What's Happening?
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) that recognizes the significant role of nature in supporting human health and well-being. This resolution advocates
for increased collaboration among conservation, healthcare, and research communities to promote the health benefits of engaging with nature. It highlights that outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and habitat stewardship can encourage physical activity, support mental and cardiovascular health, and improve overall quality of life. The resolution aligns nature with all six pillars of lifestyle medicine: optimal nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, connectedness, and avoidance of risky substances. ACLM CEO John Findley, MD, CPE, emphasized that nature is an accessible yet underused resource for whole-person health, with emerging evidence suggesting its positive effects on depression, anxiety, blood pressure, stress, and inflammation.
Why It's Important?
This resolution marks a pivotal moment in integrating environmental conservation with public health initiatives in the U.S. By formally recognizing nature as a foundational component of health, it paves the way for healthcare providers to actively 'prescribe' outdoor activities, potentially transforming preventive care and chronic disease management. A survey revealed that 83% of respondents would spend more time outside if recommended by a healthcare provider, yet only 20% have received such advice. This gap highlights a significant opportunity for healthcare professionals to leverage nature as a therapeutic tool. The collaboration between AFWA, ACLM, and the Nature and Health Alliance (NHA) could lead to innovative programs and policies that encourage greater public engagement with natural environments, ultimately fostering healthier communities and a stronger appreciation for conservation efforts. This interdisciplinary approach could also unlock new funding and research opportunities at the intersection of health and environmental science.
What's Next?
To bridge the gap between public interest and clinical practice, ACLM plans to launch a new Nature and Health CME/CE course in 2027. Developed in partnership with NHA and supported by the REI Cooperative Action Fund, this course will educate clinicians on the science connecting nature and health, enabling them to integrate evidence-based, nature-based interventions into patient care responsibly. This initiative is expected to increase the number of healthcare providers who recommend outdoor activities, thereby encouraging more individuals to engage with nature for their health. Furthermore, the strategic partnership among AFWA, ACLM, and NHA is likely to lead to the development of joint programs and public awareness campaigns. These efforts will aim to promote the health and well-being benefits of nature, fostering a shared vision for healthier people and natural environments across the country. The resolution also suggests potential for policy changes that support access to natural spaces for health purposes.
Beyond the Headlines
The resolution's emphasis on the interconnectedness of human health and the natural world highlights a deeper philosophical shift towards a 'One Health' approach, recognizing that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems are inextricably linked. This perspective challenges the traditional siloed approach to healthcare and environmental management, advocating for holistic solutions. The potential for healthcare providers to prescribe nature could also lead to a re-evaluation of urban planning and public land management, prioritizing the creation and preservation of accessible green spaces within communities. This could have profound long-term implications for public health infrastructure, encouraging investments in parks, trails, and conservation areas as essential components of community well-being. Moreover, by fostering a deeper connection between individuals and nature, the initiative could cultivate a stronger sense of environmental stewardship, leading to increased support for conservation efforts and sustainable living practices.
