Health ShortsGardening
A Garden State of Mind
Any gardener will attest to the healing power of digging in the soil, and research has confirmed that gardening has the capacity to relieve stress. Some studies have shown that gardeners have brain wave patterns similar to those of people who meditate. A Swedish study found that heart patients recovered faster from surgery when they were given a picture of a garden to enjoy.
[SOURCE: Christy Lochrie, "The Grace of Gardening: In Addition to Its Mental Benefits, Gardening Helps Counteract the Physical Harms of Stress," Vibrant Life, January-February, 2003] Gardening Builds Strong Bones
As a weight-bearing physical activity, gardening is a good way to build bone density and head off osteoporosis, a common health problem for postmenopausal women and older men. A researcher at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville found that women who worked in the garden regularly-digging, pulling weeds and pushing a mower-had stronger bones than those who did activities such as jogging, swimming, walking or aerobic dance. And, for these women, gardening was more enjoyable. Another study found that a 180-pound man burned 326 calories and a 132-pound woman, 240 calories during an hour of gardening.
[SOURCE: Ellen Sturm, "Let's Get Physical: For Your Workout, Head to the Full-Service Gym Located Just Outside Your Door," Country Living Gardener, May-June, 2003] Locating a Community Garden
To find a community garden in your area, call your county cooperative extension office, your neighborhood association, the mayor's office, a garden club or local nurseries.
[SOURCE: Lee Tucker, "Get Down and Dirty: Try the Green Thumb Health Plan," Prevention, July, 2002] | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
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