Natural Approaches to Better Health: The Prescription
When your mother sent you to the backyard until dinner was ready, she may have unwittingly recognized an essential truth: there’s a certain joy in being outdoors, surrounded by nature. It’s not just a way to keep kids occupied; recent research supports the numerous benefits that come from spending time outside.
Parks Pass Prescription
In an innovative collaboration between Parks Canada and PaRx (A Prescription for Nature initiative), healthcare providers across Canada are now able to prescribe Parks Canada Discovery Passes, effectively harnessing the therapeutic power of the great outdoors.
With over 1,000 healthcare professionals authorized to prescribe these passes, many individuals can now enjoy this nature-based prescription. The initiative encourages healthcare professionals to focus on those who stand to gain the most from the experience, particularly individuals living near national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
What is PaRx?
Launched in 2020, Canada’s first national nature-prescription program, PaRx, was inspired by successful grassroots efforts in the United States. The program initially started in British Columbia and aimed to enhance resources and accessibility to foster a connection with natural environments. By 2021, it expanded into Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
PaRx recommends individuals spend a minimum of two hours outdoors each week, with sessions lasting at least 20 minutes. The focus is not so much on timing but rather on the experience itself. As per PaRx, you’ll know your “nature pill” is working when you feel enriched—be it enjoying a picnic in a local park or biking through ancient forests.
Nature’s Medicine
With approximately 450,000 square kilometers of national parks available in Canada, there’s no shortage of natural environments to enjoy. However, one doesn’t need a prescription or park access to reap the health benefits that nature provides. Simply taking a walk among trees or spending time in urban green areas can also lead to positive outcomes.
Benefits from engaging with nature include increased physical activity, enhanced immune function, lower stress levels, and reduced risks of heart disease and diabetes. Nature also contributes to cognitive improvements, boosting memory, creativity, and focus.
Moreover, spending time outdoors has a significant impact on mental well-being, helping to reduce anxiety and negative thinking, elevate mood, and foster positive social interactions and a sense of life purpose.
The Circle of Life
Engagement with nature not only benefits individuals but also contributes positively to our planet. A study has found that individuals who appreciate natural environments or spend time outdoors are more likely to adopt environmentally-friendly habits, such as opting for sustainable choices over fast fashion. So, take the opportunity to step outside and benefit both yourself and the earth!
