In Canada, Doctors Can Now Prescribe National Park Visits
The health benefits of the outdoors should not be overlooked
Usually, you would expect to come out of the doctor’s office with a list of medicines to purchase, a recommendation to rest, sleep more or eat healthier. But now, as part of a pilot program, doctors in Canada can now prescribe … a walk in the park. Or rather, an annual pass to the country’s stunning national parks.
A walk in the park
“There’s almost no medical condition that nature doesn’t make better,” said Dr Melissa Lem, general physician and director of the PaRx initiative, which organized the distribution of an initial batch of 100 annual passes. The goal of the PaRx initiative is to give medical professionals more ways to encourage patients to spend more time in nature. Lem recommends at least two hours in nature a week, and at least 20 minutes at a time.
The health benefits of spending time in nature are well documented. It leads to higher self-esteem in children, lower stress hormones and heart rate variability, and amplifies the benefits of exercise. It can help your memory and improve your focus. It alleviates the pains of ageing and strengthens your immune system.
While Canada’s initiative is a great idea, it also comes as a reminder that national parks should be free, to begin with. That way, everyone can have access to them. Managing them might cost tax money, but the preventative medical benefits will offset that cost. And everyone will be happier.
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