Nature Deficit Disorder: A Massive and Dangerous Epidemic — Sarah Hiner Talks to John La Puma, MD

Our indoor lifestyle may keep us out of the rain and the cold, but it is costing us our health. Even though there’s strong evidence supporting the health benefits of getting regular doses of fresh air, greenery and sunshine, far too many people are now suffering from a “nature deficit disorder.” Sadly, this is contributing to a host of serious health problems, including depression, heart disease and obesity. In this edition of the Bottom Line Advocator Podcast, Dr. John La Puma, culinary medicine pioneer and leading expert on ecomedicine, joins Bottom Line President and CEO Sarah Hiner to discuss the various and often unexpected ways that all of us—no matter where we live—can improve our physical and mental health by getting back to nature. A board-certified internist, professionally trained chef and organic farmer, Dr. La Puma is author of seven books, including Chef MD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine and Refuel. Topics covered include… What is “nature deficit disorder”? (5:34 – 6:32How your health suffers when you spend so much time indoors (6:32 – 8:15)Shocking statistics showing how little time we spend outdoors (8:15 – 11:08)How to enjoy “nature” in small spaces (11:08 – 12:45)What the climate change movement is ignoring (12:45 – 15:23)Medical conditions that can improve with nature (15:23 – 20:14)Changing one’s environment for self-care (20:14 – 22:46)City life vs. suburban or rural life (22:46 – 24:29)The importance of nature for childhood development (24:29 – 25:44) What’s your nature “comfort food”? (25:44 – 27:07)How nature affects longevity (27:07 – 30:20)Gallbladder patients do better when exposed to nature (30:20 – 30:34)Adding nature to hospital settings with virtual reality (30:34 – 35:16)The hidden risks of indoor pollutants (35:16 – 36:16)Best house plants to bring nature indoors (36:16 – 40:41)Why you need fresh air for ventilation (40:41 – 41:10)Apps and other ways to enjoy nature sounds (41:10 – 42:22)Why certain plants are better than others for immunity, more (42:22 – 46:02)Forest bathing: Using all your senses to experience nature (46:02 – 50:03)Will the spike in outdoor activities continue after COVID? (50:03 – 53:07) How ecomedicine can protect you and the plant (53:07 – 55:43)Why you should create a daily routine to be with nature (55:43 – 56:34) You can learn more about Dr. La Puma’s work at DrJohnLaPuma.com. You can connect with and stay in touch with Sarah at her website www.bottomlineinc.com! Find Bottom Line on Facebook @WeAreBottomLine and at Bottom Line Inc. on www.linkedin.com. And if you enjoyed this podcast, please share a review so that more people can benefit from Be sure to subscribe to the Bottom Line Advocator Podcast with Sarah Hiner on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.