🟢 Reconnecting with Nature: Reflections on Earth Day from the Hills of Henninger Flats

By Hannah Valino, MD

For many, cherished recollections are intertwined with the essence of nature — the crunch of gravel under hiking boots, the whisper of the wind through tall trees, and the rhythmic ascent and descent of a mountain path. For me, these recollections are anchored in the hills above Altadena, California, where my father and I spent innumerable weekends climbing the trail to Henninger Flats at the Eaton Canyon Natural Area. From a wooden bench overlooking the San Gabriel Valley, we would pause, snack on trail mix and fruit, and attempt to spot recognizable landmarks amidst the sprawl below — Lake Avenue, Victory Park, perhaps even our home.

However, this landscape, like many natural areas we often overlook, has endured hardship. Earlier this year, the Eaton Fire ravaged sections of this cherished land. Upon my recent return to the base of the Henninger Trailhead, now barred and desolate, I stood before the charred hills and felt tears well up at the thought of all that was lost — not just in terms of greenery but in the beloved memories ingrained in the earth.

Although my family and our home were fortunate to escape the fire’s fury, the devastation reignited a deep urgency within me — as a pediatrician and a parent — to safeguard and maintain the vital connection between nature and health for future generations.

🌱 Earth Day: A Reminder of Our Interdependence

Earth Day, observed each year on April 22nd, originated in the 1970s as a response to the damage inflicted on the environment by industrial growth. At that time, individuals rallied against oil spills, air pollution, and water contamination. Decades later, these issues persist and, in some instances, have escalated. Even more concerning is the increasing acknowledgment that environmental health is intrinsically linked to human health — particularly for our most vulnerable populations.

As healthcare providers, we witness the direct health implications of environmental disregard:

– Children whose asthma flares on highly polluted days.
– Families who refrain from outdoor activities due to perilously high temperatures.
– Patients whose sedentary habits are partly influenced by unsafe or inaccessible local green areas.

Furthermore, converging crises like wildfires, extreme allergies from prolonged pollen seasons, and heatwaves worsen pre-existing conditions for individuals of all ages. These concerns are not isolated health dilemmas; they’re urgent environmental signals.

🩺 Nature’s Role in Health — A True Preventive Prescription

While we have grown increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of nature’s degradation on health, we must also acknowledge the substantial evidence illustrating how beneficial a well-preserved and accessible natural environment can be.

Time spent in nature yields measurable advantages:

– Enhancements in immune system function and the microbiome.
– Improved mental well-being, with reduced anxiety and depression rates.
– Diminished ADHD symptomatology in children.
– Enhanced recovery outcomes linked to views of nature from hospital windows.
– Decreased cortisol levels, better moods, and lowered blood pressure through practices like forest bathing (known in Japan as Shinrin Yoku).

In essence, nature serves as a clinical resource. It requires no prescription pads or pharmacies. Encouraging just 30 minutes outdoors each day may be as critical an intervention as recommending a multivitamin or advising a patient on sleep habits.

💚 Physicians, Too, Need Nature

The emotional strains of medical practice — notably in recent times — have pushed many of us to the edge of burnout and compassion fatigue. With rising administrative burdens and emotional weariness, nature can act as a crucial remedy.

Personally, I find that allocating time in nature allows me to recharge. It fortifies my resilience and centers my presence — not just in the clinic, but also at home with my children. This form of self-care is not indulgent; it is vital. Ignoring the healer within us compromises our ability to care for those who depend on us.

🌎 Earth Day: A Time to Reflect and Act

Let this Earth Day transcend mere symbolism. Let it be a reevaluation — for our profession, our communities, and our health.

Small intentional actions can create substantial impacts:

– Take a nature stroll during patient breaks or lunch.
– Incorporate greenery, such as potted plants, into your workspace.
– Advocate for green spaces in marginalized communities.
– Cultivate seasonal produce and eat in harmony with nature’s rhythm.
– Establish screen-free outdoor family activities.
– Pause to appreciate the natural world — even in small moments.

Crucially, nature should not be viewed as a luxury for the privileged few. There is a widening nature equity gap, where communities of color and low-income groups have disproportionately limited access to parks and clean environments. Ensuring equitable environmental access must be a cornerstone of our advocacy.

🧭 A Unified Journey Toward Healing

Ultimately, Earth Day serves as a collective reminder of our shared planet, our shared air, and our shared responsibility. As physicians, we possess trusted voices — voices that can influence policy, ignite community discussions, and contribute to building a healthier world.