Whenever you do lifestyle counselling around diet, exercise and sleep habits, remember to add nature time as a recommendation.
Overview
Connect patients to the proven health benefits of nature with PaRx — a research-backed framework designed for clinical use. Our resources make prescribing time outdoors both simple and meaningful within your practice.
PaRx offers a simple, practical intervention nearly anyone can access. Evidence shows nature time improves health—from reduced chronic disease to better birth outcomes—above and beyond the benefits of exercise.
Surveys reveal that Canadians are more likely to spend time outside if recommended by a trusted healthcare professional.
Studies suggest that written prescriptions are better received than oral advice in motivating patients to make a change.
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.
These five simple steps help you create a clear, achievable nature prescription that fits your patient’s lifestyle and encourages lasting healthy habits.
Evidence shows that spending time in nature improves health outcomes, from reduced chronic disease to better mood and lower stress. Written prescriptions outperform verbal advice, and healthcare providers are among the most trusted sources of lifestyle guidance.
2 hours a week, 20+ minutes at a time. Research shows that people who spend at least 2 hours per week in nature report significantly better health and wellbeing. When it comes to the mental-health benefits of nature, science suggests that the most efficient drop in cortisol happens between the 20-to-30-minute mark. Hence our 20-minute rule.
Health benefits start to add up whenever patients feel like they've had meaningful contact with nature, whether it be sitting on a park bench or hiking up a mountain peak. This makes the process of setting green-time goals patient-centred and self-directed.
Any licensed health-care provider, from nurses to physicians to physiotherapists, can prescribe nature through our program.
Our new initiative, PaRx Connectors, loops in trained practitioners that can helpactivate your patient's nature prescription. Please refer to our PaRx Connectors map to find a Connector nearby that matches your patient's needs.Please make your own assessment prior to a referral, and note that Connectors operate independently from BC Parks Foundation.
For your convenience, we've gathered all our printable handouts and resources here.
Adult health benefits
• Cancer Care
• Cardiovascular Health
• Elder Health
• General Health
• Inpatient Care
• Mental Health
• Respiratory Health & Immunity
• Work Performance
Pediatric health benefits
• ADHD
• Allergies & Asthma
• General Kids' Health
• Healthy Weight & Activity
• Mental Health
• Pregnancy and Early Life
• School Success
Printable posters
• Patient Poster
• Prescriber Poster
Each prescriber who registers with PaRx will receive a nature prescription file, a unique provider code, and instructions for how to prescribe and log nature prescriptions with our program.
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