四、閱讀測驗【請在下列各題中選出最適當的答案 【請在下列各題中選出最適當的答案】 Numerous studies in the U.S. and around the world are exploring the health benefits of spending time outside in nature,
green spaces, and, specifically, forests. Recognizing those benefits, in 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries even coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku. It means taking in the forest atmosphere or “forest bathing.”
Exposure to forests boosts our immune system. While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne
chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities
which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and
activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies.
In one study, increased activity of natural killer cells from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip could last for more than 30
days. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.
Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous
studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at the trees reduce blood pressure as well as the
stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic, effect.
Spending time in nature helps you focus. Our lives are busier than ever with jobs, school, and family life. Trying to
focus on many activities or even a single thing for long periods of time can mentally drain us, a phenomenon called
Directed Attention Fatigue. Spending time in nature, looking at plants, water, birds and other aspects of nature gives the
cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be patient.
In children, attention fatigue causes an inability to pay attention and control impulses. The part of the brain affected by
attention fatigue is also involved in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies show that children who
spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue and children diagnosed with ADHD show
a reduction in related symptoms. Researchers are investigating the use of natural outdoor environments to supplement
current approaches to managing ADHD. Such an approach has the advantages of being widely accessible, inexpensive and
free of side effects.
Patients recover from surgery faster and better when they have a “green” view. Hospital patients may be stressed from
a variety of factors, including pain, fear, and disruption of normal routine. Research found that patients with “green” views
had shorter postoperative stays, took fewer painkillers, and had slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those
who had no view or a view of a cement wall.
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