Gardening and healthy hearts
by Sherrie Norris
The roses are fading and the chocolates have disappeared. Fortunately, American Heart Month extends for a while longer, with plenty of time to focus on matters of the heart that, well, really matter.
“February is a good time to focus on leading a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Beth Fornadley, health promotion coordinator for the Appalachian District Health Department.
Heart disease is not something to take lightly, Fornadley said. “Heart disease and cardiovascular disease refer to the same conditions that involve narrow or blocked vessels that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or chest pain,” she said.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, she said, adding, “One in every three deaths is caused by heart disease or stroke.”
Unfortunately, Watauga County has a high stake in those statistics.
“CVD and stroke account for more hospitalizations than any other health condition in the county,” Fornadley said. “CVD isn't cheap, either. Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than $32 million in hospital charges to Watauga County patients in 2009.”
What causes heart disease? While there are numerous variables, she said, physical inactivity and tobacco use, poor diet and high stress increase the risk of heart disease.
One of the easiest changes individuals can make to decrease their chances of heart disease is through an improved heart-healthy diet — one that's rich in fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
“The American Dietetic Association recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables each meal,” Fornadley said.
Another approach is through increasing physical activity — and specifically through a relatively new community garden concept.
“Spending time working in a community garden is a way to give back and protect your heart in the process,” she said.
The multifocused opportunity was realized last year for those individuals who worked in the Mary Boyer Community Garden at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church. After contributing their time and energy through volunteer garden work, they were able to take home fresh goods such as green beans, squash, tomatoes, zucchini and lettuce.
“Gardening makes you more likely to try new fruits and vegetables,” said Kaitlyn Jongkind, on behalf of the health department. “It connects you with your food and introduces you to vegetables you may have never heard of before.”
Digging in the dirt alongside friends and neighbors also forces people to “slow down and shed some stress,” Fornadley and Jongkind said.
“The link between heart disease and stress is unclear, but scientists hypothesize that chronic stress may cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that can damage artery walls and lead to heart disease,” Jongkind said.
“There's nothing better than community, especially when it involves sharing sunshine and rain, playing in the dirt, growing food and being together,” said Casey Ball, manager of the Hospitality House gardens.
Keepers of both the Hospitality House Garden and Mary Boyer Community Garden will soon start preparing the beds for spring planting, for which volunteers will be needed.
Both gardens are receiving funding through a grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called the Communities Putting Prevention to Work.
As part of a nationwide effort to fight the rising tide of obesity, the goal of CPPW is to focus on creating environments in our community where it is easier to be healthy.
For more information about CPPW, Appalachian District, or how to get involved in Community Gardens, visit http://www.takesteptwo.com or contact Kaitlyn Jongkind at (828) 264-4995 or (kaitlyn.jongkind@apphealth.com)
“February is a good time to focus on leading a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Beth Fornadley, health promotion coordinator for the Appalachian District Health Department.
Heart disease is not something to take lightly, Fornadley said. “Heart disease and cardiovascular disease refer to the same conditions that involve narrow or blocked vessels that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or chest pain,” she said.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, she said, adding, “One in every three deaths is caused by heart disease or stroke.”
Unfortunately, Watauga County has a high stake in those statistics.
“CVD and stroke account for more hospitalizations than any other health condition in the county,” Fornadley said. “CVD isn't cheap, either. Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than $32 million in hospital charges to Watauga County patients in 2009.”
What causes heart disease? While there are numerous variables, she said, physical inactivity and tobacco use, poor diet and high stress increase the risk of heart disease.
One of the easiest changes individuals can make to decrease their chances of heart disease is through an improved heart-healthy diet — one that's rich in fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
“The American Dietetic Association recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables each meal,” Fornadley said.
Another approach is through increasing physical activity — and specifically through a relatively new community garden concept.
“Spending time working in a community garden is a way to give back and protect your heart in the process,” she said.
The multifocused opportunity was realized last year for those individuals who worked in the Mary Boyer Community Garden at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church. After contributing their time and energy through volunteer garden work, they were able to take home fresh goods such as green beans, squash, tomatoes, zucchini and lettuce.
“Gardening makes you more likely to try new fruits and vegetables,” said Kaitlyn Jongkind, on behalf of the health department. “It connects you with your food and introduces you to vegetables you may have never heard of before.”
Digging in the dirt alongside friends and neighbors also forces people to “slow down and shed some stress,” Fornadley and Jongkind said.
“The link between heart disease and stress is unclear, but scientists hypothesize that chronic stress may cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that can damage artery walls and lead to heart disease,” Jongkind said.
“There's nothing better than community, especially when it involves sharing sunshine and rain, playing in the dirt, growing food and being together,” said Casey Ball, manager of the Hospitality House gardens.
Keepers of both the Hospitality House Garden and Mary Boyer Community Garden will soon start preparing the beds for spring planting, for which volunteers will be needed.
Both gardens are receiving funding through a grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called the Communities Putting Prevention to Work.
As part of a nationwide effort to fight the rising tide of obesity, the goal of CPPW is to focus on creating environments in our community where it is easier to be healthy.
For more information about CPPW, Appalachian District, or how to get involved in Community Gardens, visit http://www.takesteptwo.com or contact Kaitlyn Jongkind at (828) 264-4995 or (kaitlyn.jongkind@apphealth.com)