Clinical and Translational Allergy (Oct 2019)

Helsinki by nature: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health

  • Tari Haahtela,
  • Leena von Hertzen,
  • Josep M. Anto,
  • Chunxue Bai,
  • Abay Baigenzhin,
  • Eric D. Bateman,
  • Digambar Behera,
  • Kazi Bennoor,
  • Paulo Camargos,
  • Niels Chavannes,
  • Jaime Correia de Sousa,
  • Alvaro Cruz,
  • Maria Do Céu Teixeira,
  • Marina Erhola,
  • Eeva Furman,
  • Bilun Gemicioğlu,
  • Sandra Gonzalez Diaz,
  • Peter W. Hellings,
  • Pekka Jousilahti,
  • Nikolai Khaltaev,
  • Vitezslav Kolek,
  • Piotr Kuna,
  • Stefania La Grutta,
  • Le Thi Tuyet Lan,
  • Tamaz Maglakelidze,
  • Mohamed R. Masjedi,
  • Florin Mihaltan,
  • Yousser Mohammad,
  • Elizabete Nunes,
  • Arvid Nyberg,
  • Jorge Quel,
  • Jose Rosado-Pinto,
  • Hironori Sagara,
  • Boleslaw Samolinski,
  • Dean Schraufnagel,
  • Talant Sooronbaev,
  • Mohamed Tag Eldin,
  • Teresa To,
  • Arunas Valiulis,
  • Cherian Varghese,
  • Tuula Vasankari,
  • Giovanni Viegi,
  • Tonya Winders,
  • Anahi Yañez,
  • Arzu Yorgancioğlu,
  • Osman Yusuf,
  • Jean Bousquet,
  • Nils E. Billo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-019-0295-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract Background The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking “nature” to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.

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