in the skin after exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is
antiviral and antibiotic, which means it helps our immune
system. A 1989 study of infants in Hong Kong showed that
none of the babies had adequate levels of vitamin D, even
in the summer when sunlight is strongest. Numerous studies
have linked vitamin D deficiency with the prevalence of
influenza and respiratory infections. Furthermore, vitamin
D has been linked to playing a preventative role in the
onset of type 1 diabetes.
Eyesight can also be affected by outdoor play. Near-
sightedness, or myopia, is one of the most prevalent
eyesight disorders in Hong Kong. The average prevalence
of myopia in people born before 1950 is around 30 per
cent, whereas for those born between 1950 and 1980, the
average proportion is 70 per cent. According to a study
in the
Journal of the American Academy of Optometry
,
a child
who spends zero to five hours a week outdoors has a six
in ten chance of becoming near-sighted. These odds drop
to two in ten when outdoor time exceeds 14 hours a week,
reducing the risk of near-sightedness by two-thirds.
The psychological benefits for children playing
outside are also quite profound. The competitive nature
of Hong Kong schools puts a lot of pressure on children to
overachieve, which contributes to perceived behavioural
problems in children. Being around nature not only helps
to lower stress in children, but can also protect a child’s
emotional development. Where a hurried lifestyle and loss
of free time can contribute to anxiety and depression in
children, playing in nature can enhance social interactions.
According to the
Harvard Health Letter
,
the overall
benefit of playing outdoors extends beyond reducing
stress to improving overall happiness. In 2010, English
scientists found that just five minutes of green exercise led
to improvements in self-esteem and mood. Being outdoors
can also help children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Researchers have found that children
with ADHD appear to focus better and even scored higher
results on tests after being outdoors.
In a city like Hong Kong where children are under
constant pressure to perform well in school, it seems like
giving them time to play outside may be more beneficial than
letting them hide behind textbooks, trying to concentrate.
Make time to play
Being outdoors is not only good for your children, but
also for you. The benefits of being outdoors – exposure
to sunshine, physical activity and lowered stress – are as
helpful to parents as to children. Hong Kong has a wealth
of outdoor activities that parents can enjoy with their kids,
including beaches, parks, gardens, zoos, hiking trails,
outdoor barbecues and free cultural activities all year
round. (See page 36 for lots of great options!)
Still not convinced? A recent study published in the
Environmental Science and Technolog y
journal found that when
compared to exercising indoors, exercising in natural
environments was associated with greater feelings of
revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement,
coinciding with feelings of decreased tension, confusion,
anger and depression.
Maybe it’s time to review our perceptions about getting
dirty and being outdoors. Being outside is not always clean
and sanitary; but scheduling regular outdoor activities out
of our busy day will help you and your child, both today
and in the long-run.
April 2013
39