Prescribing Time in Nature: Ontario Healthcare Professionals Can Now Prescribe Patients a Trip to the Toronto Zoo
Key Highlights :
In an effort to improve mental and physical health, Toronto Zoo officials announced on Wednesday that Ontario healthcare professionals can now prescribe their patients a day trip to the zoo. The Toronto Zoo has teamed up with PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program, which has seen over 11,000 healthcare providers register to prescribe time outside for their patients’ health in under three years.
The Toronto Zoo’s CEO, Dolf DeJong, said that visiting the zoo is not only about seeing animals and learning about conservation, but it’s also about getting outside at any time of year and exploring the 10 km walking trails in a safe, beautiful environment. He added that COVID-19 has served as a reminder of the importance of carving out time for mental health breaks, connecting with one another, and taking some time away from our devices to get in touch with the natural world and the animals that need our help.
Scientific research has shown that nature has many health benefits. It can help improve symptoms linked to depression and ADHD, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. A study published by Frontiers found that a zoo’s recreational aim may be one of the most accessible forms of green prescribing to urban populations seeking to connect with nature. Direct contact with the natural world and animals in particular has been shown to enhance positive mental states, while access to green space has consistently been shown to promote many positive affective states in humans.
The Toronto Zoo is a great way for Ontarians to get outside and connect with nature. Healthcare professionals can now prescribe their patients a day trip to the Toronto Zoo, which can help to improve their mental and physical health.
