Holland doctor prescribing outdoor time to curb chronic medical conditions and more
HOLLAND, Mich. — There's a new prescription some people are gladly signing up for. Some doctors are prescribing outdoor time at local parks in Allegan County.
Dr. Beth Peter with Lakewood Family Medicine is spearheading the Park RX America pilot program.
"There's been more and more medical research supporting the benefits that our bodies receive when they get outside," said Peter.
Peter said the program started in 2012 in California. She said she prescribes it to patients with chronic medical conditions.
"Diabetes, hypertension, people struggling with their weight, sometimes folks who are just having a lot of stress, anxiety and needing a good outlet beyond medicine," said Peter.
Peter said she's been writing scripts for it in conjunction with Ottawa Allegan Parks and the Holland PHO.
"It's not right for everyone's practice but particularly for a lot of folks who do primary care, wellness care and a lot of the pediatricians and psychiatrist are also on board," said Peter.
She said we all know we need more exercise and outdoor time instead of spending it on our phones. She said she likes that the prescription can come through as a text message.
"They can get little reminders to say have you spent time in nature this week? Even an option to check in at the park," said Peter.
She said there's 83 parks currently in the platform. The parks patients are prescribed to are decided upon by the patient and their doctor to ensure it's the best fit.
"People are really excited to look at the map and see how many different parks and green spaces we have in this area," said Peter.
She said Park RX isn't intended to replace medicine. Instead, Peter said it's an addition to help achieve a better state of well-being.
