UC doctors add walk in the park to medicine cabinet
Program featured in Cincinnati Enquirer has providers writing prescriptions to get patients outside
Cincinnati Parks for Wellness is a program that's new to the area. It draws on decades of research showing that spending time in nature lowers a person's blood pressure and anxiety, while boosting the immune system and self-esteem. It's known as ParkRx nationally.
“The science behind nature and health is so strong," said Sian Cotton, PhD, director of the University of Cincinnati's Osher Center for Integrative Health and a professor of family and community medicine in the College of Medicine. The Osher Center partnered with the Cincinnati Parks Foundation to launch the program, which began earlier in August. It was recently featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“Our goal at the end of the day is to encourage people to be in the parks, be in nature, to spend time there, and want to do it again," said Cotton.
Featured image at top of Gazebo at Eden Park. Photo credit/©nat693 (stock.adobe.com).
Related Stories
University of Cincinnati gets $1.1M for AI physician training
January 30, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has received a four-year, $1.1 million grant to explore using artificial intelligence and personalized learning to improve physician education.
Hoxworth Blood Center teams up with Cyclones in February for biggest blood drive event of year
January 30, 2026
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is teaming up with the Cyclones and other local businesses to host its annual Queen City Blood Drive on Feb. 9-11 at Heritage Bank Center. If you can’t attend this event, Hoxworth encourages you to still make donating a #HoxworthHabit and give blood this February.
Research findings may lead to new test for endometriosis
January 30, 2026
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women worldwide, and many go years before diagnosis. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during menstruation and/or sexual intercourse, bloating and fatigue. Katie Burns’ research at the University of Cincinnati is focused on creating a new, non-invasive test for endometriosis, using white blood cells as biomarkers. Burns, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences in the College of Medicine.