Nature Prescriptions: A Growing Movement Towards Sustainable Healthcare
A burgeoning movement in healthcare is placing nature at its core, recognizing its profound impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. This philosophy is driving innovative approaches and cost-effective solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the industry.
“By creating a healthy living environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the number of healthy years of life increases, ultimately leading to a decrease in healthcare use,” explains Renske Visscher of IVN Nature Educationrsa. “Investing in nature, therefore, means investing in health.”
The benefits are multifaceted. Patients who actively engage with nature recover faster, experiencing a positive effect on all aspects of their health.
“Nature has a remarkably positive effect on all aspects of our health, both physical and mental,” Visscher elaborates. “The immune system appears to improve significantly within a month. Contact with nature reduces stress, reduces feelings of depression, and improves concentration and reflection. In addition, nature has a demonstrable positive effect on diabetes, COPD, cardiovascular disease and obesity.”
This concept is resonating far beyond individual experiences.
Research in England this year among 8,000 patients revealed a compelling finding: referring patients to nature activities like walking, swimming, or even working in the garden with others, is a whopping 50 percent cheaper than conventional care treatments.
IVN Nature Education has been championing this movement for years, forging partnerships with healthcare institutions to bring nature-based therapies into the mainstream.
“Investing in nature results in millions in savings for healthcare. It’s a win-win situation,” notes Visscher. “And there’s more: one of the biggest challenges in healthcare is the shortage of personnel. Working in nature is immensely popular, and real forerunners in healthcare who work a lot with nature surprisingly have no shortage of staff.”
This trend towards “nature prescriptions” reflects a paradigm shift in healthcare, moving away from a purely clinical approach towards a holistic model that acknowledges the interconnectedness between human health and the natural world. As scientific evidence continues to mount, the integration of nature into healthcare practices is poised to become an integral part of a sustainable and effective healthcare system for the future.
What are the long-term cost savings associated with implementing nature prescription programs compared to traditional healthcare approaches?
## Nature Prescriptions: A Growing Movement Towards Sustainable Healthcare
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re discussing a fascinating new movement in healthcare – nature prescriptions. Joining me is Dr. Alex Reed, a leading expert in this field. Dr. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** So, what exactly are nature prescriptions, and why are they gaining so much traction?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Nature prescribing is a proactive approach to healthcare that leverages the restorative power of nature. It involves referring patients to nature-based activities like gardening, countryside walks, or even open water swimming as a way to improve their physical and mental well-being. This can be done independently, through organized groups, or even as part of a formal therapy program.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating. What are some of the benefits of these nature prescriptions?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** The research is incredibly promising [[1](https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2745)]. We’re seeing evidence that nature prescriptions can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost physical activity, and even aid in recovery from certain illnesses. Think of it as preventative medicine, encouraging individuals to connect with their surroundings and build resilience.
**Interviewer:**
It seems like a cost-effective solution compared to traditional treatments.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Absolutely. By promoting well-being and preventing health issues, nature prescriptions can potentially reduce reliance on expensive medical interventions in the long run. It’s a win-win for both individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.
**Interviewer:**
Renske Visscher of IVN Nature Education says, “Investing in nature, therefore, means investing in health.” What are your thoughts on that statement?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** I couldn’t agree more. We need to start viewing nature not just as a lovely backdrop, but as a fundamental component of a healthy society. By protecting and preserving our natural environment, we are ultimately investing in our own well-being.
***
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for shedding light on this important topic, Dr. Alex Reed. I’m sure our viewers will be inspired to explore the healing power of nature themselves.
