‘Nature’s Prescription’ Can Improve Physical and Mental Health: Study

Imagine your doctor prescribing you a new treatment. It’s fun, it’s fun, and you can eat as much as you like. Potential side effects include spontaneous euphoria and a good mood. Not to mention it’s free and available everywhere.

It is not a medicine or other medical procedure recommended by a doctor. Instead, it’s “nature’s prescription” and recommends spending time in nature.

researchers from UNSW Sydney We evaluated the international evidence of nature’s prescriptions and their ability to improve health. They analyzed 28 studies that tested natural prescriptions on real patients. This research was led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng From UNSW Medicine and Health Professor Thomas Astell-Bert from University of Wollongongco-director of. Population Welfare and Environment Laboratory (Power Lab).

read more: Greener Communities, Healthier Minds: A Study

Systematic review and meta-analysis published today lancet planet health, found that natural prescriptions benefit both physical and mental health. Patients had lower blood pressure, lower depression and anxiety scores, and increased daily steps taken.

“Evidence shows that natural remedies can help restore and build the ability to improve physical and mental health. , is to come up with ways to deliver nature’s prescriptions in a sustainable way for people who currently spend little time in nature.

nature keeps us healthy

Studies have shown that contact with nature reduces the harm caused by poor air quality, heat waves, chronic stress, etc., and promotes healthy behaviors such as socializing and socializing. physical activityThis helps prevent problems such as: loneliness, depression and cardiovascular disease.

“This research builds on a long-term research program that we have been conducting and has shown that contact with nature, especially trees, is very important in enhancing our mental and physical health throughout our lifetime. ,” said Professor Fenn.

read more: 1 in 4 Australians are lonely.Quality green space in our cities offers a solution

Previous research by Professor Feng has shown that living near certain types of green space improves health. for example, Study of approximately 47,000 adults In New South Wales (NSW), people living in areas with more than 30% canopy cover reported improved general health and reduced emotional distress.The survey is based on the City of Sydney’s $377 million strategy Achieve 40% green space by 2050.

“But even if there is a park-like quality green space nearby, not everyone will benefit from visiting it,” said Professor Feng.

“How can we encourage and enable people to (re)connect with nature? That is where the idea of ​​nature’s prescription comes from.”

Bringing Nature’s Prescriptions Mainstream

Natural prescriptions are emerging as supplements to standard medical care. For example, the UK government recently invested £5.77m. “Green Social Prescription” Pilot Program in Canada National Natural Prescription Program.

There is a growing public interest in natural prescriptions in Australia.a Recent research Led by Professor Feng, more than 80% of Australian adults have shown acceptance of the idea.

However, Australia does not yet have a large-scale naturopathic program. Further research is needed to understand how natural prescriptions are implemented in our local context.

“So how long do we need a natural prescription? What should be in the prescription? How should it be delivered and to whom? These questions still have no firm answers,” said Professor Feng. I’m here.

“If you want nature’s prescription to become a national plan, you have to provide evidence.”

It is also important that all Australians have access to natural prescriptions. Research so far Professors Astell-Burt and Feng showed that low-income communities were the least likely to have access to green space. However, these regions are at higher risk of chronic health problems such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

“We don’t want nature’s prescription to become a luxury for the wealthy who already have access to beaches and lots of quality green space,” says Professor Feng. “We want to make these benefits available to everyone.”