Person: Sánchez Sauco, Miguel Felipe
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Bosques para la Salud: experiencia piloto en el Área de Salud 1 Murcia Oeste. Un niño, un árbol; una maternidad, un bosque
Documento que recoge la experiencia piloto del programa “Bosques para la Salud” desarrollada en el Área de Salud 1 Murcia Oeste, con implantación en el Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca. El proyecto busca que cada niñ@ de la Región de Murcia nazca y crezca vinculado a un árbol, incorporando un “bosque para la salud” a la cartera de servicios terapéuticos de los hospitales con maternidad. La memoria describe los objetivos, antecedentes, metodología, colectivos destinatarios, plan de trabajo, etapas de desarrollo y resultados de una experiencia local orientada a fortalecer el vínculo con la naturaleza desde el embarazo, el nacimiento y la infancia, promoviendo el autocuidado, la prevención y la creación de ambientes más saludables.
Nature-based interventions reduce physiological stress in children with chronic illnesses: evidence from salivary biomarkers
Introduction: Contact with nature is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of public health, yet limited objective evidence exists regarding its benefits for children with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a forest-based intervention on stress-related salivary biomarkers in vulnerable pediatric populations, including cancer survivors and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to assess 52 children aged 8-17 years, including both patients and their healthy siblings. Participants completed a 2.5-h guided immersion in a Mediterranean forest. Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the intervention to measure cortisol, alpha-amylase, and immunoglobulin A levels. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Clínico Universitario "Virgen de la Arrixaca" on June 29, 2021 (CEIC Code, 2021-6-10-HCUVA). Results: At the group level, significant reductions in cortisol and alpha-amylase were observed following the intervention, indicating acute stress relief. Subgroup analyses revealed notable decreases in cortisol and immunoglobulin A among children with neurodevelopmental disorders, while cancer survivors showed significant reductions in alpha-amylase. Discussion: This study provides novel biomarker-based evidence that brief exposure to natural environments can reduce physiological stress in children with chronic illnesses. These findings support the integration of accessible nature-based interventions into healthcare and community programmes to promote health, resilience, and overall wellbeing in pediatric populations.
Harnessing the healing power of nature: a review of natural interventions in substance abuse treatment and prevention
Background: Substance abuse is a global problem that cuts across all sectors of society and requires innovative solutions that go beyond conventional treatments. Contact with nature could be a complementary tool to address drug-related problems. This review aimed to assess the impact of natural environments on drug-related outcomes. Method: 8205 articles were screened between 2013 and 2023 from 6 databases, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Most studies (12) focused on treatment, followed by incidence/consumption (7), prevention (5) and mortality (1). The main drugs studied were drugs in general (12), followed by alcohol (6), tobacco (6), and other drugs, including cannabis and opioids (4). The results of 85% of the studies showed positive outcomes, supporting the effectiveness of nature-based interventions for drug dependence. While some studies produced neutral or negative results. Conclusion: The use of nature-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of drug addiction shows considerable potential. However, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to improve evidence-based interventions. Integrating health and environmental policies is essential to promote a holistic approach to drug strategies at the national and international levels.
Manual de la Hoja Verde de Salud Medioambiental Reproductiva. Creando ambientes más saludables durante el embarazo y lactancia
Material docente y recurso educativo complementario de la Hoja Verde de embarazo y lactancia, dirigido a unificar criterios para su manejo, entrenamiento e implementación en programas de embarazo, salud reproductiva y atención al niño sano. Desarrollado en el marco de una línea sostenida de investigación y transferencia sobre prevención prenatal de alcohol y otras drogas, y utilizado en la formación de profesionales y en la implantación del modelo de cribado ambiental prenatal.