Nature Prescriptions: The Growing Trend of Doctors Prescribing Time Outdoors
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Introduction
In an era where pharmaceutical solutions often dominate health care, a growing movement is advocating for a simpler, natural approach to healing: prescribing time in nature. This trend, exemplified by scientific studies and actualized by initiatives like PaRx (Parks Prescriptions) - a project of the BC Parks Foundation spearheaded by health-care professionals - recognizes the profound impact of the natural environment on human health, and well-being.
The Healing Power of Nature
The concept of nature as medicine is rooted in many cultures, acknowledging that humans are deeply connected to the natural world around them. However; this connection has been disrupted, and in many cases, replaced with industrialization and the digitization of our lives. Still, there are many scientific studies that prove the power of nature, which can yield benefits for both mental and physical well-being.
Health, medicine, and nature have always gone hand in hand. Now, PaRx, a national nature prescription program led by the BC Parks Foundation, is making the intersection more accessible to both doctors and patients. The program equips health-care providers with practical tools, including customized nature prescription files and patient handouts, to make prescribing time outdoors simple and effective. Rooted in evidence-based research, PaRx aims to help patients incorporate regular outdoor experiences into their daily lives, improving overall health. With partnerships across Canada, the organization reduces barriers to nature access, enhancing well-being through nature-based preventative medicine.
In urban cities it may be difficult to find access to nature. In these areas, public parks can be the best option to spend time surrounded but nature. This photo is of the Philosopher's Walk in Downtown Toronto.
As Dr. Mili Roy, Ontario Regional Chair of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, emphasizes, “Our connection as humans to nature is not simply recreational, and certainly not just optional. From increased brain size with improved memory and attention in kids, to improved blood pressure and diabetes in adults, to seniors who live longer and healthier, science is showing that regular time spent in nature achieves all this and more.” Dr. Roy will delve deeper into these insights at CitiesAlive 2024 in November, where she’ll be speaking on "Healthy Cities for Healthy Humans: Health Benefits of Green Infrastructure."
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In 2019 a peer reviewed article published by Scientific Report provides compelling evidence for the health benefits of nature. The study analyzed data from nearly 20,000 participants and found that individuals who spent at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and high well-being compared to those with no nature contact. This positive association was consistent across different age groups and health statuses, highlighting the universal benefits of spending time in natural environments. Interestingly, the study also noted that it did not matter how the 120 minutes were distributed throughout the week, suggesting flexibility in how nature time can be incorporated into daily routines.
Another systematic review by Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett and Andy Jones comprehensively evaluated the health benefits of greenspace exposure across 143 studies. Their analysis found significant associations between greenspace exposure and numerous health benefits, including reductions in diastolic blood pressure, salivary cortisol, heart rate, the incidence of diabetes, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. The study suggests that incorporating greenspace use into health prescriptions could offer substantial benefits and highlights the importance of creating and maintaining accessible greenspaces, particularly in underserved areas, to maximize the positive impact on public health.
For health-care providers, prescribing nature presents a straightforward, yet impactful, intervention. The PaRx initiative provides resources to make this process simple and enjoyable, offering practical tips and handouts that help health professionals prescribe nature in a way that is both accessible and effective. PaRx makes it easy for doctors to understand the health benefits, and to prescribe them to patients in detail.
Preventative medicine is often overlooked in modern Western medical practices. Doctors and nurses are constantly seeking practical interventions that can improve their patients’ lives without adding complexity to their treatment plans. The ease with which patients can engage with nature, regardless of their physical capabilities, or geographical location, makes it an attractive option for both health-care providers and patients.
Conclusion
The prescription of time in nature represents a promising shift in health care, emphasizing a holistic, and preventative approach to well-being. By recognizing and harnessing the therapeutic potential of the natural environment, health-care providers can not only improve individual health outcomes but also promote a healthier, more sustainable relationship with our planet.
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Rushil Malik is the Communications Manager for GRHC and is actively learning about the green roof industry. Connect with her at rmalik@greenroofs.org
