Gardening Perks for the Body
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| Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco |
| Gardening is good exercise, but take proper care of those knees! |
Have you thought about your bones today? I must admit, I never gave this much thought until recently. Perhaps the following will give you energy to tackle your garden with stronger passion.
A research team at the University of Arkansas did a major study to determine if there was any correlation between gardening and healthier bones. You’ll like what the study found: Women (over the age of 50) who regularly gardened showed greater bone density than those who did not. Low bone density puts you “at risk” for osteoporosis. Imagine: Regular yard work could prevent osteoporosis. The study reminds us to not lose sight of: maintaining a healthy diet and body weight (including refraining from drinking and smoking). It’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and you’re never too young to start!
Spending time in the garden has other benefits: It brings a sense of satisfaction, gives us time out in the fresh air and sunshine, and offers a release from stress and tension. I’ve said, and heard many others say, that gardening is a great form of therapy. I have friends who jog every day; I’ve never seen a jogger sporting a big smile as they’re pounding the pavement. I smile when I’m gardening. Back to “real exercise?” I’m not disciplined enough to put aside time each day to hit the treadmill. But I always have time to be in the garden. It’s a matter of priorities.
So as I nurture my garden, I’m also doing good things for my head and my bones. Double-digging for the new perennial border, pulling out those persistent weeds and hauling the hose around my yard is looking better and better – and keeps me in shape.
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| Facts |
- Gardening isn’t just a healthy pastime for adults. Research has shown that gardening activities enhance the quality and meaningfulness of children’s learning on a wider level, as well.
- The American Dietetic Association, Society for Nutrition Education and American School Food Service Association have viewed the garden as an ideal learning laboratory for enhancing the school environment, reinforcing nutrition education and providing physical activity.
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| Definitions |
- Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become fragile, porous and more likely to break.
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