I have reminisced this week about seasons past as we get into the full swing of spring. Spring is a time when our planet renews itself as trees are greening and their leaves frolic in the breeze. Spring is a time of renewal as our lives and planet renew and spring to life. I took a few minutes to thumb through an old family photo album this week. I noticed something about the pictures taken during the spring of the year-we were in the garden. One of my favorite pictures of myself is one of me dragging a hoe in one hand with my cat under my arm traipsing into the garden. Obviously, gardening was a family affair as most of these pictures included at least three generations and a family pet.
April 22nd was Earth Day and it is estimated that more than a billion people across 190 countries came together to help bring awareness that in order to be a healthier, safer people we must have a healthy environment. Many people planted trees, started gardens, and pushed for more recycling. It is important not to lose the energy and enthusiasm of Earth Day and keep it alive every day. This is the time to plan a back yard or community garden. These gardens will grow more than food; they will grow memories and relationships, not only with friends and family but with Mother Earth.
Regardless of your gardening experience whether you are a beginner or expert there are a lot of resources out there to draw from: Local greenhouses can make recommendations on plants that do well in your local area and offer expert gardening tips. Home improvement stores often have printed materials, books, and staff willing to help. The local farm supply stores offer everything from seeds and plants to tools and knowledge. Your Local Library is also an excellent source for information and I always encourage you to take advantage of this great community resource.
Now that we have had Earth Day I think we need a Health Day. Our bodies are our own personal planet so to speak. The same attention we place on energy conservation for our planet we need to make sure we give ourselves enough time for our own personal energy conservation for sleep. The emphasis we place on toxic chemicals and their impact on our ecosystem, we need to be mindful of what we put into our bodies. We are only given one life, one body so as we take measures to protect and renew our planet let’s look at ways to protect ourselves.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommends these six gardeners’ safety tips:
• Dress to protect. Prevent exposure to chemicals, insects, and the sun by wearing the proper clothing, safety equipment, and using an insect repellant and sunscreen.
• Put safety first. Limit distractions and follow the labels when using chemicals and equipment. Be aware of possible hazards to lower your risk for injury
• Watch out for heat-related illness. Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
• Know your limits. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about your ability to work in the garden safely.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. Remember that tetanus lives in soil and all adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.
• Go green. Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle, and share your bounty.
Gardening is a connection to family, friends, and nature. It is a continuous learning-an adventure of sensory and aesthetic stimulation-that keeps us young, gives us challenges, goals and a sense of accomplishment. A garden is life, and is a great way to get physical activity, while fighting obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke and heart disease.
Come, let’s grow together!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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