Do green areas affect health? Results from a Danish survey on the use of green areas and health indicators

The article presents the result from a Danish survey on access and use of green areas and the impact on experienced stress and obesity. The statistical results indicate that access to a garden or short distances to green areas from the dwelling are associated with less stress and a lower likelihood of obesity. The number of visits cannot explain the effects of green areas on the health indicators. It is suggested that the significance of distance to green areas is mainly derived front its correlation with the character of the neighbourhood and its conduciveness to outdoor activities and healthy modes of travel. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.