Gardening Tips to Grow Healthier

It’s a given that getting out in the garden will increase your home’s curb appeal, but there are many unseen benefits too. Research has shown gardening can have a very positive impact on our health – whether it is encouraging exercise or reducing stress.

For those with chronic health conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is sometimes a fear that gardening lovers will have to give up this hobby. But as long as you take steps to do it safely, gardening should be encouraged, not eliminated.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a respiratory disease that causes symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing up phlegm. If you are experiencing shortness of breath while enjoying activities like gardening, it’s a sign your COPD could be better managed. If you take medication for COPD but are still experiencing shortness of breath, there may be treatment options available that can help you breathe better.

There are other healthy choices you can make to help you garden safely with COPD:

• Choose the right tools: Find lightweight tools as well as those with extra-long or extendable handles.

• Choose moderation: Take frequent breaks and don’t try to take on a whole project at once.

• Choose the right weather conditions: Watch the weather reports and avoid gardening on days with high pollen levels or extreme heat.

• Choose the right medication in collaboration with your doctor: COPD treatments have evolved and improved with many options currently available. Ask your doctor about personalized treatment options that include once-daily dosing.

It’s time to live well with COPD. For information and support in living well with COPD, visit www.copdsigns.ca.

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