Maybe, considering your own well being is a challenge for you (we'll touch on this matter in future issues). Your children or grandchildren physical activities may have you more concerned.

 

And why wouldn't it?

 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has MORE THAN doubled in children and QUADRUPLED in adolescence over the past 30 years!

 

In the U.S., nearly 18% of children ages 6 to 11 are obese compared to 7% in 1980. Stats Canada quotes 19.5% of boys and 6.3% of girls, ages 5 to 11, were obese in 2012. Health Survey for England's 2012 statistics indicate, obese children, aged 2 to fifteen, numbers were 14%. If that's not enough, Public Health England's latest figures for 2013/14 show, 19.1% of 10 and 11 year     olds were obese, and ditto for 9.5% of 4 and 5 year olds.

 

                                        

 

Yikes!

 

UK's Royal Horticultural Society commissioned a study conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), the largest independent educational research center in the UK. The findings were simple,  children in school gardening programs boosted their learning and development in multiple areas: Scientific knowledge and understanding, literacy and numeracy, physical skills - including fine motor skills - confidence, resilience, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, positive behaviour, and positive attitude to healthy food choices were just a few reported results of this study. 

 

These same results were found across the U.S where gardening was part of the syllabus for children. These curriculum plans demonstrated a higher math grade average, greater social interactions and increased cooperation amongst participants - high risk youths experienced the same benefits, proving, engaging exercise improves well being for everyone, regardless of challenges.

 

 

As care givers we wonder how to get children outside - like when WE were children running around, breathing fresh air and actually getting a great work out without realizing it. These school garden programs are showing how to do that, and BETTER because they are teaching children to create and maintain something for themselves.

 

With gardening, children learn to provide not only for their self or their family, but for their community, their society and even their globe! 

 

Hockey, soccer, basketball, football and other team sports are wonderful experiences for children. Unfortunately, chances are low - less than 1%! - that your child is going to do more than play in college (hopefully they make it to college without injury) let alone make it to PRO or benefit their community.

 

With gardening, not only will kids experience all that is mentioned above, REALISTICALLY, they can IMMEDIATELY reap the benefits of gardening. IMMEDIATELY they can benefit their community by starting clubs and/or projects (some kids have even started businesses) that benefit on a grand scale should they be so inclined. They could LITERALLY benefit, their self, their friends, their community, IMMEDIATELY, as well as positively impact their future to and through university into a lucrative employment opportunity as adults.

 

Considering our population explosion and need for innovative ideas to feed the masses, gardening could REALISTICALLY take your child into an extremely successful future.

 

That's incredible. 

 

So, clear your head like our bleary eyed buddy and get yourself off the couch.

 

Take a good long look around you and challenge yourself with how YOU can beautify your surroundings, as well as get some exercise.

 

What would you LIKE to see? Some colour? Some vegetables you've been meaning to sample?

 

What was your neighbour growing, last year?

 

Where was that garden that caught your eye when you dashed off to purchase gas?

 

As you get your mind in gear you will begin to hear it squeak! Oil it well with ideas from the internet - just ease in slowly! It is EASY to become overwhelmed.

 

Remember, baby steps.

 

Visualize.

Draw something.

Throw it away then

visualize some more.

 

You were told to eat more vegetables. Kale is still a huge sensation. Put it at the top of your purchase list - even though you have NO idea what it looks like or how it will taste. It comes in beautiful green and or greenish-purple colours - your neighbours will be impressed, even though you know NOT what your doing.

 

And Men - let's be honest. Regardless of your age, body size or I.Q. A man in the garden is a Sexy Man.

 

Just think John Wayne in the old West when you are out there. Remember to e-mail, FB or Tweet with the number of  women who stopped by "to chat." You'd be surprised how much "help" you get with a little, "Well, shucks, Maam, I'm just doin' the best  that I can."

 

 

Though, THAT'S not why your gardening, right? It's to exercise,  breathe deeply, create beauty, eat better and become mindful, but, if you HAPPEN to notice being noticed while you do it...  what the heck. Enjoy!