Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer walks us through all the reasons why we all need to put down our phones, tablets and computers and get outside! Being in nature provides a myriad of benefits for our emotional and physical well-being with reductions in stress, improved attention and lowered blood pressure and cortisol. It’s a free and safe remedy that can be prescribed online right in your practice! Using Nature Prescribed, clinicians, patients and families, create a prescription for a nature experience that includes dose, frequency and instructions with a built in text reminder!
Key Highlights:
[00:30 – 08:38] Pediatric Meltdown: How Nature Can Help
- Pediatrician and associate medical director for nature prescribed, Stacy Beller Stryer, joins the show to discuss the benefits of nature for children and how to prescribe nature prescriptions to improve their health.
- Stacy emphasizes the importance of nature for social development, mental health, and physical health, and notes that it is important for children of all ages.
- Studies have found that children who spend more time outside have better mental health outcomes, including decreased anxiety and depression.
- Stacey encourages adults to spend more time outside to benefit their mental health as well.
[08:39 – 16:24] How to Prescribe Nature to Improve Mental Health
- The benefits of nature include physical and mental health improvements.
- Forest bathing is a form of therapy from Japan that focuses on green space and taking in the environment.
- There are studies that show people who are prescribed nature are less stressed and have better immune systems.
- Providers can prescribe nature by filling out a prescription on Nature Prescribed’s website.
- The prescription is sent to the patient’s cell phone or computer, and they can decide how often to receive reminders.
[16:24 – 24:11] Prescribing Prescription Drugs to Kids
- There are many ways to prescribe nature for mental health, including writing a prescription and having a doctor enter it into the electronic medical record (EMR).
- There are many resources available online, including posters and swag, to help people get started.
- One way to make nature more accessible for people is to work with local parks or green spaces.
[24:11 – 32:16] Teachers Encouraged to Take Kids Outside for Therapy
- Teachers should take kids to therapy or sessions, bring them outside, and do the session outside to improve outcomes.
- There are now more and more therapists who are doing their sessions outside or walking and talking.
- Nature has many benefits, including decreased anxiety and depression, increased physical activity, and better academic outcomes.
- Closing segment
- Final Words
- Thank you to Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer
- Nature matters
- It is sad that Kids on average get 6 to 8 minutes of outdoor time per day but its changeable
- Numerous studies finds that the closer you are to nature the better the outcome and the better your sense of wellbeing
- Forest bathing is a form of Japanese therapy. It reduces heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol
- Immersion in nature. Using all five senses allows you to revel in wonderment and amazement.
- So how do you get your patients outside? Head to natureprescribe.org and click on prescribe from there.
- Healthcare providers, teachers and therapists can use the site to up your game.
- Start with an email to Stacy or Richard
- Dr. Stacy Bella Stryer’s final advice, which I think is lovely. Take a break, take more time. Go Outside
Key quotes:
“Take a break, take more time. Go Outside” – Dr. Stacy Bella Stryer
Connect With Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer
Email:[email protected]
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Richard Louv “Last Child in the Woods”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Pediatric Meltdown was listed as a Top 20 Pediatric Podcast on FeedSpot.
If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. To learn more about me visit https://www.medicalbhs.com/
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