(JUNE 29, 2017) Three years ago, Vermont adopted a "Park Prescription Program," aimed at improving patient health and well-being through the promotion of increased physical activity.  In a June 29 National Geographic article, "Doctors Are Prescribing Park Visits to Boost Patient Health," Vermont's adoption of the program was highlighted along with a similar program being run in South Dakota. 

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of such programs and Sean Wrenn, M.D., a clinical instructor in surgery at the University of Vermont Medical Center weighed in on the pros and cons. Even though his patients are often restricted from physical activity after surgery, rendering the "prescription to get outside" irrelevant, Wrenn still likes the concept of prescribing "...something a bit more fun" than the typical "pills that people have to swallow or mandates or regiments [they have to follow]." 

Read the full story here.

(JUNE 29, 2017) Three years ago, Vermont adopted a "Park Prescription Program," aimed at improving patient health and well-being through the promotion of increased physical activity.  In a June 29 National Geographic article, "Doctors Are Prescribing Park Visits to Boost Patient Health," Vermont's adoption of the program was highlighted along with a similar program being run in South Dakota. 

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of such programs and Sean Wrenn, M.D., a clinical instructor in surgery at the University of Vermont Medical Center weighed in on the pros and cons. Even though his patients are often restricted from physical activity after surgery, rendering the "prescription to get outside" irrelevant, Wrenn still likes the concept of prescribing "...something a bit more fun" than the typical "pills that people have to swallow or mandates or regiments [they have to follow]." 

Read the full story here.