Dirt May Be Good For Your Brain
A few years ago, in this column, I wrote about The Green Gym, a programme that has been so successful in Britain. This programme is designed to get people out of gyms into the countryside to do physical volunteer work which not only improves the health of the participant but ultimately benefits everyone in the community through an enhanced environment.
After reading the article, I expected new volunteer gardeners to rush forward in droves but, sadly, our numbers have been steadily declining over the years.
Spending time outdoors has always offered health benefits for the body and the mind but now, it turns out, even the dirt may be good for you.
Scientists at The Sage College of Troy, N.Y. have discovered that exposure to certain kinds of soil bacteria can reduce anxiety and increase learning capability when ingested or inhaled. Just imagine! Joining the Volunteer Garden Group could now make you smarter as well as healthier.
Recently, while I was planting the annuals in the pots, ingesting and inhaling all that beneficial soil bacteria, Peach Akerhielm, out walking her dog, stopped to compliment us, as many people do, on the display in Grant Prior’s bridge boxes. I told her that the other great benefit of our position is that we get only compliments but no abuse whatsoever. She laughed good- naturedly, knowing full well what I meant and then contributed a sizeable sum towards the purchase of more flowers. The following afternoon Mr. Oldridge, bless his heart, did the same. Thanks to the generosity of these two individuals, we can all look forward to a wonderful display this summer.
In the meantime, please call or email me at : 604 922 9842 or
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if you are interested in becoming healthier, more tolerant and smarter.
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