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Forest as medicine/ Initiative of the authorities in Finland for good mental health

2023-12-08 11:04:00, Shëndeti CNA
Forest as medicine/ Initiative of the authorities in Finland for good mental
Photo from forests in Finland

In the beautiful scenery of Sipo, a Finnish town located northeast of Helsinki, patients from local health care centers regularly go for walks in the Siponkorpi National Park. 

The 18.5 square kilometer forest is close to the city and Finland's health sector is trying to use it to encourage residents to spend more time in nature.

Biologist Adela Pajunen designs activities for patients in the so-called "Health Forests". She believes there are huge health benefits for people from being among the trees.

Almost 75 percent of Finland's territory is covered in forests, and the country has been a pioneer in examining the health benefits of being outdoors.

Researchers there believe that the forest, combined with medical treatments, helps people cope with feelings of anxiety, insomnia and pain.

"People enjoy spending time in the forest, and they benefit from that feeling when you can't see the forest in a way. Then you feel protected and hidden. These are places where you can heal your wounds," says Pajunen.

Since 2015, Finland has added forests to the national health centers in Hivinci and Kajani as part of the so-called "Healthy Forests" project.

In 2020, the project received funding from the European Union's "GoGreenRoutes" initiative./ CNA





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