Two things about Lake Oswego are true:

1. We have a lot of trees. According to the Urban Forestry Plan, a conservative estimate is that 60,000 trees line Lake Oswego streets, and that doesn’t account for all the trees on private property and public parks. Overall, our total canopy tree cover is about 39% which, according to the State of the Urban Forest, is the highest tree canopy cover in the Portland region for cities of a comparable size.  
2. We live around a lake.

Put the two together and we have a winning formula for good health.

In a radio interview with WBUR Radio Boston, Dr. Howard Frumkin, a professor with the University of Washington School of Health, started listing the health benefits of trees:

•A longer life

•Better birth outcomes

•Lower stress levels

•Lower risk of heart disease

•Reduced symptoms of ADHD

•Boosts immune system

“Proximity to trees is associated with a broad range of health benefits. I wish we had pills that were this good for health,” he explains.

Luckily for those of us who live in Lake Oswego, no pills are needed. We just need to step outside and take a walk in our urban forest to start enjoying some of those benefits.

And if that walk should take us within viewing range of our lake, all the better. In his book, Blue Mind, marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, gives the calming effect water has on us a name—Blue Mind. “Being near water allows us to access a semi-meditative state known as ‘drifting.’ Drifting is a special form of attention where we are engaged with the world around us but not focused on getting something done.”

A study done by the University of California Davis corroborates his theory by finding that just looking at water is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate and increase in a sense of relaxation.

So there you have it! We have right in our midst, two natural forces to help us live a happier, healthier life. Now we just need to get out there and enjoy them!

Wanting to capitalize on the health benefits of living in Lake Oswego? Give one of us a call and let’s see what we can do to make Lake Oswego your home. We’re Realtors who have lived and worked in Lake Oswego for over 35 years and would love to put our experience to work for you!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com