Healthy Garden, Healthy Life

During the evolution of this blog, we've discussed multiple benefits to green roofs and urban agriculture.  There are public health benefits in reducing noise pollution in community buildings, reducing heating and cooling costs, and reducing water runoff that brings pollutants to public supply.  We've also discussed civic engagement and community involvement, turning projects into real projects that bring people together to save their corner of the world.

There are personal benefits that come from physical and emotional health, and that's what the subject of today's posting will be.

With obesity on the rise and causing a slew of secondary health risks, gardeninig for exercise is a great way for people of any age to start a new routine or expand on their regular health regime.  Since gardening involves a variety of levels of exertion, making gardening a family routine spreads the work out so that everyone who is able to do something can contribute.

As reported by CNN, studies in the Netherlands in which people completed a stressful task then had the option to read indoors or garden for 30 minutes, the gardeners reported feeling happier than the readers, and also had reduced cortisol levels, a chemical in the body that is thought to contribute to weight gain.

Healthy gardening also leads to healthy practices.  As advocated by the CDC, safe gardening includes dressing the part and knowing your limits, particularly on hot days.

Starting a garden creates a foundation for a healthy life.  Explore the following links (and find some for yourself, it's awesome!) for more information on rooftop garden projects that are offering healthy lifestyles and community involvement:

LA CAN working with Hunger Action Los Angeles and the California Hunger Action Coalition

Ontario's South Riverdale Community Health Center (SRCHC)

Mott Haven Academy of Brooklyn, New York's rooftop garden initiative