Can Prescriptions For Nature Defeat Childhood Obesity?

With so much research indicating that unstructured outdoor activities can improve children’s health, it seems obvious that health professionals should play a part in encouraging outdoor play, and they are starting to do so. Georgia’s "Rx for Fitness" program serves just that purpose: if a health care professional thinks your child needs more exercise, he or she can prescribe healthy hikes outdoors, giving you a prescription that you can trade in for free park passes. That’s the program in Georgia, but the idea of “prescriptions for fitness” is taking off around the country. The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is holding a series of “train-the-trainer” workshops to educate pediatric health care providers about prescribing outdoor activities to children. The program connects health care providers with local nature sites, so that they can refer families to safe and easily accessible outdoor areas. Incentive programs are popping up across the country; children that return to hike additional trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of the Kids in Parks program, for example, receive toys and games. Chicago residents that receive a prescription from their doctor to exercise receive a free gym membership.

Care2, 4/5/2012