Green health infographics
Based on the current evidence base, this set of infographics aims to convey key messages about the benefits of green exercise, and how it can help address physical, mental and social health issues.

The proportion of adults not meeting the recommended level of physical activity: 50% Most deprived areas and 29% Least deprived areas. Source: 2015 Scottish Health Survey.

30 min brisk walk 5 days a week reduces the risk of: Heart attack and stroke 20-30%, Diabetes 30-40%, Hip fractures 36-68%, Bowel cancer 30%, Breast cancer 20%, Depression/ dementia 30%. Source: Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2011, Transforming Scotland’s Health, NHS Scotland.

Less than half of adults in Scotland visit the outdoors on a regular, weekly basis 49%. And 14% don’t visit at all. Source: 2015 Scottish Household Survey.

1 in 10 adults in Scotland have two or more symptoms of depression. Source: 2015 Scottish Health Survey.

Access to greenspace can help to protect the physical and mental health of people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland. Source: Vulnerable Populations, Health Inequalities and Nature. Mitchell et al, in Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health: The Role of Nature in Improving the Health of a Population. 2018.

In areas with more greenspace, health differences between high & low income groups are narrower. Source: 2012 Scottish Health Survey.

People living in greener areas experience fewer health complaints and better mental and physical health than those living in areas with less greenspace. Source: de Vries S, Verheij R A and Groenewegen P P , 2001.

People living close to greenspace are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines and less likely to be overweight or obese. Source: The relationship of physical activity and overweight to objectively measured greenspace accessibility and use, Coombes, 2011.

Walking is recognised as the most cost-effective way of improving physical health and, along with cycling, provides a sustainable form of transport.

Walking is recognised as the most cost-effective way of improving physical health and provides a sustainable form of transport.

Cycling is recognised as one of the most cost-effective ways of improving physical health and provides a sustainable form of transport.

More than 9 in 10 visitors to Scotland’s outdoors report improvements to their physical and mental health as a result. Of those who visit the outdoors: 94% Say it helps them de-stress, relax and unwind, 92% Found it improved their physical health, 90% Report that it makes them feel energised and re-vitalised, 81% Say they enjoy getting closer to nature and 76% Value the social experience. Source: Scotland’s People and Nature Survey 2013/14.
These Infographics are available to download.
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