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Nature Prescriptions

Gradient Ocean

Al Rezoski

Apr 12, 2022

Canada

Categories:

Nature, Health, Mental Health

The Toronto Star, a major Canadian newspaper reports on Nature Prescriptions now being made available as a viable preventative health measure in an article dated February 22, 2021.


Healthcare providers can offer prescriptions for nature starting in 2021 in Ontario, Canada. The Park Prescriptions program provides pre-registered healthcare providers instructions on prescribing and logging nature prescriptions for their patients. A large body of medical research shows the benefits of spending time in nature.


The Japanese have known about this for centuries with the concept of forest bathing or shinrin-yoku. Forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a whole range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.


Every bit of exposure helps, but the generally accepted time is two hours a week with a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Forest bathing releases positive hormones in the body, and it can help you overcome sadness, anger, and anxiety. It reduces stress levels. You may be able to improve your immune system, deal with depression, lower your blood pressure, and improve your concentration and sleep with consistent practice.


The program follows the successful Park Rx, a San Francisco, California program, and Park Prescriptions program in British Columbia, Canada. Medical prescriptions for drugs are costly and a drain on the economy. Statistics Canada reports that prescription medications accounted for $29 billion (14%) of Canada's annual healthcare spending in 2013. This need will increase with the aging population - 83% of the 65- to 79-year-old age cohort are on prescriptions, with many on multiple medications.


A 2014 survey shows that time indoors or in vehicles accounted for 94% of an average Canadian's time, contributing to many lifestyle-related illnesses. That undoubtedly has increased significantly after two years of COVID 19 lockdowns. It makes good economic sense to find holistic responses to improve well-being and reduce costs. Studies in the United States and the United Kingdom demonstrate the cost savings resulting from physical exercise in nature.


There are often barriers to accessing nature because more than 50% of the world's population lives in urban areas. Think about ways in your local community that you can advocate for increased access to nature. I live in Toronto, and local libraries offer free transit passes and admissions to nature-based landscapes and attractions such as the zoo. How can you contribute to park designs which incorporate more natural and less manufactured landscapes? How can your local transportation system and wayfinding be designed to provide equitable access to nature to you? What types of events can you organize to get your community out into nature?


A Nature Prescription may be an excellent incentive to promote access to nature in your community. There may be areas in your community that have opportunities for forest bathing, nature walks, and places to get quiet and reflect. A Nature Prescription is an essential RX for those who spend too much time with a computer screen, in offices, or just too much time indoors - get outdoors and listen to what nature is telling you. A respite from the constant stresses of everyday living isn't a luxury but a necessity.


Your local and regional parks' districts may be interested in hearing about forest bathing. They might include it in your parks' recreational activities.

Photo by kazuend on Unsplash

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Catalog #:

0322.103.01.041222

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