American College of Lifestyle Medicine Champions New Resolution for Nature as Integral to Health

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has embraced a new resolution spearheaded by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), heralded at their 116th Annual Meeting. This landmark resolution underscores the vital role nature plays in enhancing human health, proposing a collaborative effort among the fields of healthcare, research, and conservation.

Nature is increasingly being recognized as a foundational aspect of lifestyle medicine, which encompasses six pivotal pillars: optimal nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, connectedness, and avoidance of risky substances. The resolution asserts that engaging in outdoor activities—like walking, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and sustainable habitat stewardship—can foster physical activity, mental well-being, cardiovascular health, and improved overall quality of life.

Emphasizing Whole-Person Health

Dr. John Findley, CEO of ACLM, stresses the underutilization of nature in promoting whole-person health, stating, "Nature is one of our most accessible resources for wellness. It offers a space for movement, play, curiosity, and rejuvenation alongside deepening our connections with ourselves and others. Emerging evidence indicates that time spent in nature can alleviate anxiety and depression, reduce blood pressure, and mitigate stress and inflammation. This resolution encapsulates the crucial truth that human health and environmental health are intertwined. By facilitating access to nature's benefits, we can inspire greater environmental stewardship."

A Partnership for Progress

The passage of this resolution has paved the way for the establishment of a strategic partnership involving AFWA, ACLM, and the Nature and Health Alliance (NHA). This alliance aims to advocate for the health benefits associated with nature, highlighting the necessity of a united front in addressing the health of people and the ecosystems they inhabit.

According to Ron Regan, Executive Director of AFWA, this resolution not only emphasizes the importance of healthy natural resources but also opens avenues for collaborative conservation efforts. He states, "State fish and wildlife agencies play a crucial role in linking millions of people to the outdoors. This resolution illustrates how healthy ecosystems contribute to community wellness, especially as hunting seasons commence across the United States. Connecting communities to nature delivers nutritious, naturally sourced protein while encouraging ecological conservation."

The One Health Committee's Role

The resolution emerged from the dedicated efforts of AFWA's One Health Committee, which melds wildlife conservationists with health experts to explore the interrelations between human health, wildlife health, and environmental health. Recognizing these correlations is essential for fostering a holistic approach to public health and ecology.

Dr. Jennifer Roberts, Chair of NHA, expressed excitement over the recognition of the connection between healthy people and a thriving natural world. She said, "This resolution provides an exhilarating opportunity to advance cooperative efforts focused on the enhancement of public health through engagement with nature."

Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Recommendations

Recent surveys, including the American Nature Health Survey conducted by NHA and REI Co-op, indicate a strong public interest in receiving guidance about nature's health benefits. Findings reveal that 83% of those surveyed expressed a desire to spend more time outdoors if a healthcare provider recommended it; in stark contrast, only 20% reported having received such advice.

To bridge this gap, ACLM plans to introduce a new Nature and Health Continuing Medical Education (CME) course in 2027. This initiative, developed in partnership with NHA and supported by the REI Cooperative Action Fund, aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge required to integrate nature-based evidence into patient care effectively.

A Vision for Healthier Communities

The resolution signals a growing understanding within the conservation community that safeguarding natural environments is crucial for human well-being. Jason Sumners, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and chair of AFWA's One Health Committee, emphasized a collective responsibility, stating, "The health of individuals, wildlife, and our natural surroundings are inseparable. This resolution reflects our shared commitment to fostering a relationship between communities and their natural resources."

Jessica Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, added that this resolution aligns with their vision for America's Outdoor Era, aiming to increase outdoor accessibility for all citizens as a fundamental health strategy.

In summary, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's support for this resolution signifies a pivotal movement towards integrating nature into the healthcare landscape, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, wildlife, and environmental health and calling for substantial action across various sectors to actualize these goals.