A prescription worth filling: nature
A new prescription for better health is now available to Manitobans, and it doesn’t come in a bottle.
Originating as an initiative by the B.C. Parks Foundation, PaRx is a nature prescribing program. Simply put, any licensed health care provider can prescribe “nature” to their patients.
“It’s Canada’s first evidence-based nature prescription program and we support clinicians across the country to help prescribe nature to their patients,” said Anna Reed, Manitoba launch coordinator for PaRx. “Research actually tells us that patients are more likely to adhere to something, or do it, if it’s actually prescribed to them so it’s an actual written prescription.”
What the prescription entails varies from patient to patient and begins as a conversation with a person’s health care provider.
Ultimately, it is up to the patient. For some, connecting to nature could be a hike and for others it might be sitting on a park bench and taking it all in.
“What we recommend is that you do at least two hours a week but it’s up to you how you connect to nature,” said Reed.
The benefits of a nature prescription are many. Reed said it can increase energy and lifespan, decrease anxiety and improve heart health.
A positive side effect to reconnecting with nature is nature conservation. Reed said research has shown that people who connect to nature are more likely to protect it, an important aspect as the world is facing challenges related to climate change.
The prescription provider could be one of many but includes physicians, nurses, social workers and pharmacists. Not all clinicians are signed up and, for others, it might just be a conversation.
PaRx was launched in Manitoba this week thanks to Reed, a PhD student at University of Toronto, who got involved in planetary health issues in graduate school. Her interest in the program grew after meeting Dr. Melissa Lem, the PaRx director.
The program’s uptake has been growing, according to Reed, with about 1,000 prescribed in British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and, now, Manitoba. Its success may have something to do with the pandemic.
“The safest place throughout COVID has been to be outside. So, for the patients and clinicians who have started along this process I think it’s been received really well because our connection to nature is growing,” Reed said.
After a summer of organizing, the Manitoba launch of PaRx occured this week and included a diverse group of health care organizations, occupational and physical therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, family doctors and pharmacists.
Clinicians can sign up online and get a prescription pad and start writing them.
“Get outside, talk to your clinician, your nurse and get prescribed nature,” said Reed. “This is good for your health and good for the planet.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trump fined US$1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as judge warns of possible jail time
The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial has fined him US$1,000 for violating his gag order and sternly warned the former president that additional violation could result in jail time.
The story of how a B.C. man found his birth mother
After his adopted parents died, Dave Rogers set out to learn more about his birth mother. DNA results and a little help from friendly strangers would put him on a path to a small town in England.
When grief and AI collide: These people are communicating with the dead
AI tools can offer recommendations, answer questions and 'talk' with users. But some users are using them to recreate the likeness of the dead.
Spike in 'violent rhetoric' since Oct. 7 attack from 'extremist actors,' CSIS warns
The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in 'violent rhetoric' from 'extremist actors' that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns.
Italy's white-collar mafia is making a business killing
Italy's mafia rarely dirties its hands with blood these days. Extortion rackets have gone out of fashion and murders are largely frowned upon by the godfathers.
WestJet, mechanics union agree to tentative deal to avoid strike
A potential strike between WestJet and its mechanics union appears to have been avoided.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.
Summer forecast: What to expect as El Nino weakens
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.