Here's something that was referenced at our last Care for Creation meeting, which should be of interest to any of us who are vested in today's youth in any capacity.
Nature Deficit Disorder is a psychological condition that is gaining increasing amounts of attention in recent years. Simply stated, it suggests a correlation between lack of exposure to nature with developmental and academic problems. At the forefront of this (non-medical) disorder is the scientifically proven fact that the more our world becomes technologically driven, the less children play outside in any way. However, it strikes me that there is a lesser yet also vitally critical reason for this disturbing correlation. The more we destroy natural places to live, play and just be, the less our society's youth has incentive or opportunity to be outside at all. And it happens where we live, absolutely. Within the last month, I read about a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine over the 50 largest cities in the United States. Indianapolis ranked 44th out of the 50 in community and environmental factors as well as personal health indicators. Essentially, what the study determined (not that this should come as a surprise) is that the more "green space," e.g. parks, bike trails, parks, etc., that a city has, the leaner it is. While this isn't the same as Nature Deficit Disorder, I see a connection. Are the cities who rank high on this study also the ones who demonstrate highest or at the very least higher academic proficiencies?? Anyone agree with me that this almost certainly must be so?
If you're interested in reading more about this disorder, there is a slew of clear, thorough information about it at http://www.education.com/facts/quickfacts-ndd/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/.
