Sacramento County Public Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye, (Dr. K) presented County Supervisor Don Nottoli with the first Park Prescription on May 23, 2012.

Park Prescriptions stemmed from a 2010 study that found, “Just five minutes of exercise in a park, working in a backyard garden, on a nature trail, or other green space will benefit mental health.”

In the study, Jules Pretty and Jo Barton explain that green exercise is physical activity in the presence of nature. There is also abundant scientific evidence that shows that activity in natural areas decreases the risk of mental illness and improves the sense of well-being.

Dr. K says that combining a 30 minute walk or two-15 minute walks in a park is enough to improve both physical and mental health.  We’ve become too sedentary and connected to technology….we need to take a break and go outside and play!

Recreation and park agencies throughout Sacramento are launching a campaign to get people out of their homes and into their parks and hope that a prescription from our doctor will help provide just the right motivation!