Harbin Clinic Prescribes Outdoor Activities for Patients and Families This Summer

May 31, 2023

Harbin Clinic is promoting a series of outdoor activities, resources and events in Northwest Georgia this summer to encourage patients and families to spend more time outside. Numerous studies from the National Institute of Health show engaging with nature can boost both mental and physical health. With growing mental health concerns and heart disease as the leading cause of death in America since 1950, the benefits of an outdoor adventure outweigh the risks of a sedentary summer inside. In fact, physical inactivity is a significant factor in poor mental and physical health, and yet 90% of the average American life is spent indoors.

To encourage outdoor activity, Harbin Clinic has released a new scavenger hunt featuring eight locations across the Northwest Georgia area. These destinations will expose patients and families to unique, outdoor places and fun spots to return to for future physical activity. To participate in this year’s scavenger hunt, submit photos of at least five destinations and be entered to win a YETI cooler and a Harbin Clinic prize pack. Everyone who takes a photo of all eight destinations will automatically receive a Harbin Clinic Prize Pack. For more information about the scavenger hunt, visit harbinclinic.com/prescribeoutside.

Harbin Clinic has also worked closely with several local nonprofits to offer outdoor experiences. For example, Harbin Clinic is partnering with Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) for a second year to advance the healthy use of local rivers through the CRBI Swim Guide. The guide will provide weekly water quality reports at 30 recreational destinations in the upper Coosa River basin ensuring the community is informed on the safest swimming spots all summer long. Harbin Clinic is also partnering with the local YMCA to offer free outdoor kickboxing classes to the Rome/Floyd community on the first Saturday of each month.

"At Harbin Clinic, we are committed to leading initiatives that encourage strong, healthy and happy communities," says Sarah Scarber, senior director of marketing and communications for Harbin Clinic. "Prescribe Outside allows us to promote outdoor activity, which has significant health benefits, while reintroducing the community to the beautiful natural resources nearby and the nonprofits committed to caring for them."

Download this year’s scavenger hunt, access the CRBI Swim Guide, discover additional outdoor activities and learn more about the "side effects" of participating in Prescribe Outside by visiting harbinclinic.com/prescribeoutside.