Community Health Connect  is the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.

In this issue:

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

• PaRx: Your prescription for nature 
• Social workers: Supporting you and your family 
• Community partner spotlight: Eye care resources  

PaRx: Your prescription for nature 

PaRx, is Canada’s national, evidence-based nature prescription program, designed to help improve your health by encouraging you to spend more time outdoors.

Through PaRx, your healthcare provider can prescribe you a free annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass. (Providers can prescribe one pass per month.)

 Why nature?  Spending time in nature has been shown to have a variety of positive effects on mental and physical health.

 How it works:  Your healthcare provider will give you a personalized “nature prescription”. They may recommend getting outdoors for at least two hours a week to maximize health benefits. Research shows even short periods outdoors can have significant benefits, with the most efficient drop in cortisol (the stress hormone) occurring in this timeframe.

 Who can benefit:  If you're looking to improve your physical activity or mental well-being, you could benefit from a Prescription for Nature. It’s open to anyone who would benefit from spending more time in nature, no matter your age or fitness level.

Step outside and take your health to the next level! Talk to your doctor about PaRx today!  

Social workers: Supporting you and your family 

“I know our clients are supposed to learn from us, but often I find myself learning from my clients and those are some of the best lessons I’ve learned.”

— Emily Stuart, CWC PCN Social Worker

At the heart of navigating health issues, life challenges, and illness, our Social Workers play a vital role in supporting individuals and families during difficult times.

Our Social Workers help bridge the gap between you and community support — increasing your understanding of the healthcare system and access to key resources based on your needs.

 This support could include: 

• Basic needs, housing, transportation, and recreation
• Mental health resource navigation, family mediation, and domestic violence supports
• Disability supports and programming, medical equipment and coverage, and financial support and benefits 

Social Workers are skilled at working with people of all ages and backgrounds, offering assistance tailored to each person’s unique needs. They can help identify and connect you with a range of services based on your specific goals, ensuring you get the most relevant and beneficial support.

Talk to your primary care provider about social work programs available to you.  

Community partner spotlight: Eye care resources

 The Alberta Association of Optometrists’  website has a tool and information that could assist you in:

• Finding a nearby optometrist for urgent/medically necessary eye care
• Booking eye exams 
  
• Learning about recommendations for eye health and safety
• Understanding Alberta Health Care coverage by age group 

The find an optometrist tool can be searched by address, postal code, practice, optometrist, or language. The results show locations and contact information.

If you have feedback on any health topics you would like to learn or read more about, please contact us directly at hello@cwcpcn.com.

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