Vitamin P: Are You Getting Enough?

Is life feeling stressful lately? You’re not the only one feeling this way. It seems that world news, social media, changes to the work environment, and many other factors are “piling” up and causing a lot more stress. Chronic stress is known to be a contributing factor to many medical conditions including mental health, metabolic syndrome, and insomnia to name a few.

Did you know there is something we can prescribe that can combat all of this? It has benefits that include living longer, increased energy, reduced stress and anxiety, better mood, pain reduction, and improved heart health. We like to call it Vitamin P. What is this miracle vitamin? It’s all-natural, simple, and easily accessible. Time outdoors in a Park!

Ok ok, we hear all the groans and sighs but take a minute to think about it more. Time out in nature, fresh air, natural light, away from “screens” has many benefits to our health and is extremely important. We are incredibly lucky to have a number of amazing and easily accessible parks all around Calgary city limits. For those that want more adventure, the Rocky Mountains have amazing hiking trails just minutes away. Even just a short walk outside, time sitting on a park bench or sitting on your porch can provide benefits to your health. What can you do to increase your time outside and in nature?

You may have seen it in the news recently about an amazing new initiative in Canada called PaRx. A prescription for nature? Believe it or not… Yes! Some healthcare professionals can now prescribe you time outside. Looking to get more involved or for more information, check it out here.

Need a prescription? Talk to one of our Personal Pharmacists today. We would be happy to help you set goals and provide you with an unlimited amount of refills on a prescription for the outdoors.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Check out the City of Calgary Parks

Things to do in Banff & Lake Louise

Parks all over Alberta!