Apr 17, 2018

Prescription of the outdoors

2018 National Park RX days in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park to host Park Rx Day

A dose of nature for all will at Lake McDonald Lodge

MONTANA LIVING – We all know how the outdoors helps us be healthier.

Glacier National Park invites community members to discover the healing power of nature by celebrating Park Prescription Day, April 29.

Park Rx Day is part of National Park Week is April 21-29.

Glacier National Park, in conjunction with the Summit Medical Fitness Center, will host several activities at the Lake McDonald Lodge Parking Area from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Sunday April 29^th. Rangers will be on site to offer free blood pressure screenings and answer questions about the park. Fitness experts from the Summit will provide trekking poles to demo, an outdoor scavenger hunt activity with prizes, and free all natural, organic energy bars made locally at Kalispell Regional Healthcare.
“We are excited to host Park Rx Day here at the park to encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the health benefits our public lands have to offer,” said Park Superintendent Jeff Mow.

Park Rx Day is a day for people everywhere to take a walk in a park and give themselves the gift of good health.

The growing Park Rx movement has doctors prescribing time in parks for their patients to improve health. Healthcare providers across the country are writing prescriptions for recommended doses of outdoor time and activity.

Getting outside on a regular basis to walk, play, or just relax combats a number of health concerns including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression, according to the National Park Service.
On April 29, there are more than 50 Park Rx Day events taking place in national, state, and local parks across the country. Dozens of partners, including the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, local health clinics, the Institute at the Golden Gate, and National Recreation and Parks Association are supporting Park Rx Day events.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.