A deep connection: the link between Ocean health and human health

In the stunning Cap de Creus natural park in northeastern Catalonia, a group of hikers is participating in a unique study that explores the healing power of the coastal environment.

"Six years ago I had breast cancer. I had to undergo treatment, radiation therapy, take medications, and all this was a heavy blow... But now every day I enjoy this environment that helps me feel better," said oncology patient, Marissa Busquets.

"The soothing sound of the sea, the smell of pine trees give inner peace, which is the best pill for our inner health. And inner health helps outer health, too," she explained.

It's widely believed that the ocean has plenty of health benefits, but researchers admit there is a lack of concrete data. So a team of doctors and researchers from the city of Roses, in northeastern Spain, invited 24 oncological patients to take part in coastal activities over two years and closely monitored the effects.

"We were surprised that with a small number of patients, we saw a significant effect," revealed Dr Àngel Izquierdo-Font, an oncologist at the Catalan Institute of Oncology. 

"These patients completed treatment some time ago and do not have active cancer. But some of them suffer from chronic symptoms or some kind of emotional disorder, and we think that this activity in contact with nature can be of great practical benefit to them,” he added.

Although these activities cannot replace medical therapy, they were shown to have measurable positive effects on the emotional well-being of patients. The researchers collected data through questionnaires and monitored key health indicators with smartwatches.

"Every time we start any activity, whether it's a walk by the sea or swimming, snorkelling or something else, we control