Buzz
When visiting a doctor, many anticipate receiving a prescription for medication. However, there's a growing trend among physicians to recommend unconventional treatments alongside or instead of traditional drugs. These unique prescriptions may be used independently or in combination with other therapies.
These innovative approaches include activities like playing games, cycling, singing, exploring museums, bird-watching, and even moderate alcohol consumption. It’s a win-win situation—getting a valid reason to take time off work while engaging in enjoyable activities. These recommendations are supported by real medical professionals and endorsed by state and federal health authorities, ensuring their legitimacy.
10. Guinness
Guinness has long been celebrated for its health benefits, thanks to its rich content of antioxidant compounds that may reduce the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, it is a source of iron, with a single pint providing 3 percent of the daily 19 mg iron requirement for adults.
This nutritional profile led to Guinness being recommended for pregnant women and post-surgery patients in the past. Its iron content also makes it a popular choice for Irish blood donors, who receive complimentary cans after donating. Beyond iron, Guinness contains phytoestrogen, which enhances cognitive function, aids in weight management, and strengthens bones.
It’s no surprise that Australian doctors prescribed Guinness to a patient in 2017. The recipient was Dave Conway, a Dublin native—Guinness’s birthplace. What could be more fitting for an Irishman than a refreshing bottle of Guinness Extra Stout?
Conway’s hospitalization followed a tragic fall from a seven-story construction site in Brisbane, Australia. Landing on his feet, he suffered severe injuries to his lower body and feet, leading to 26 surgeries, including the amputation of both legs below the knee. During his recovery and wheelchair adaptation, his doctors prescribed a daily pint of Guinness.
9. Playing
It’s widely acknowledged that children today engage in far less play compared to previous generations. This shift is partly due to parents mistakenly viewing play as merely a way for kids to get messy. Additionally, many children now prefer spending time in front of television screens rather than playing outdoors.
Medical experts emphasize that insufficient play negatively impacts a child’s well-being, as play is crucial for learning, fostering creativity, reducing stress, and promoting overall mental and physical development. Recognizing this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that doctors regularly prescribe playtime for children.
The AAP and CDC suggest at least one hour of play daily, along with an additional hour of physical activity. Doctors often phrase these prescriptions as “Play Every Day.” Now, children have a legitimate reason to embrace a little mess.
8. Cycling
Struggling to find the motivation to cycle? Your doctor can help. For instance, medical professionals in Cardiff (UK) and Boston (US) are authorized to prescribe cycling to patients who need more physical activity or aim to shed excess weight.
Doctors provide the prescription alongside a membership card for a partnered bike-sharing service, where it can be redeemed. In Cardiff, patients can use nextbike for free. Physicians in both cities can prescribe a six-month regimen of 30 minutes of daily cycling for their patients.
In Boston, the prescription is redeemed through Blue Bikes (formerly Hubway). While Hubway’s annual fee was $85, low-income patients received an $80 subsidy, leaving them to pay just $5.
7. Bird-Watching and Beach Strolls
In 2018, the National Health Service of Shetland, Scotland, announced that doctors could prescribe bird-watching for patients suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, mental health issues, and heart disease. Additionally, physicians can recommend beach walks or leisurely strolls as part of the treatment.
Patients prescribed bird-watching will join tours organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. They’ll also receive calendars and detailed walking route guides, highlighting the birds and plants they might encounter along the way.
Those prescribed beach visits can spend their time observing seabirds, searching for oyster shells, or hiking hills to spot birds. In winter, patients are encouraged to visit specific locations to experience the invigorating ocean winds.
6. Gardening
In 2016, the UK National Health Service (NHS) explored the idea of prescribing gardening to patients battling cancer, obesity, heart conditions, and mental health issues like dementia. The NHS highlighted that gardening and other outdoor activities enhance sleep quality, reduce loneliness, and alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression.
Gardening also promotes recovery, encourages physical activity, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Research shows dementia patients near or in gardens were 19 percent less likely to exhibit violent behavior compared to those without garden access. In fact, violence among dementia patients without garden exposure increased sevenfold during the study.
Interestingly, the program was already active in areas like Bromley and Lambeth (both in London) before the NHS considered expanding it nationwide. In Lambeth, gardens were set up on hospital premises, allowing patients to grow their own food. The produce was then sold to the hospital, which used it to prepare meals for other patients.
5. Singing, Music, Sports, Arts, and Other Hobbies
The UK National Health Service is also considering allowing doctors to prescribe music for dementia patients. Matt Hancock, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, explained that this initiative aims to address the issue of over-reliance on medication in healthcare.
This decision followed observations that dementia patients who engaged in singing or listened to music appeared calmer and required less medication. A study conducted by Hull’s stroke recovery service and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra found that nearly 90 percent of stroke patients showed health improvements after participating in music therapy.
These stroke patients also experienced fewer episodes of dizziness, anxiety, and seizures. They reported better sleep, improved concentration, and enhanced cognitive abilities. In Gloucestershire, doctors even prescribed singing for patients with respiratory issues.
In addition to singing and music, UK doctors may recommend sports, arts, and other hobbies as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Matt Hancock noted that by 2023, the NHS would enable doctors to prescribe “community activities” and similar pastimes for patients struggling with loneliness.
4. Museum Visits
In 2018, a new law permitted doctors in Montreal to prescribe museum visits for their patients. To enhance the experience, patients received free tickets and could bring friends, family, or caregivers. This initiative was a collaboration with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA).
Nathalie Bondil, MMFA’s director, explained that museum visits positively impact the nervous system. Helene Boyer, vice president of Medecins francophones du Canada (MdFC), added that such visits increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that enhances mood.
Boyer explained that strolling through a museum provides a form of exercise for elderly individuals and those dealing with chronic pain. She also noted that engaging with art positively impacts individuals battling life-threatening illnesses like cancer.
3. Park Visits
In 2015, the South Dakota Department of Health partnered with the state’s Game, Fish, and Parks Department to introduce a pilot program allowing doctors to prescribe park visits for their patients.
Patients with these prescriptions could visit any state-owned park or recreational area. Similar programs exist in other US cities, such as Baltimore’s “Docs in the Park” and Albuquerque’s “Prescription Trails.”
2. Food
Not every patient requires medication; some simply need a well-balanced diet. However, food prescriptions weren’t an option until California doctors stepped in to change that. Through the Food is Medicine initiative, California physicians can now prescribe food, though the program is currently limited to 1,000 low-income patients with congestive heart failure.
This initiative is based on a 2013 study by the Philadelphia nonprofit Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA). During the study, MANNA provided three meals and a snack daily to 65 patients with congestive heart failure.
After 12 months, the study group showed a significant reduction in healthcare expenses. Their average monthly medical costs dropped from $38,937 to $28,183.
Participants in the study also had 50 percent fewer hospital visits compared to the control group and shorter hospital stays when admitted. They were also more likely to be discharged directly home after treatment rather than being transferred to rehab or specialized care facilities.
The program’s success likely stems from the fact that congestive heart failure patients often need low-sodium meals to manage their condition. Unfortunately, such meals are hard to come by, given the abundance of high-salt options like chips readily available.
1. Electricity
Even within medical communities, doctors face criticism for prescribing medications for nearly every ailment imaginable. This practice has become so routine that patients expect drug prescriptions during doctor visits. Some even question a doctor’s competence if no prescription is provided.
However, doctors are beginning to recognize that not all conditions require medication. In some cases, patients might receive something as unconventional as an electricity prescription. This doesn’t involve administering strong electric shocks; instead, the currents are so mild that patients won’t feel them.
While the procedure isn’t yet available, scientists are optimistic about its potential. The human body operates on electrical signals, with the brain sending weak impulses to nerves to control bodily functions. This explains why nerve damage often results in paralysis—the affected area can no longer receive these signals.
Researchers are developing an innovative electrical implant designed to transmit signals within the body. Beyond addressing nerve damage, this groundbreaking technology aims to tackle various health issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. By leveraging electrical impulses, the device can stimulate the pancreas to generate insulin or regulate the heart's rhythm, either speeding it up or slowing it down as needed.
