Prescription for Nature

Hello again! It’s been far too long since I’ve been active on my blog. But get ready, because I have so many new things to share with you. 2023 is going to be an adventure! I hope you are ready to follow along!

As some of you know, my husband, Tim and I have been planning for years to thru hike the Ice Age Trail. The IAT is a 1200 mile national scenic Trail that winds throughout the state of Wisconsin. Our journey begins August 1, 2023 as we leave the western terminus in St Croix Falls Wisconsin. Our goal is to follow the yellow blazes and reach the eastern terminus in Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin by Tim‘s birthday on October 13. However, we officially have until October 31st.

You’re probably wondering, “Why on earth, would they do that?!” Well, that’s a reasonable question. All I can say is that it’s a physical challenge that has been a dream for over a decade. We have been segment hiking the trail for years. Nature, is where I find peace and replenishment. Since a child, I have escaped stress and found my inner calm in the woods; along streams and among fields of wildflowers. I am most alive while bathing in the sounds, sights and smells. So much wonder surrounds us! Yet, it remains unseen as we are blinded by our fast paced lives and electronic devices.

I…am writing MYSELF a prescription for nature therapy.

Patient: Dacy Reimer

Prescription: Nature Therapy

#30 (days)

x3 (months)

What is Nature Therapy?

To be honest, it’s not one thing. Some people call it forest bathing, green prescribing, ecotherapy, and many other titles. It began as Shinrin Yoku in Japan, which is where the majority of research is based.

There are many benefits to spending time in nature:

• Calms our spirits

• Clears our minds and improves mental well-being

• Opens mindfulness of our senses and surroundings

• Increases problem-solving abilities

• Improves our memory

• Increases creativity

• Gives us a more positive outlook on life

• Lowers cortisol (our stress hormone)

• Lowers pulse rate

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves digestion (by increasing parasympathetic nerve activity)

• Promotes weight loss (by lowering sympathetic nerve activity) especially if physical exercise, such as hiking is involved.

In a nutshell, it is a practice that uses nature to improve mental and physical health.

In case you’re still wondering if I just made this up, Nature Therapy is more mainstream than you think. Check out this article in Time magazine from April 2022:

Why Doctors Are Prescribing Nature Walks for Stress | Time

Perhaps I will go into more detail about the health benefits in a later blog post. For now, I just wanted to explain to you the background for our upcoming adventure. Tim and I have worked extremely hard which has lead us to be dedicated to our employers; successful in our careers; raise three amazing children; and active in our five grandchildren’s lives. Anything we’ve put our minds to, we have accomplished.

This hiking adventure is for US.

It’s our physical challenge, before we’re too old to do it. It’s our chance to stop working seven days a week and bond more closely. It’s our chance to spend time with God in a quiet place that we hear Him most. It’s our time to regenerate.

Along the way, we will also be raising money and awareness for Parkinson disease. As a Nurse Practitioner, I have specialized in Parkinson disease for over 25 years. I love what I do and I believe in the cause. Money raised, will go directly to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association (WPA).

The WPA mission is: Providing hope, community, support, and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

As we trek through our beautiful State, we will be highlighting the communities we pole through and the Parkinson’s programs supported by the WPA within them. We hope you follow along as we post updates, photos and videos on this blog.

DONATIONS: Wisconsin Parkinson Association

If you know someone with Parkinson disease and would like to honor them, or would like to sponsor us per mile, please visit the link below:

Ice Age Trail Thru Hike for PD

SPONSOR: Horizon Outfitters

If you are a gear head or just getting started hiking outdoors, be sure to visit our friends at Horizon Outfitters in Hartford, Wisconsin. They have everything you need to get you out in comfort! Really… the shop is amazing.

15 North Main St. Hartford, Wisconsin, 53027

https://www.horizonoutfitters.shop/

Horizon Outfitters is located in the old Hartford theater building, which ironically, is where I held my first job as a movie candy striper! Thank you Robert for your tips and support to help make our thru hike adventure a success!

Also a huge shout out to my employer, Neuroscience Group of Neenah, WI. I am humbled they are giving me the time to complete this thru hike. Thank you for your constant support of people with Parkinson disease, the WPA and for rallying my colleagues to support me on this adventure. I am truly blessed to work for NSG.

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