Nature is what the doctor ordered so patients can breathe easy, and it’s free
Would you be surprised if your doctor’s prescription were a day in the park? When we walk in the forest or under the shade of the trees, we immerse ourselves in a fresh atmosphere of sounds, colours, scents and more.
Nature prescriptions are increasingly popular around the world, encouraging patients to spend time outdoors instead of relying solely on medicine, as this enhances and improves the effectiveness of the treatment. In England, nature prescriptions have been around since October 2018, when the National Health Service in Shetland, Scotland, announced such a programme to reduce blood pressure.
In Hong Kong, a major affliction is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an incurable chronic airway condition mostly caused by smoking, air pollution, and inhalation of dust and chemicals at work. The most effective treatment is to quit smoking and take oral medication to control the condition and improve the quality of life. For COPD sufferers, nature has the power to heal, promote physical and mental health, and relieve stress and fatigue.
It is important in prescribing nature to provide concrete advice, instead of vague admonitions such as “do more exercise”. Doctors can “prescribe” nature, based on accessibility, safety, amenities, and the patient’s living conditions and needs.
Apart from advocating community health and promoting this concept to community groups and trainers, Health in Action wants to integrate nature into daily lives and establish new habits.
Let doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and a team of multidisciplinary health professionals develop the most appropriate prescription of nature for each family.
However, nature is not easily accessible for many disadvantaged groups such as the working poor, elderly and disabled.
In view of the overwhelming needs of COPD sufferers, Health In Action has co-organised a programme titled “BREATH: Prescribed Nature for COPD Community”. The community-based initiative is tailored for each group with free activities to be held from February to July, including family experience, diet, personal management, exercise, medication and mental health workshops.
For inquiry and enrolment, please call: 4612 9548 (2pm-6pm)
Dr Fan Ning, founder, Health In Action