When you look at the migration patterns around the United States, it might surprise you to see the rapid growth in areas like Arizona and Nevada. After all, who wants to live in those hot, dry places? Turns out, a lot of people do! There’s a lot more to places like Scottsdale or Henderson than meets the eye, and the number of fun amenities in those places continues to grow as the population does. However, one major driver for why people are moving to the desert is actually due to health. Are you surprised that such seemingly inhabitable areas are such a boon to so many people’s quality of life? You shouldn’t be. Here are some of the great health benefits that come with moving to a desert climate…
Increased Vitamin D
When people think of the desert, they think of a long stretch of sand with a hot sun bearing down on every living thing. That high level of sunlight is precisely the point! People in desert areas get a higher amount of sunlight exposure than the general population, and that means an increased amount of vitamin D, which is important for a variety of reasons. Here are some examples of why you should be clamoring to get a steadier diet of vitamin D:
- Reduces the impact of a variety of mental disorders, including depression, seasonal affective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and a whole lot more!
- It helps the body absorb more calcium, which leads to much better bones and teeth. This is important for elderly people who are more prone to breaking a bone upon impact.
- It improves the immune system to help people fight off a variety of diseases.
- It helps improve a person’s blood pressure, due to making circulation easier on the circulatory system.
Lower Population Density Reduces Stress
While the increased amount of vitamin D can actually do wonders for your stressed levels, there’s another reason that living in the desert is going to help improve your stress: lower population density. Even though these areas are growing, deserts are generally so large that the population grows outwards instead of upwards. Lower levels of population density are connected with lower stress levels in many people.
Great for Sensitive Breathers
The air quality in desert areas tends to be very high, which is great for asthmatics and other sensitive breathers. There are several reasons for this. First of all, the lower population density means that there tends to be less air pollution. Desert plants also produce far fewer allergens during spring and summer, which reduces the rate of seasonal allergies. The dry air also means that mold is far less prevalent, especially in the air. This is a big deal because mold in the air can cause respiratory infections.
Lots of Outdoor Recreation
The amount of open space in desert areas is great for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. Generally, if you are an avid outdoors enthusiast, a world of adventure is scarcely more than a 30-minute drive from your house if you live in a desert area. This helps encourage more active living, which helps people lead a much healthier lifestyle.
Harmful Insects Are Less Prevalent
While desert environments are still home to certain venomous spiders and snakes, the likelihood that you will be affected by these creatures is actually borderline nonexistent. However, the arid climate means that lots of insects that love damp environments have a hard time thriving in the desert. Specifically, as it pertains to your health, mosquito populations are greatly reduced in desert areas. People in more humid areas need to be constantly vigilant about mosquitos during summertime. However, in the desert, you are far more likely to get bit and contract a disease from a mosquito than you are to get attacked by a venomous desert spider. Moving to the desert means that you don’t have to be as mindful of those mosquito dangers.