Spring is Here!

Spring is here at last and is the perfect time to consider starting a garden.  According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, gardening provides a wheelbarrow full of benefits.  First, all the physical activity involved in gardening, like pushing the wheelbarrow, pulling weeds, raking leaves, digging holes, and so on improve endurance, strength, and flexibility – while    burning 300 calories per hour or more!

And spending time in nature has been associated with lower blood pressure and can be a very calming and meditative experience.  And, according to the American Horticultural  Therapy Association, folks recovering from physical illness can improve co-ordination, balance and strength by re-training their muscles through gardening.  The strength work required, like lifting rocks and bags of soil, can even help build bone and help prevent osteoporosis!

As if all this weren’t enough, those vegetables fresh from your organic garden to your table, provide a wealth of cancer-protective nutrients like antioxidants and phytochemicals.  And home grown veggies always delight the taste buds!  And don’t forget to grow fresh herbs which will enhance the flavor of just about everything while providing their own special mix of health-enhancing nutrients.

Don’t have a yard?  Try pot gardening on your deck or patio, or contact the American Community Garden Association’s website at:  www.communitygarden.org/links.php to find out if you can rent a public garden plot.

Just like any other form of exercise, you can get injured by doing too much too soon.  Rather than doing a marathon day in the garden, go for   several short gardening     sessions throughout the week.  Do “cross train” your gardening activities and avoid     staying in the same position, doing the same activity for more than 10 minutes or you could end up with an overuse injury.  Be conscientious about posture and proper   lifting techniques to spare yourself a low back injury.  Remember your sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hat.  It’s easy to get de-hydrated, so drink plenty of water.

If you’d like more information from the American Institute for Cancer Research, including their Guide to Herbs and Spices, contact them at AICR 1759 R Street, NW, PO Box 97167, Washington, DC  20090-7167.