Articles
AN EXTENSION EDUCATION PROGRAM TO ADDRESS GARDENING AND YOUR HEALTH
Article number
639_37
Pages
281 – 285
Language
English
Abstract
Gardening is highly preferred and enjoyed as a way of relaxation, especially among older adults.
Gardening can offer opportunities to enhance or improve health by allowing for moderately strenuous exercise; encouraging healthy eating habits; increasing interaction with nature, plants, and the environment; reducing stress; and promoting physical, social, and mental stimulation.
However, unless managed properly, gardening can also create or aggravate health issues dealing with skin care and cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, cardiovascular health, back/knee problems, heat stress, and many other problems.
A program was developed to include printed and web based information, PowerPoint presentations, and Master Gardener training to address gardening techniques to prevent potentially damaging situations, avoid aggravating existing conditions, and improve health and safety in the following areas: 1) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, 2) Protecting Hands and Feet, 3) Arthritis, 4) Sunburn and Skin Cancer, 5) Summer Heat, 6) Ticks, 7) Heart , 8) Knees and Back, 9) Plant Allergies, and 10) Power Tool Safety.
Additional topic areas will be added.
Gardening can offer opportunities to enhance or improve health by allowing for moderately strenuous exercise; encouraging healthy eating habits; increasing interaction with nature, plants, and the environment; reducing stress; and promoting physical, social, and mental stimulation.
However, unless managed properly, gardening can also create or aggravate health issues dealing with skin care and cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, cardiovascular health, back/knee problems, heat stress, and many other problems.
A program was developed to include printed and web based information, PowerPoint presentations, and Master Gardener training to address gardening techniques to prevent potentially damaging situations, avoid aggravating existing conditions, and improve health and safety in the following areas: 1) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, 2) Protecting Hands and Feet, 3) Arthritis, 4) Sunburn and Skin Cancer, 5) Summer Heat, 6) Ticks, 7) Heart , 8) Knees and Back, 9) Plant Allergies, and 10) Power Tool Safety.
Additional topic areas will be added.
Authors
D. Relf, M. Predny
Keywords
Master Gardener, safety, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, skin cancer
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