Prescribing Nature for Health: Why Your Doctor Might Order a Dose of Mother Earth for Your Next Rx

Don’t be surprised at your next wellness exam if your physician jots down on their Rx pad, “get outside in nature.” Yes, your doctor may advise you to take large doses of the highly-accessible (not to mention budget-friendly) medicine also known as the great outdoors. The holistic remedy of prescribing nature for health has become a growing trend around the globe. Physicians in various countries have been handing out “green prescriptions” in place of pharmaceutical meds as a way of treating chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease and anxiety, according to the World Economic Forum, an international non-profit committed to improving the state of the world. As we approach Earth Day, we take a look at how this natural form of therapy began, and why spending time with Mother Earth can do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being. Prescribing Nature For Health Around the Globe Japan Medical professionals telling their patients to go play outside is not a new form of treatment. Back in the early 1980s, Japan introduced the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. This is the act of spending time in a forest, an environment shown to reduce blood pressure, pulse rate and cortisol levels. These days, there are more than 60 certified forest therapy locations throughout the country (thanks to a $4-million government investment) that are in use by approximately five million citizens. In fact, Shinrin-Yoku is considered a standard practice in Japan in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with managing stress levels. New Zealand But they’re not the only ones. In the late 1990s, New Zealand launched a public health intervention dubbed the Green Prescription Program. It is based on national guidelines that suggest 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. General practitioners prescribe mostly outdoor activities (including walking, swimming and kayaking) to help manage or prevent conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle. A study, published in the journal BMC Family Practice, found that green prescriptions have a positive effect on patients living with a pre-existing condition, such as obesity or depression, as well as those at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Today, New Zealanders can even apply for a green prescription in order to be assigned a health and wellness coach who will instruct them to take part in outdoor exercises, such as playing with their family in the park or gardening with neighbors in the community. Taking part in their Green Prescription program “can help you breathe better, have less pain and reduce your risk of falling, as well as make it less likely you will get some other health conditions, such as some types of cancer,” says Health Navigator New Zealand. United Kingdom The United Kingdom also believes that healing is found in nature. In 2020, the UK invested more than $5 million into “green social prescribing” to benefit the urban and rural areas hit the hardest during the pandemic. “A connection with nature contributes to well-being and improved mental health,” said Environment Secretary George Eustic when announcing the program. United States Thankfully, the United States is getting in on the trend of prescribing nature for health by recommending nature-based therapy as part of a holistic wellness plan. Read on for more about that. Fill Your Park Prescription Nearly 10 years ago, a group of park agencies and healthcare providers in the U.S. teamed up to develop Park Prescription programs to help boost mental and physical health. This movement eventually turned into the National ParkRx Initiative, a program run by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service. Its mission is “supporting the emerging community of Park Prescription practitioners.” Physicians across the U.S. are prescribing nature for health in 34 states (and Washington D.C.), including Vermont, Maryland, Colorado and California. If you need to make an appointment, the U.S. National Park Service has declared Saturday, April 16, as Park Prescription (Park RX) Day, which also serves as a way to kick off the annual National Park Week. Not sure how to fill your prescription? Click here to find a participating park near you. Why A Prescription May Be Key Naturally, you can make an effort to spend more time in nature. From working out in a park to scheduling walking meetings with colleagues to strolling through a plant nursery, breathing in fresh air on a daily basis is definitely a start. After all, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Americans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors (yikes!). (Which reminds us that there’s a trend blooming called biophilia, and it’s about bringing the outdoors in to boost wellness.) But motivating yourself is not the same as a prescription from your MD or DO. As evidence, patients in New Zealand view an actual prescription written by their physician as a formal treatment for their health, according to a study. Seeing the words written on a prescription pad doesn’t just serve as a reminder to be more active in nature. It validates the importance of the medicine prescribed by the physician. Benefits Of Spending Time In Nature It’s really not surprising that science supports prescribing nature for health. Here’s some proof: Nature may improve gut health: Researchers from the University College London speculate that being exposed to organisms within the environment may help regulate the immune system and encourage beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut, skin and lungs, ultimately warding off diseases. This investigation bounced off previous studies which had found a link between the natural environment and long-term health benefits (including fewer deaths, along with fewer cases of heart disease and psychiatric problems). The great outdoors curbs stress and anxiety: Within the last five years, the journal Frontiers in Psychology published research—one study and one review—where the authors concluded that being active in nature can have a profound effect on stress, anxiety, mental health and overall well-being. Green prescriptions improve heart health: In 2018, the journal Environmental Research published a meta-analysis of 143

9 Reasons Why the Beach is Healthy

I know I’m not alone in my mad love and passion for the beach. A lake is fine. A river is nice too. But, c’mon, there is nothing like the ocean to completely reinvigorate a body and soul. When it comes to living a Nutritious Life, I speak to my clients about stressing less, living consciously, sleeping deep, nurturing themselves and so on. Why? Because it’s not all about the food (although watermelon and chips and guac are quite delicious at the beach). Taking care of your body has to do with more than what’s on the end of your fork, and there’s nothing like a day at the beach to zero in on keeping your Nutritious Life alive. Whether you’re struggling with weight loss, emotional eating, ditching sugar, or any other food issue, give yourself a break today and get your toes in the sand. You just might find it affects your waistline better than you could have imagined. 9 Reasons Why the Beach is Healthy for You 1. It’s good for your joints and skin There’s nothing more therapeutic for your joints and muscles than a soak in salt water. The ocean heals little nicks, cuts, and scrapes, and if you take a minute to exfoliate with a little sand, your skin will be grateful for days. (Just remember to reapply sunscreen after time in the salt water and sand.) 2. You can take a walk A walk can be even better than a run when it comes to clearing the mind. I find there’s nothing more cathartic than a long walk on the beach (versus walking in the city, which can trigger emotions worse than road rage). It doesn’t have to be fast, and it definitely doesn’t require a watch, a Fitbit, or any kind of app. Unplug. Walks on the beach are kind of perfect any way you do them—with your kids, your partner, or alone. There’s no goal, no rush, no race, no place to be. Relax and find some seashells along the way.   3. It’s easy to do a body check We know we should all be doing body checks, but many of us pass over our bods when our minds are overcome with the thought of only having five minutes to hop in the shower, shave, and blow dry our hair,  all before getting the kids to school. As you put on your sunblock, start with your face and work your way down your body, taking time to pay attention to your skin and looking for anything you might not otherwise notice. It’s a good practice to get in the habit of doing more regularly. 4. It can be a natural tech detox Honestly, my colleagues would never believe me, but I really do love that the beach is entirely destructive to technology. It feels good to relax without a computer, phone, and tablet for a few hours. Some of my most creative moments have come when I’m undistracted and left alone with uninterrupted thoughts. I’m able to focus entirely in the moment without worrying that a ding, blip, or ring will pull me away from my escape. Save your money; don’t go buying protective cases. 5. It’s a great place for a nap Ever notice dozers everywhere at the beach? You won’t need your synthetic sound machine to catch that much-needed shut-eye. Sleeping at the beach to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore is like music to your ears, as long as you’re far enough away from the kids playing playing on the next blanket over. Sleep deprivation messes up the hormones that regulate hunger, causing an increase in appetite and specific cravings for calorie-dense, high-carbohydrate foods. A beach nap (in the shade!) is a therapeutic way to log some hours. 6. It’s a turn-on There are few things sexier than a day at the beach. Once your senses are stimulated, you’ve relaxed, and you’ve unplugged from your daily routine, you don’t have to leave the good vibes in the sand. Just remember to get all the sand off before jumping between the sheets. 7. You can soak up the vitamin D This vitamin is crucial for our health and wellness, yet an estimated one billion people worldwide are deficient. A day in the sun is the perfect way to meet your daily intake goals. The sun can give you even more than a good mood and a summer glow. Because vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, healthy exposure to sunlight in small doses has been proven to support bone growth and also prevents calcium loss in mature bones. 8. You can mix up your workout Does your daily workout routine feel mundane? A day in the sand is a perfect way to mix up your fitness routine because the possibilities are endless. Make an effort to join in on the game of beach volleyball, frisbee, or soccer with the kids. Try paddleboarding, or hop in the water for an aerobic exercise that can relieve your joint pain and burn those extra cals. And the best part? Beach workouts are like boutique workouts without the high price tag, so your wallet will stay heavier. 9. It’s social There’s something to be said about leaving everything behind and truly being present to enjoy your surroundings, including the people in them! It’s easy to get caught up in your normal daily routine. A New York City street bustling with people can actually be lonely when everyone is walking with headphones and a one-track mind about getting somewhere on time. At the beach, I find people pull out more civility. Families connect. Friends play. Lovers relate. There’s a different community for the day—one made up of people who are all out for a nice time. It is noticeable to me when I am on vacation or at a local beach for the day. Reconstruct your pillars. Dig out your umbrella. Add to my list. See you on the sand,