What often goes unsaid are the benefits of getting outside, breathing fresh air and being active. Unfortunately, many kids are spending more and more time inside, on the couch with a number of electronic devices, which only adds to the emerging obesity epidemic in our country.
An article appeared in USA Today on February 28, 2011 entitled 'Federal Program Gives Families 'Nature Prescriptions' by Cathy Lynn Grossman, discussing a federal program designed to get kids outside. Highlighted in the article is The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) which is funding grants for health care professionals to encourage kids and their parents to get outside through "nature prescriptions".
Have you ever had a doctor write a prescription to get you outside? The NEEF has sample Rx pads that read:
"Rx for Outdoor Activity"
"Go Outside and:
- Play!
- Visit a national wildlife refuge, national fishhatchery, park, playground, or nature center
- Take a walk around the block
- Ride bikes (wear a helmet!), go bird watching, or just explore."
"NEEF’s Children and Nature Initiative addresses two important issues—preventing serious health conditions like obesity and diabetes and reconnecting children to nature. Research indicates that unstructured outdoor activities may improve children's health by increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and serving as a support mechanism for attention disorders."
The goal of this initiative is to "encourage children to spend more time outdoors and teach them how to protect their health and the environment."
Visit their website at http://www.neefusa.org/health/children_nature.htm to learn more about the "Children and Nature Initiative". The website details many of the benefits associated with unstructured outdoor activities including the effects of nature on ADD/ADHD, mood and blood pressure, childhood stress, restorative mechanisms, childhood obesity, and even crime.
Encouraging kids to spend more time outdoors exploring nature - we, at The Mountain Workshop couldn't agree more!
Susan Friedrich
Executive Director
The Mountain Workshop
