Parks Prescription Providers

Why should I prescribe nature?

Are you looking for a simple way to improve you patients lives? The truth 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.

Supporting Research and Resources for Time in Nature

The nature cure: how time outdoors transforms our memory, imagination and logic

Time spent in nature can boost physical and mental well-being

Health Promotions in Texas Parks

The mental health benefits of nature: Spending time outdoors to refresh your mind

Nurtured by nature

Nature Can Improve Health and Wellbeing

Nature Guide for College and University Students

The Center for Health and Nature

Healthy Parks Healthy People Resources

City of Austin Parks Prescription Toolkit

Parks and Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life

Parks and Chronic Disease Management

Parks and Healthy Kids

Health Benefits of Kids Who Learn and Play in Nature

Mental Health Posters

Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health

To improve mental health, focus on population health, prevention

Podcast and webinars

Why are Doctor's Prescribing Time in Nature?

Parks Prescriptions for Better Health

Texas Children in Nature-TxN 2020 Conservation Wrangler

large blue and green pill with white text that reads 1 who prescribes you

Blue and Green Capsule with text written in white text 2 Who receives patients with chronic diseases such as obesity stress diabetes

Blue and Green Capsule with text written in white text 3 What is prescribed time in nature physician and patient discuss activities and goals offers parks department brochure: with local parks amenities programs and follow up information

Blue and Green Capsule with text written in white text 4 what happens in the park participate in personal or organized activities read a book or meditate play frisbee or ride a bike have a picnic attend a fitness class

Blue and Green Capsule with text written in white text 5 what is the outcome mental health benefits improve cognitive ability benefits mood reduces stress increases social connections physical health benefits boosts physical health lowers blood pressure

Blue and Green Capsule with text written in white text that reads 6 next steps physician involvement if interested share patient information with the parks department parks department follow up with patients and provide local resources to nature and physical activity