Healthy Parks - Healthy People

Ranger-guided canoe and kayak trips are offered during the summer months at locations throughout the national seashore.

NPS photo

 

Since 2015, Cape Cod National Seashore has partnered with Cape Cod Healthcare to promote ways in which the national seashore contributes to our physical and mental well-being under the national Healthy Parks Healthy People program. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces (and tan and blue spaces like the seashore!) can improve fitness, lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, and boost our mood.

The seashore's walking and biking trails and miles of beaches provide opportunities to improve our physical fitness. Scenic landscapes, stunning views, and the seashore's wildness nourish our souls. When we couple these outdoor experiences with the expertise of healthcare professionals, we can achieve maximum benefits.

Cape Cod Healthcare has produced a printed guide about physical and mental wellness opportunities at the seashore. Most recenly, physicians and rangers have teamed up for Talk and Walk with a Doc sessions on different wellness topics. Short talks with a doctor are followed by scenic walks. Check at visitor centers or the online activity calendar, or visit www.capecodhealth.org/healthyparks. In addition, rangers and volunteers offer programs like long walks, meditation, and boating that support these wellness goals.

If you plan to bicycle in the park as one of your healthy activities, please check Biking at Cape Cod National Seashore for important safety information. Bike accidents are the leading cause of injuries in the seashore, and your safety is our highest priority.