Nature prescriptions: A growing Trend Offers Free access to Parks for Health Benefits

Halton Healthcare and Conservation Halton Partner to Boost Well-being Through Nature

Halton Healthcare and Conservation Halton are the latest to join a growing movement across Canada, offering patients “nature prescriptions” for free access to local conservation areas. This innovative program, spearheaded by the B.C. Parks Foundation, aims to improve both physical and mental well-being by encouraging people to spend time in nature.

How Does it Work?

Any licensed healthcare professional in Canada, from doctors to nurses to physiotherapists, can prescribe nature. After registering with the PaRx program, providers receive a unique code to include with their prescriptions. Patients can then redeem their prescription online through the PaRx website or, in some cases, through partner organizations like Conservation Halton.

“There’s almost no reason why someone should not be more physically active,” says Dr. Stephen Chin, interim vice president for medical affairs at Halton Healthcare.He emphasizes the program’s accessibility, stating that the “prescription will be freely given” to most patients.

Free Access to Nature’s Benefits

Depending on the prescription, patients can receive up to 10 free visits to a Conservation Halton park or even a year-long Parks Canada Discovery Pass, granting access to over 80 national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.

Conservation Halton, which manages parks in the Greater Toronto Area including Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills, is the first organization outside of national parks to offer full day-use passes through the program.

“Accessing nature, walking through the fresher air, standing and being able to listen to the birds… put the phones down or leave [it] in the car and, just be disconnected for even 30 minutes it’s so vital,” says Craig Machan, director of parks and operations at Conservation Halton. He highlights the program’s benefits, especially during the winter months. “Winter can be a dark time for a lot of people,” Machan explains.”Being able to spend some time outside and disconnect from the pressures of daily life can make a big difference.”

A Growing Movement for Health and Conservation

The PaRx program, now available in every province, is gaining momentum. “It’s been really proven that when people are connected to nature, they’re more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors for the long-term,” says Jennie McCaffrey, vice president of health and education at the B.C. Parks Foundation.

the foundation hopes to normalize spending time in nature, making it a “social norm” and the “fourth pillar of health,” alongside sleep, diet, and exercise.

With its focus on both individual well-being and environmental stewardship, the nature prescription program offers a promising path towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

Hiking to Health: A Conversation About Nature Prescriptions

Sarah: Did you hear about this new program where doctors can actually prescribe time in nature?

Maria: No,that’s engaging! You’re kidding,right?

Sarah: Nope,totally serious! It’s called PaRx,and it’s gaining traction across Canada. Doctors, nurses, even physiotherapists, can give out these “prescriptions” for free access to parks.

Maria: Wow, that’s amazing! But how does it actually work?

Sarah: Well, healthcare providers register with the program and get a unique code. Then, they can include that code on a prescription for their patients.

Maria: and what do the patients do with the code?

Sarah: They can redeem it online through the PaRx website or sometimes even through partner organizations, like Conservation Halton hear in Ontario. It’s pretty cool as depending on the prescription, patients can get up to 10 free visits to a Conservation Halton park or even a year-long parks Canada discovery Pass!

Maria: That’s incredible! So essentially, a doctor could tell you to go take a hike rather of prescribing medication?

Sarah: Kind of! Dr.Stephen Chin, who’s with Halton Healthcare, says the program aims to improve both physical and mental well-being. He feels it’s a really accessible way to encourage people to be more active.

Maria: That makes so much sense! Especially during winter, when it’s easy to feel stuck indoors.

Sarah: Exactly! Craig Machan,who’s the director of parks at Conservation Halton,even said disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature can make a big difference for people’s mental health,especially during dark winter months.

Maria: I love that they’re emphasizing the connection to nature and how it can benefit us.

Sarah:me too! Jennie McCaffrey from the B.C. Parks Foundation, which started the program, said they hope to normalize spending time in nature and even make it the “fourth pillar of health,” along with sleep, diet, and exercise.

Maria: I think that’s a fantastic goal. It definitely makes you think about nature differently!

Sarah: It really does. It’s a win-win – better health for people and more recognition for the surroundings.