientists concentrate on the damage environmental factors like pollution, pesticides and pollens can do "the idea that nature can be restorative is almost invisible or non-existent in healthcare", according to Dr Howard Frumkin, leading the research.

Dr Frumkin highlights the work of Edward O Wilson, who presented a hypothesis called "biophilia". Biophilia suggests humans are naturally attracted to nature and other organisms and following this instinct can benefit our health.

Pulitzer prize winner Dr Wilson stated recently "It should come as no great surprise to find that Homo Sapiens at least still feels an innate preference for the natural environment that cradled us".

Dr Frumkin presented four main types of contact with nature that might be good for our health; contact with animals, contact with plants, appreciating landscapes and experiencing the wilderness. This theory is supported by research that shows pet owners have lower blood pressure levels and are more able to cope with stressful situations.

Friday, 30 March 2001