Three years of PaRx in Ontario: Are You Prescribing Nature Yet?
PaRx, Canada’s national, evidence-based nature prescription program, recently marked three years in Ontario! With a network of more than 15,000 Canadian healthcare providers prescribing nature, we are proud to endorse this nature-health initiative.
Any licensed health care professional can register with PaRx and receive a toolkit that makes nature prescribing easy, fun, and effective. PaRx also makes getting into nature easier for its patients by offering special discounts like free entry to the Canadian Museum of Nature, 50% off at the Toronto Zoo, and 20% off a Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Membership Pass.
Spending time in nature not only feels good, but it’s proven to be good for our health and the health of our planet too! Learn more at parkprescriptions.ca.
5 Reasons To Prescribe Nature with PaRx
1. It’s easy and effective. Health-care providers are always looking for simple, practical interventions they can make to improve their patients’ lives. The beauty of PaRx is that almost anyone can increase the time they spend in nature, no matter what their physical abilities are or where they live. A growing body of research suggests that spending time in nature has a wide range of positive effects on human health, from reduced chronic disease to improved birth outcomes—over and above the benefits of exercise. Learn more about the health benefits of nature here.
2. Writing it down works better. Studies suggest that written prescriptions are better received than oral advice in motivating patients to make a change.
3. Patients trust their health-care providers. Surveys reveal that health-care providers consistently rank among the most trusted professionals in the country. When we speak, people listen.
4. Prescribing nature is good for the earth. Research shows that people who are more connected to nature do more to protect it. So not only are you improving your patients’ health, but you’re also doing your part for the planet.
5. We’re reducing barriers for your patients. To ensure that everyone in Canada has ready access to the health benefits of nature, PaRx is collaborating with outdoor organizations like Parks Canada to provide free or discounted access to green and blue spaces for patients in most need.
Register for PaRx to learn more about the health benefits of nature, access exclusive resources, and join the national nature-health movement.
