So reads the headline of the Health section of the May 17, 2016 edition of The Guardian newspaper. In May, The King’s Fund published a study by the National Garden Scheme titled “Gardens and health: Implications for policy and practice.” The headline of David Buck’s article on the report read, “Garden’s and health: it’s time for health policy to bring gardens in from the cold.” It highlights how, at different points in the health and social care system, gardens and gardening can make a strong contribution to keeping us well and independent. It goes on to say that gardens also play a powerful role in the care of our mind, certainly key to aging well. The crux of it is, that it can play a crucial role in promoting good health and preventing ill health, with potential long-term implications for healthcare cost. Benefits include:

• Reduced depression, loneliness, anxiety, and stress
• Help for various conditions including heart disease, cancer and obesity

Buck says that we need to build on this evidence, and most importantly get it translated into public policy and practice. Michael Appleby goes so far as to say that clinical commission groups should consider social prescribing of gardening as part of a broad range approach to improving health.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder, or approximately 18% of the population. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports higher rates of obesity among Americans,  more than one-third, or 34.9% are overweight. A more sobering statistic is that only 20.8% of people meet both aerobic physical and muscle-strengthening activity benchmarks. These are truly alarming figures. It is something I have had on my mind for decades.

In 1996, I earned a Fitness Technician Certificate from Lane Community College. I spent 1993-99 working in their Health, Physical Education and Athletic Department, competing as a distance runner for their Track and Field team in 1994. (I competed as a distance runner for 28 years.) I have been interested in health, nutrition, and fitness since 1977, so this report has a special significance for me, especially because of my recent interest in agriculture, specifically sustainable gardening.

Much like in the United States, health service, local government and social care in the United Kingdom are under severe pressure to cut costs. Therefore, encouraging the implementation of inexpensive and effective methods of treatment, as a simple way of improving the nation’s health seems only logical. Clearly, gardening is a viable and practical solution. I am happy to be at the forefront of field to help people and this nation get in shape and healthy.

Citations

Appleby, M. (May 17, 2016.) National Gardens Scheme research shows gardening and health benefit. Horticulture Week.

Buck, D. (May 17, 2016.) Gardens and health: it’s time for health policy to bring gardens in from the cold. The King’s Fund.

Johnson, S. (May 17, 2016.) Doctors should prescribe gardening for patients more often, says report. The Guardian.