Step outdoors to DITCH medications?!

I shouldn’t have been surprised when I saw this headline…

Americans Are Spending Less Time Outside

That was published by Outside Magazine (one of my personal favorites), but it highlights a sad state of the health of American people.

The fact is, people are LESS active… LAZIER… and downright UNHEALTHY.

But many will try to “rectify” their unhealthy lifestyles by gobbling up all kinds of prescription medications. When in REALITY they do nothing but mask the real problem.

So I’m going to keep things short-and-sweet and prove (once again!) that the healthiest version of YOU doesn’t require a boatload of pills…

In fact, getting off your REAR can end your dependence on meds… and I’ve got the data to prove it!

Here’s another headline for you:

Enjoying nature may lessen need for some medications, study finds.

This was published by CNN just last month. It’s not breaking news… but it’s 100% FACT.

The origins of this study came from the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, and it found that going for a walk in a park, along a lake, or a tree-lined space may reduce the need for medications for anxiety, asthma, depression, high blood pressure or insomnia.

More movement equals… less pills!

Research shows that visiting nature three to four times a week was associated with:

• 36% lower odds of using blood pressure pills,
• 33% lower odds of using mental health medications,
• and, 26% lower odds of using asthma medications.

That’s a no brainer to me, folks!

But that’s not all that getting outside can do for you.

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that spending more time outside decreases pain, lowers stress, improves mood, and even keeps your brain sharp!

The study pointed to outdoor activities like taking a hike or walking through nature as an iron-clad way to BOOST your overall physical and mental health.

That’s because scientists have found that sounds of water (like a stream) can boost positive emotions and overall health outcomes… and soothing, cheerful bird sounds can actually combat stress and those times you feel ‘annoyed.’

With weather soon upon us all, now is the perfect time to step outside and spend some much-needed time in nature.

A great way to get started is to check out the nationwide listings of the National Park Service. Here you can browse national parks by state… many of which may be a short drive or day trip from where you live.

These parks offer countless walking and hiking trails for all ages and fitness levels.

You can also do an online search of local parks, lakes, and outdoor venues in your area. There’s a good chance you can find a quiet walking trail close to your home!

In Your Corner,

Dr. Allan Spreen

Sources:

Fox, Maura. “Americans Are Spending Less Time Outside.” https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/americans-less-time-outside-2019-study/

LaMotte, Sandee. “Enjoying nature may lessen need for some medications, study finds.” https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/16/health/nature-mental-health-study-wellness

Study Finds. “Take a hike! Nature sounds can decrease pain, lower stress, and improve your mental health.” https://studyfinds.org/nature-sounds-decrease-pain-lower-stress-improve-mood/