If your doctor gave you a prescription that read: “Take for 2 hours/week with a minimum of 20-minute increments,” you may balk at what she was asking you to do. But for some patients in Canada, that’s exactly what is prescribed — accompanied by a free pass to the national parks. PaRx is a health initiative of our northern neighbor that seeks to incentivize the health benefits of being outside by providing free park access to those who may not be able to afford it. The hope is that the physical and emotional benefits of unwinding a few hours a week can effectively cure some ailments without drugs.
It’s an idea that can have long-term as well as short-term benefits and is economical for Canada to provide as the government runs both the parks and the health care system, making it a natural pairing. We often think too narrowly when considering the resources we have at our disposal. By looking at the entire organization, or even the whole community, I’ll bet you find that there are supports that are available to you — often for free or low cost. A walk around the block or stroll in your local park can clear your mind and help you think about those resources or with whom you could partner.
As you mark the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, I hope your weather cooperates for you to spend some time outside. You don’t require a national park pass to take advantage of the benefits of sunshine and fresh air.
