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'Da 5 Bloods' | Reopening Hillsboro, Kansas | Forest Bathing

Suzanne Hogan
/
KCUR 89.3
Looking for a way to destress? A mindful meander through the woods might do the trick, research suggests.

Spike Lee and Kevin Wilmott's latest film shows the struggles of Black men who fought in the Vietnam War, a central Kansas town weathers the pandemic while facing challenges to reopening, and the health benefits of spending time in nature is exemplified by forest bathing.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:25: Spike Lee and Kevin Willmott explore issues of race and culture in their latest film.

The searing portrait of the experiences of Black soldiers in Vietnam addresses a history of discrimination relevant today. "African American soldiers have always fought for rights they didn't have," Willmott explained.

Segment 2, beginning at 26:30: Reopening comes with a different set of challenges for small communities outside the Kansas City area.

Quarantine measures in Hillsboro, Kansas, haven't affect the city budget yet, but, between mixed receptions to reopening and a shortage of workers, the city faces more challenges ahead.

Segment 3, beginning at 43:30: 'Forest bathing' is from the Japanese term for a slow, deliberate walk in a forest.

It's no secret that spending time outdoors is good for your health.
Researchers have found that taking a walk in a forest can result in more significant reductions in blood pressure and certain stress hormones than taking the same walk in a city.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
Mackenzie Martin is a senior podcast producer at KCUR Studios and host of the podcast, A People's History of Kansas City. Contact her at mackenzie@kcur.org.