May 2018

Do You Need a Nature Prescription?

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his
hands” Psalm 19:1
“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice
of the turtle dove is heard in our land”. Song of Solomon 2:12

Are you suffering from Nature-Deficit Disorder? Although this is not a formal diagnosis, this phrase is being
used to describe emotional and behavioral problems that are seen in people, particularly children, who are not
spending enough time outdoors. Our life styles have changed drastically over the years. Parents are often
afraid to let their children play outdoors and with the advent of electronics, the average child spends 44 hours a
week inside with electronics.

Doctors are now literally writing prescriptions for nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, for people of all
ages. Studies have shown a significant correlation between the availability of nature and lower levels of
depression, anxiety, and stress. Nature is good for our soul. Getting out in in God’s beautiful creation leaves
us with a feeling of peace and well-being. Our physical health can greatly benefit from getting outdoors.
Doctors are prescribing nature to help treat a variety of medical conditions from post-cancer fatigue to obesity,
high blood pressure and diabetes.

So now that spring has actually sprung, gather your family and get out and play!
“We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require
that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and
unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature”.
—Thoreau Your parish nurses

Other Health and Wellness News

 The Advance Care Planning (ACP) program has been rescheduled for Monday, May 14th, at 3pm and
7pm here at Peace with a viewing of the film, Consider the Conversation, one hour prior to the program (2 and
6 pm).
 There are a number of workshops and educational programs coming up. Here is a listing. For details,
see the information on the parish nurse table. Contact Luann Teige, Senior Connections, at 715-394-3611 to
sign up.
May 3, 10, 17, and June 21, 10:00-noon at United Presbyterian Church, Superior. Care Talks. This is a
workshop for people who want to better communicate with their health care team. No cost. Participants will
receive a $25 gift card at the end of the project.
May 9-June 27, every Wednesday, 10:00-noon at Bayside Baptist Church. A Matter of Balance: Managing
Concerns about falls. No cost.
May 16-June 20, every Wednesday, 1:00-3:30 pm here at Peace. Healthy Living With Diabetes. No cost.
May 22, 8:30-2:30 at WITC, Superior- The Faces of Caregiving. Fee is $29, $9.17 for ages 62+