Natural Environments and Human Health

The role natural environments play in human health and wellbeing is attracting increasing attention. There is growing medical evidence that access to the natural environment can prevent disease, aid recovery, tackle obesity and improve mental health. This book examines the history of natural environments being used for stress-reduction, enjoyment, aesthetics and catharsis, and traces the development of the connection between humans and the environment, and how they impact our personal and collective health.

Alan Ewert, PhD. is a Professor Emeritus at Indiana University. Prior to retiring from the University, he served as a Professor in the School of Public Health and Chair of the Department of Environmental Health at the University.

Denise Mitten, PhD. has a background in education, forest ecology, complementary and alternative medicine, and health and wellness. She has engaged in research about healing in natural environments, including examining the spiritual connections people have to outdoor spaces, how to use time in nature to help women with eating disorders, and how body image relates to participation in outdoor activities. Dr. Mitten is Professor emerita at Prescott College, Education for Sustainability Doctoral Program, Adventure Education MA.

Jillisa Overholt, PhD. is an associate professor in the Outdoor Leadership Studies Department at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. Her research areas include the health benefits of time spent in natural environments, familial relationship development through adventure education programming, and the incorporation of experiential education practices in higher education.