Nature and Health: How does lifestyle and environment affect health and wellness? Monroeville, PA

Life in urban areas poses a range of health and sustainability challenges, some of which can be mitigated by access to and development of green and blue spaces. We are exploring the ways in which “park prescriptions” might provide novel, cost-effective, and sustainable tools for physicians to aid in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in primary care settings. Collaborators: Highmark Health, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Monroeville Parks & Recreation, and Forbes Family Medicine/Allegheny Health Network.

The Challenge

In the year 2050, 70% of the world population will be living in urban areas. Urban areas are associated with several environmental and health challenges. Extreme heat, and noise and air pollution all contribute to the development and worsening of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases will account for almost 90% of yearly deaths in the year 2050. 

The Solution

Time in urban green and blue spaces can improve the health and wellbeing of urban residents through many different pathways (e.g., increasing physical activity and social interaction; reducing exposure to urban heat and to noise and air pollution). This research project is a randomized controlled trial in a primary care clinic. We are testing the impacts of nature prescriptions for patients with chronic disease, exploring impacts of time in nature on multiple metrics of mental and physical health and wellbeing. Before and after the completion of the trial, we assess physical activity and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The main objective is to investigate if the park prescription increases time in nature for patients. The results of the trial can be used to better inform and support primary care physicians in understanding the roles of different kinds of preventive medicine interventions. 

Funding: Richard King Mellon Foundation