Things you should consider before going outside
By Julia Siedlanowska, Staff Writer
In the past few decades, the consensus has been that going outside is beneficial for one’s health. Lately, however, many have been questioning the advantages of spending time out-of-doors: with the many dangers lurking in the open air, people have been asking themselves whether or not the risk is worth it. Current health trends have been shifting, and scientists are getting on board with the masses.
The first and most pressing issue regarding going outdoors is allergies.
“Although anti-histamines are available, we believe that the most effective solution is to stay indoors,” says Dr. Balli Shudha.
The issue has also been drawing the attention of psychologists. Dr. Sindy Lauep says, “Parents who encourage their children to go outdoors are only alienating those with seasonal allergies. The best solution is not to aggravate the issue and stay indoors.”
She says that going outdoors around people with allergies causes tension for those afflicted. Studies are showing that there has been a rise in children and adults staring sadly through the window as the cottonwoods begin to release their seeds. Many believe that this directly coincides with the number of people they see outside. Dr. Lauep says, “The more people they see outside, the sadder their faces look.”
Many people simply see stepping into the great outdoors as outdated. “I think it’s barbaric,” said one student at Morronhill Middle School in Burnaby.
“It makes it hard to see the TV through the window,” says Danny Vanderwell of Douglas College, “and my laptop would get a bad glare when I’m trying to watch all nine seasons of Scrubs on Netflix.” He also stated that “Being outside adds an extra door I have to go through to get to the fridge.”
Indeed, we have seen a separation between nature and food supply since the fast-food era, and scientists think it best to increase this gap. Dr. Shudha says “Going outside and thinking about where food came from increases feelings of guilt and confusion. We think it best not to seek other solutions, and to teach our children about food online, as opposed to first-hand.”
Where it was once custom for elementary school children to go outdoors and learn about the food chain, there has been a shift. Schools are supplying each child with an iPad from grade two onwards, and there is less of a need for dangerous excursions and “field trips.” With recent cuts to teacher salaries in BC, the shift is being welcomed.
“People who still feel the need to go outside should really open up their minds and reconsider their values,” tweeted GameofThronesBiatch. Indeed, the sentiment is being echoed by many. After our online poll, IloveDell tweeted, “I don’t think we should go outside anymore. If you quote me in this article, I sure as hell will be reading it inside.”
