Column: Grow and Learn Gardening Class

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Dawn Stephens Nodaway County Health Center

At the Nodaway County Health Department, we are in the process of planting our garden and encourage you to do the same. We are currently deciding what produce we will plant; the possibilities seem endless when we consider the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

According to the Mayo Clinic, gardening can be a good form of exercise. As you tend to a garden, you will perform functional movement that mimics whole body exercise. Another benefit of gardening is stress relief. Gardening routines such as watering and weeding can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress.

Public health is about creating healthier communities and gardening supports that in many ways; it encourages movement and exercise and supports healthy eating habits. Growing your own produce is easily adapted for everyone, whether it is a large garden plot or a few containers on your front porch.

This year we are pleased to announce a Kids Gardening Class: Grow and Learn. Class dates are as follows: June 2, June 9, June 16 and June 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. We encourage you to call 660-562-2755 to enroll for the class.

Dawn Stephens is a health educator at the Nodaway County Health Center.