Sunshine is good for more than the soul. New research has shown that 40% of infants and toddlers and 42% of teens are not getting enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced when the body reacts to sunlight, and helps the body absorb calcium. Without a steady supply of calcium people are more susceptible to bone disease and autoimmune diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis and certain types of cancers. So, make sure to wear the sunscreen and urge your children and loved ones to head outside and take in some Vitamin D the all natural way.

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (20(3): 234-240. Louv, R. (2005)), views of nature can greatly reduce levels of stress in children and adults and speed recovery from illness or injury. Hospitals have found it beneficial to offer healing gardens for their recovering patients. A healing garden can’t cure an injury or illness but it can reduce stress which helping the body reach a more balanced state and a patient summon up their own restorative resources.

Wabash Valley supports outdoor play for children. Obesity rates have tripled over the past 30 years and for the first time in American history, our children’s lives may be shorter than our own. Children need approximately 60 minutes of activity each day to grow strong healthy bones and develop flexible muscles, not too mention allowing them to be more focused. Tag, you’re it!

Can healthy play really affect a child’s grades? Yes. Research has shown that when children are allowed to release their natural energy in a constructive manner, it has two beneficial outcomes. One, it increases blood and oxygen to the brain. And secondly, children find it easier to concentrate and pay attention on their studies because playing outside now becomes a reward they can look forward to — even more than video games. Game on!

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is our nation's number one environmental health concern; from two to ten times worse than outdoor air pollution. If you work in a large building with no access to open windows, chances are, you are breathing in harmful pollutants circulating in your air system. Sitting outside for just an hour at lunch or team meeting can greatly refresh your system as well as clearing the head.