The ACT Government is looking to trial the new scripts next year, after medical experts put forward the idea for the program as an effective new way to treat a range of different health issues.
The “green scripts” – which have been a hit with health practitioners in New Zealand and parts of America for several years – would involve Canberra doctors prescribing patients time outdoors with an ACT park ranger.
Our capital city certainly is the perfect place for this kind of environment-based trial, given that no Canberran lives further than 3.5 kilometres from a nature reserve, national park or pine forest.
And not only will “green scripts” be free, they’re also much easier to access than time at the gym or with a personal trainer, while still encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle – big points in our books.
One medical expert said the exercise won’t just help with obesity or fitness, but that exposure to more Vitamin D could also have great effects on metabolic conditions and result in improve mental health (just don’t forget your sunscreen!).
If all goes well, the Government intends to have the program formalised and running by 2020. So, get those walking shoes on!
