Two hours in nature for better health

According to Dr. Melissa Lem, people who spend two hours per week in nature are not only happier, but healthier. Lem is to present the findings on October 12 at the UBC Okanagan Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She also serves as the President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, and Director of PaRx, Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program to improve mental health. In her talk, Dr. Lem will discuss highlights from the wide-ranging body of knowledge on nature and health, present an overview of PaRx—including its significant national and international influence—and reveal how prescribing nature can improve both patient and planetary health. The Distinguished Speaker Series brings compelling speakers to the Okanagan to share their unique perspectives on issues that affect our region, our country and our world.