Riverview physicians will be going a step further to foster healthy lifestyles in their patients in the form of Park Prescriptions.
 
Park Prescriptions will be given to patients in order to help prevent, reduce or eliminate conditions ranging from heart disease to attention deficit disorder. Instructions will be written on the front of the prescription by the health care provider and, as a reference, the address and website of many local parks are listed on the back of the prescription.
 
“The great outdoors is a natural stress reducer. Exercise, as simple as walking, helps decrease stress and elevates moods, decrease blood pressure, strengthen mobility and balance issues. Using the park prescription as any other medication prescription shows how serious we are about helping people move towards a healthier lifestyle,” explains Elizabeth Hanrahan, a nurse practioner with Riverview -WorkMed Occupational Health East. “The Park Prescription helps me help patients who come in asking what they need to do to become healthier. I can check off an appropriate box or write in what I would like them to start doing.
 
For more information about the Park Prescription program or ways that you can add wellness into your workplace, contact Kristin Lamb at klamb@riverview.org.
 
Hamilton County Parks  www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com
Noblesville Parks & Recreation  www.cityofnoblesville.org/parks
Westfield Parks & Recreation  www.westfield.in.gov/parks
Fishers Parks & Recreation  www.fishers.in.us/parks