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A recent study has highlighted the positive role of greening kindergartens on the health of young children. A new publication by Belgian and Dutch researchers shows that children who live near green spaces have higher bone mineral density.
The essential role of bone mass
We know that bone mass is critical to bone strength throughout life. It peaks in early adulthood and largely depends on its onset in childhood, influencing later risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Early childhood factors such as nutrition, physical activity, genetics and environment play a decisive role in this development.
Green spaces influence children’s health
Studies suggest that children’s exposure to green spaces is associated with neurocognitive, mental, social, behavioral and emotional benefits, as well as a lower risk of obesity, reduced blood pressure and increased physical activity.
Better bone density for children living close to nature
This study, conducted as part of the ENVIRONAGE (Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life) cohort in Belgium, examined the influence of exposure to residential green spaces on bone mineral density in children studied from birth to age 4 were recruited for 6 years. The average age of the children was 4.6 years. The cohort included 327 children. The data was collected using a questionnaire and supplemented with measurements such as the children’s weight, height and body mass index. The study also took into account factors such as ethnicity, passive exposure to household smoke, screen time, milk consumption, vitamin supplementation and maternal education level. Bone mineral density was measured using ultrasound.
The average radial bone mineral density of the children was 3,678.4 m/s.
The green area around the houses varied, with the total green area between 49.5% and 55.9%, the green area over 3 m high between 15.1% and 34.3%, and the green area with a height of less than 3 m between 21.6% and 34.4% within a radius of 100% was 100 to 3000 meters. The study showed that an increase in total living area (sum of high and low green areas) and high green areas (vegetation height > 3 m) within 500 m is associated with an increase in bone mineral density. Additionally, exposure to more green spaces within a 1,000-meter radius was significantly associated with a lower risk of low bone density.
Source: jamanetwork.com
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