Why is nature essential for kids?I am doing a personal research on the effect on green spaces on mood ,relationship and creativity since 2014.
I started gardening and blogging in October of 2014 and I haven’t stopped.What kept me going was this need for seeing things grow .
The good bacteria in nature in their own way helps you grow your immunity.Sunlight is essential for good health. But overall the effect of mother nature,soil and green trees ,flowers ,birds,butterflies in a backdrop of blue sky is like your recharge button.
Thats the reason I visit the village home on weekends .It gives me a much needed boost of wellbeing, that nothing else can.
You might wonder,why not visit a park?You might wonder,what about your balcony garden?Why not the green mango orchard , where we play every Sunday evening?
Well they are all important and play a role in my weekly dose of nature.But every week is not the same.Plus there’s something about the silence of birds,bees and untamed nature .The silver moon lights up the night sky ,the sparkling stars keep her company while my garden gets ready to go to sleep.
The tiny village house has four rooms. Two for our use and two for when my brother in law visits with his family.The common kitchen and small covered porch cum dining space is perfect for sitting and enjoying a cup of tea in the morning. Or sometimes we just sit outside in the garden.Since there are no high rises,there’s no one watching you .
There are only chirping of birds,bleating goats,moo-ing cows and the occasional raucous village dogs trying to get rid of outsider dogs!
The sweet smell of flowers,golden sunlight and the very blue blue sky dotted with the green canopy of Moringa,Mangoes,Ticoma,Coconut and Neem greet my eyes as I look upwards.
The open terrace gives an uninterrupted view of green almost forested areas, which are but forest gardens receiving a watchful neglect from their owners.Too much clearing up is avoided,to prevent poachers and illegal settlers from encroaching. Its a complex balance of clearing up as well as letting nature be.From my eleven years experience in taking kids for visits to garden,orchards,fields and nature holidays I share my insights into why nature is essential for kids.
Why is Nature Essential for Kids?
It helps develop intelligence
Empathy
Curiosity
Adaptation
Community
Appreciate beauty
Discover practical application of science
Realize science is not just a subject humans invented but its how God works .
Realize we are what we eat
Realize your energy depends on the energy of the food you eat.An apple or a candy?
It helps then understand why farmers are the backbone of a nation.
They understand about growing food and eating fresh.
They understand cooking is not just something Maa does.Its something everyone needs to do, to stay healthy.
They understand going back to nature is the best way to beat big food and big pharma.
They realize nature never stops working and karma is a way of life.
They realize flowers bloom in the morning to wilt in the evening .But next day another flower will still bloom.That’s karma do your work,pray to God and keep going.
They understand about cycle of life,the eternal soul and inner peace.
They understand true wealth are your health,the people around you,the land where you grow food and the ability to work and earn a living.
For that matter nature is essential for adults too .We are a part of nature and we all need to realize this.
(Why science says green time matters for growing minds)
When you think back to your own childhood, what memories feel most alive? Chances are they involve open skies, trees, muddy hands, or the thrill of catching butterflies. Science now confirms what our hearts already knew โ nature isnโt just nice for kids; itโs essential.
From stronger mental health to better learning and creativity, research from around the world has shown that green time is powerful medicine for childrenโs bodies and minds. Hereโs what the science says โ in five minutes or less.
๐ฑ 1. Nature builds healthier, happier children
A landmark systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found consistent links between time in nature and childrenโs physical activity, emotional well-being, and social development. Children who regularly play outside move more, sleep better, and report higher happiness scores.
Key takeaway: Kids who spend at least 60โ90 minutes outdoors daily have better overall health profiles โ regardless of screen time or socioeconomic status.
๐ง 2. Greener spaces support brain development and focus
Multiple studies show that access to trees, parks, and gardens helps children think and learn better. In Italy, Asta et al. (2021) tracked children from birth to age 7 and found higher cognitive scores among those living near greenspaces. Similarly, Saenen et al. (2023) demonstrated that long-term exposure to green areas improved working memory and attention.
In practice: Even short outdoor lessons or recess in green schoolyards can improve concentration and academic performance.
๐ 3. Nature soothes anxiety and lifts mood
A 2024 systematic review by Lomax et al. found robust evidence linking nature exposure with reduced anxiety, depression, and stress in children and adolescents. Tillmann et al. (2018) confirmed that accessibility, exposure, and active engagement with nature all correlate with better mental-health scores.
Think of nature as a โmood vitamin.โ Even a half-hour in the park can restore calm and resilience after a busy school day.
โก 4. Nature time helps attention and ADHD symptoms
Classic experiments by Taylor et al. (2009) found that children with ADHD concentrated better after a walk in the park compared with a downtown stroll. Population studies (Donovan et al., 2019) also link greener neighborhoods with lower ADHD prevalence.
Pro tip: Schedule โgreen breaksโ โ 15-minute park or garden walks โ before homework or study time.
๐ชด 5. Early exposure matters most
Early-life exposure to green environments predicts fewer behavioral problems and stronger cognitive outcomes in preschoolers (Dockx et al., 2022). This means planting a tree, walking to school through a park, or keeping plants on balconies truly adds up over time.
๐ 6. Why every community needs child-friendly green space
Nature isnโt just about individual play. Itโs about public health and equity. Jimenez et al. (2021) showed that green exposure benefits extend across ages and income levels, but access remains unequal. Sprague et al. (2022) emphasize the need for urban planning that brings safe, nearby natural spaces to all children.
Policy note: Greening schools and neighborhoods is one of the simplest, evidence-backed ways to improve childrenโs health worldwide.
๐งพ In a nutshell:
Benefit
Supported by research
What parents can do
Better mental health
Lomax 2024, Tillmann 2018
Outdoor play & family park days
Improved focus / ADHD
Taylor 2009, Donovan 2019
Nature breaks before study
Enhanced cognition
Asta 2021, Saenen 2023
School garden projects
Stronger physical health
Fyfe-Johnson 2021
Active outdoor games
Lifelong resilience
Dockx 2022, Jimenez 2021
Regular green exposure from early years
๐ป Ready to begin? Download your free โ7-Day Nature Challenge for Kidsโ checklist!
Each day includes a 10- to 30-minute nature-based micro-activity you can fit into any schedule โ perfect for busy families.
โ Take-home message
Nature is not optional โ itโs foundational for healthy childhood development.
Even small, daily doses of green time yield measurable benefits for mind, body, and mood.
As parents, teachers, and communities, investing in childrenโs connection with nature may be the simplest, most cost-effective public-health strategy available.
โIf we want children to flourish, we must give them time to touch the earth, smell the rain, and watch things grow.โ
References (PubMed/PMC): Fyfe-Johnson AL et al. 2021; Lomax T et al. 2024; Tillmann S et al. 2018; Donovan GH et al. 2019; Taylor AF et al. 2009; Asta F et al. 2021; Saenen ND et al. 2023; Dockx Y et al. 2022; Sprague NL et al. 2022; Jimenez MP et al. 2021.
Abhaya was killed one year back.If you are a follower of this blog ,you know exactly what I am talking about.
Its a sad state of affair and the horrifying events leading up to it,didn’t happen in one day.Systematic corruption and systematic suppression of the truth is sad.
Do you remember the first few moments when you heard the news?
Did you check the news feeds to check the truth of it?
Did it make you afraid ?
Did you stand up for it?
Did you gaslight the protesters and those who wanted to protest?
Were you the friend/brother/sister/aunt/uncle/colleague who went out on the streets to protest ?
Were you the one who went about their daily life ,thinking this can’t touch me?
Is your life still the same ?
Did you wonder were is Abhaya?
Do you wonder how those monsters live with themselves?
Do you now believe in systematic corruption?
Do you believe being human and staying human took a new turn with this?
Did you talk to your children about this?Did you hide the reality of it ?
Do you believe in life after death?
Do you wonder about the shadows hiding in plain sight who are trying to cover this up daily ?
Whatever you think or do , or don’t,don’t lose hope.Don’t stop praying for Justice. Remember her.
๐ฏ๏ธ INDIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, MALDA
๐ฏ๏ธTribute to ABHAYA
In memory of ABHAYA, a Candle Lighting Ceremony and Tree Plantation was organised by the Indian Medical Association.
๐ Date: 9th August 2025 ๐ Time: 8:00 PM ๐ Venue: IMA BHAVAN
Honouring the memory of Abhaya โ a young medico whose dreams were silenced, but whose voice lives on through our collective commitment to justice and compassion.
Affordable accessible Healthcare for all .Is that even possible? Affordable has a different definition depending on what one earns and accessible is even more tricky .I am an Indian doctor ,an ENT surgeon who grew up in Kolkata,studied in Kolkata and Delhi and finally working in a small town and also rural setup in Malda.I have seen healthcare set up in small and big Government hospitals and private ones in all the places I have lived and worked in .I always wondered how India would manage to grow a healthy population ,when there were so many mouths to feed and treat.
When Ayushman Bharat was launched I wrote about it on the blog.It showed the way for a healthy nation. It’s easily the most ambitious, people friendly, universal healthcare scheme .Ayushman Bharat is named right, wishing the people of Bharat a long healthy life. Its showed us promise of a bright Bharat in 2018 and it has helped countless people since then.
The scheme is implemented in 33 States/UTs except the NCT of Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha.Before 2018 India had never seen such an extensive scheme covering in-patient healthcare for Indians.
What does the Data say about Ayushman Bharat?
As of June 30, 2024, over 34.7 crore Ayushman cards created and 7.37 crore hospital admissions authorized, representing claims worth โน1 lakh crore.
AB-PMJAY provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.Its estimated to reach approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.34 crore families.
Under this scheme 1949 procedures across 27 medical specialties are covered.
Over 34 crore Ayushman cards, ~7.4 crore admissions, โน1 lakh crore claims by midโ2024.(source)
In a country like India fighting overpopulation ,poverty,malnutrition and health issues can break the proverbial camel’s back. We can’t one day all become healthy, wealthy and wise. In a country like ours everything needs to be started with a minimal viable program .That’s where Ayushman Bharat shines. There are problems .But even the richest countries in this world have their own share of that.
The Indian Government rightly identified health being the most important qualifier for a game changing economy. A healthy nation means a healthy workforce .That translates to an eventually wealthy nation.A nation that leads but also helps those left behind.
Focus on Tuberculosis
Rich or poor, heathcare costs are the same for all.Diseases don’t come checking your bank balance and that’s the reason preventive healthcare is crucial.
But even when treatment is concerned Bharat has truly changed .Badalta Bharat now has ambitious goals of getting rid of Tuberculosis by 2025 .The Nikshay Poshan Yojana takes it one step further by providing nutitional support (direct to benficiary) for all notified Tuberculosis patient ,notified on or after 2018.The Government also launched the Nikshay Mitra scheme by which individuals and organizations can support the Government scheme through donations .That I think is an unique approach to helping those in need.
Mother and Child Care Poshan Abhiyan
There are also several schemes aimed at mother and child care, for better nutrition of pregnant mothers, improving childhood nutrition and preventing childhood diseases.Universal Immunization program is an important example.
POSHAN Abhiyan is another one, where the focus was firmly turned on to early childhood nutrition being the best way forward, for building a healthy nation .If childhood nutrition is right ,then the citizens of the future will suffer much less, leading to a healthy workforce and a wealthy nation.It starts with the girl child who will one day become the mother.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promotes prevention of female foeticide, and education of the girl child.
Digital footprint
One of the best part about all this is India going digital.With the Aarogya setu app and Cowin app helping people finding the dates and places where they could get vaccinated, India had arrived.
E-sanjeevani telemedicine is another wonderful initiative where top specialists can help even those in rural areas. As of 2025 more than sixteen crore consultation has been done. That kind of outpatient care costs money .But more importantly intent of the Government to truly walk the talk. Expansion of Jan Aushudi stores makes affordable quality medicine possible.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) now has made Unique Health IDs for doctors and patients ensuring health records are digitized and accessible. That didn’t happen overnight .Health tech needs public-private partnership and that’s where incentives for adoption for Government schemes makes things easier and this Government knows that very well.
Going digital will take Bharat a long way in delivering affordable,accesible healthcare .
COVID and India
Last but not the least was how this Governent handled the COVID Pandemic.COVID was game changing .The Indian Government didn’t leave anyone behind.The lockdown ,social distancing ,rules positive messaging ,promoting safe healthcare practices and developing an indigenous vaccine -we saw everything.
With #MadeInIndia vaccine covering everyone and sharing with those less fortunate, we knew Badalta Bharat was real. COVID pandemic showed how India is capable of delivering healthcare and free vaccine to all its citizens. I was lucky to be one of the first to get the first dose of COVISHIELD.That my friends is my favorite moment from the last 10 years.
But my Bharat is not stopping just with preventive, primary or secondary healthcare. With investment in clean renewable energy ,ek per maa ke naam ,health education India is waking up to primordial prevention,as its main aim, to give its citizens the best chance life can give.
Swachh Bharat and Swasth Bharat is not just a goal it’s a journey.It’s a jouney where all the Indians,need to travel together.No one should be left behind and for that we also need to focus on personal and individual responsibilty for own health.
The way forward:
Preventing addictions and helping in de-addiction.
Improving vaccine coverage even more.
Incentivizing staying healthy with tax breaks.
Health points for taking care of own and family health .
Preventing and punishing violence against healthcare workers with exemplary punishments .
Focusing on quality health education and quality of life for healthcare professionals might be the game changer in the next ten years. Because the doctor must be healthy to help heal those who need it.
Writing this for Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav blog writing contest because I thought Badalta Bharat needs a shout out.
“ORS Awareness Week” (ORS เฆธเฆเงเฆคเฆจเฆคเฆพ เฆธเฆชเงเฆคเฆพเฆน) from July 25th to July 31st, organized by the West Bengal Academy of Pediatrics.
IAP Malda Branch is conducting a Health education Program along with Rail Hospital Malda to spread the message.
ORS Awareness Week: This initiative focuses on raising awareness about Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for managing dehydration, particularly important for children.
Organizer: The campaign is conducted by the West Bengal Academy of Pediatrics, a professional body of pediatricians. It promotes the importance of ORS in preventing and treating dehydration, especially during periods when diarrheal diseases are more prevalent.
Welcoming a newborn into the world brings immense joyโand a world of important choices. One of the most powerful decisions a mother can make for her baby’s health is to choose breastfeeding.
Breast milk is more than just food. Itโs a living, natural medicineโrich in antibodies, nutrients, and enzymesโthat boosts your baby’s immunity, protects against infections, and supports healthy brain and body development. Especially for premature or critically ill babies, breast milk can be lifesaving.
At Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, the newly launched Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank is a beacon of hope. By providing screened, pasteurized donor milk to fragile newborns, it ensures that even the most vulnerable infants get the best start in life.
Why Breastfeeding Matters:
๐ผ Builds Immunity: Breast milk protects against common infections.
๐ง Boosts Brain Development: Especially important in the first 1,000 days of life.
๐ Strengthens Mother-Baby Bond: Emotional connection and comfort.
๐ฏ Reduces Future Health Risks: For both baby and mother.
Even if a mother cannot breastfeed directly, donor milk can bridge the gap. Thatโs why milk banks are vital.
If you’re a healthy lactating mother, consider becoming a breast milk donor. Your gift can save a life.
๐ To donate or learn more, contact the Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank: 9866399788
Letโs join hands to create a culture that celebrates, supports, and safeguards breastfeedingโfor every baby, everywhere. ๐
Press Release
Ankura Hospital Strengthens Neonatal Care with State-of-the-Art Milk Bank
Supported by experts and neonatal leaders, the initiative aims to reduce risks for preterm infants and promote breastfeeding awareness.
Hyderabad, 23 July 2025: Ankura Hospital for Women and Children has taken a significant step to enhance neonatal care with the inauguration of the โAnkura-Dhaatri Milk Bankโ at its LB Nagar branch. The initiative was inaugurated by Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head of Neonatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Srisailam Kothuru (President, NNF Telangana), Dr. Srinidhi Thirunagari (Director, Ankura Hospital), Dr. Vijay Kumar (Superintendent, Niloufer Hospital), and Dr. Santosh Kumar Kraleti (General Secretary, Sushena Health Foundation). This pioneering facility aims to provide safe, screened, and pasteurized breast milk from healthy donor mothers to premature and critically ill newborns, offering them a stronger chance at survival and healthy development.
Breast milk is widely regarded as natureโs perfect food for infants, containing a unique blend of antibodies, enzymes, and white blood cells that protect against infections while supporting overall growth. It has been proven to reduce the risk of long-term health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. Beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and benefits mothers by reducing the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and aiding recovery after childbirth. For fragile and premature babies, the availability of breast milk is often life-saving, helping to prevent conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), which is common in preterm infants.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Praveen Kumar said, โA human milk bank is not just a healthcare facilityโit is a lifeline of love and science. Every drop of donor milk can save a fragile babyโs life, and initiatives like these bring hope to families during their most challenging times.โ
Dr. Srinivas Murki, Chief Neonatologist at Ankura Hospital, LB Nagar, emphasized, โBreast milk is the most complete and digestible food for newborns. The first feedโcolostrumโgiven within one hour of birth is rich in antibodies and DHA, essential for brain development. It boosts immunity and supports healthy gut bacteria. For premature and critically ill babies, donor milk can truly make the difference between life and death.โ
Adding to this, Dr. Srisailam Kothuru remarked, โThe establishment of a dedicated milk bank in Hyderabad is a milestone for neonatal health in Telangana. It sets a strong example for hospitals across the state to prioritishuman milk as the gold standard for infant nutrition.โ
Dr. K. P. Vunnam, Founder of Ankura Hospital, added, โWe are proud to launch the Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank, which is integrated with all NICUs across Ankura Hospitals. This initiative ensures that even the most vulnerable babies receive optimal nutrition and care. We have a dedicated team of neonatologists, lactation consultants, and nurses committed to guiding and supporting mothers with breastfeeding and milk expression, creating a culture of awareness and compassion.โ
The hospital is also inviting healthy lactating mothers to come forward and donate excess milk to support newborns who need it the most. Interested donors can register by contacting the Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank at 9866399788. With this initiative, Ankura Hospital reinforces its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstances, receives the best possible start in life.
By Dr Hari Gopinath, Consultant Paediatrician, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Kompally
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant public health challenge in India, with millions affected annually. The primary vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and leishmaniosis (Kala Azar or Black Disease). Data from 2024 highlighted the increasing incidence of these diseases, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
In 2024, India reported approximately 1.2 million cases of malaria, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. In Hyderabad alone, there were around 30,000 cases of dengue, marking a 20% rise. Additionally, chikungunya cases reached 15,000, while leishmaniasis affected around 5,000 individuals, predominantly in rural areas.
These figures indicate a worrying trend, exacerbated by urbanization, climate change, and inadequate sanitation. In Hyderabad, the monsoon season has led to increased vector populations, further elevating disease transmission risks.
Preventive measures are crucial in combating vector-borne diseases. Here are some recommended precautions:
Eliminate Breeding Sites: Regularly clean and remove stagnant water from containers, pots, and discarded tyres to prevent mosquito breeding.
Use Insect Repellents: Apply DEET-based repellents (safe above two months of age) on exposed skin, particularly during early morning and late evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear Protective Clothing: Don light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing to minimize skin exposure to mosquito bites.
Install Screens: Use window and door screens to keep insects out of living spaces.
Indoor Spraying: Utilize indoor residual spraying with approved insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes.
Community Awareness: Engage in community clean-up drives and awareness programs to educate others about preventive measures.
Treatment for vector-borne diseases varies based on the specific illness. Here are some common approaches:
Malaria: Antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are effective. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous medication. The endemicity of malaria in our country is to be reiterated so as to make a timely diagnosis.
Dengue: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Supportive care, including hydration and pain relief with acetaminophen, is crucial. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases. It is important to have a basic awareness of the warning symptoms of dengue, so as to attend the health care facility in time and to avoid unnecessary phobia associated with the diagnosis of dengue.
Chikungunya: Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through pain relievers and hydration. Most patients recover within a week, although some may experience prolonged joint pain.
Leishmaniasis: Treatment involves antiparasitic medications such as sodium stibogluconate or liposomal amphotericin B, depending on the disease form and severity.
Vector-borne diseases continue to be a major health concern in India, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad. With the rise in reported cases in 2024, proactive measures for prevention and effective treatment options are more essential than ever. Community engagement, awareness, and personal responsibility can significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of these diseases and protecting public health. Awarenessย is very important to also remove unnecessary fears associated with these VBD and to enable the public to take a right decision along with the health care givers and to ensure better outcomes for the quality of health.
