Why Health Care Needs Trees

In light of the recent controversy of the removing of trees from Attard, MHSA has decided to give a factual review of just a couple of benefits of trees [and nature in general] in the world of science, medicine, and health care.

Asthma:

Is a chronic respiratory, obstructive, disease of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. By inhaling direct pollutants from the atmosphere, with CO2 levels in Malta constantly on the rise, this is a direct trigger which can bring on an asthma attack. Respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide secondary to CVD. In Malta, it is as follows:

Taken from the Malta Annual Mortality Report (2015) [[neoplasms including lungs or bronchi]].

Trees play an essential role in purifying the air in the environment by reducing the level of some pollutants and particulate matter. It is for this reason, that more should be planted in order to release more oxygen and absorb more CO2. By removing and uprooting trees, more adverse effects will be seen on the general respiratory health of the country.

Green exercise:

This is physical activity in the presence of nature. Studies show, when cross compared to indoor activity of the same duration and intensity, green exercise boosts both self-esteem and mood in both men and women. In multiple studies, changes are even noted after 5 minutes of exercise. Intensity and duration were also able to be increased in a green setting. Although not the scope of most studies, it was an interesting find nonetheless

It is therefore apparent that trees and nature in general are fundamental in exercise psychology. Given the obesity rate, it is extremely important the Maltese population gets active and begins to make lifestyle changes. Green exercise is definitely a way forward and worth investing in.

Taken from WHO in Malta’s NCD country profile, 2018

Temperature:

Admittance to hospital due to heat stroke, severe sunburn, dehydration, and general over-heating is abundant in the summer months. In a study conducted in Japan, a total of 127 patients who suffered heat illness were analyzed. Of these, 49 (37%) were admitted, with 59% discharged on the day following admission. This shows that out of the study, 74.93 patients occupied a hospital bed, human resources, and medication, for a day and a night. With trees around, if standing under it, people can cool down by being shielded from the sun by their shade. By sequestering CO2, they also affect global temperature. There are not many areas in Malta where one can do this. Particularly with the very young, elderly, or active, there are not many places to seek shelter from the burning sun in peak hours unless indoors. Of course, sun protection (SPF), appropriate hydration, protective clothing, etc. are also fundamental in the protection of the individual.

Based on the US population.

Drugs:

Much of the medication used for antibiotics, NSAIDs, opiates, and more, feature basic ingredients from trees. An estimated 50,000 plant species are used medicinally. The medicine can be extracted from roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. An example of this is witch hazel. This is a topical agent known as an astringent which tends to ‘constrict’. It is useful in closing pores and in oily skin. Another example is the ‘yew’ species, which produce ‘Taxol’. This is used in chemotherapy drugs. Although some of these species are not indigenous to Malta, it is still fundamental to sculpt a conservational mentality and understand the importance of the nature around us. It is also worth noting that such things may be grown in biotechnical centres and labs. However, this is not available in every economy and country.