We’ve all heard it: going outside is good for you. We also know from experience that’s true. From improved health thanks to exercise to simply feeling better after some fresh air, it’s clear that spending time in nature is a good thing, no other evidence required.
But have you ever once had a medical doctor actually prescribe simply heading outside as a solution to a health problem? Unless you see Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller at her Iowa integrated health and OBGYN practice, probably not. But that’s exactly what she does. In this episode she talks about the specific health benefits of getting out in nature, and reveals what it’s like to prescribe nature as a type of medicine, prescription pad and all.
[2:06] Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller’s favorite outdoor space
[3:30] How Suzanne got into going outside
[8:39] Why Amy and Suzanne both think running is the best-ish
[11:45] Amy knows you don’t want to hear anymore about running and moves on
[12:11] Why going outside is good for you
[16:55] What is a “nature prescription” and how it looks to give one to a patient
[19:31] What Suzanne thinks about dosage and Amy’s 20 minutes
[23:15] An uncanny mindmeld situation where no one copies each other but still has the exact same idea
[26:52] Does what you do outside matter?
[36:00] The importance of nearby nature
[38:11] 3 ways to improve your health with nature starting right now
[43:40] Suzanne’s favorite and most essential outdoor gear
[45:10] Suzanne’s favorite outdoor moment
