Gardening As A Healthful Exercise

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 6

Gardening As A Healthful Exercise

With Mrs G. Sharman (president) „in the chair, a good attendance of members of the Ladies’ Gardening Club assembled at the fortnightly meeting in the Presbyterian Hall on August 13, to hear a talk by Mrs H. G. Carruth on “Gardening and healthful exercises.” The garden, the speaker said, is a lovely place in which daily to exercise, though due care should be taken not to overtask one’s strength at first. The aim is to acquire physical fitness, which is attainable by young and old, and this ensures a good carriage, correct weight, and a general feeling of wellbeing. Good health is easily lost through bad habits of posture, incorrect breathing and neglect in wearing suitable clothing for weather changes. The latter especially applies to women. Suitable attire for gardening means loose-fitting garments, with nothing to compress the. body (flannel slacks with blouse are especially good), so that one can work and move with ease. Footwear should be roomy but comfortable, with Cuban or low heels worn. Stout soles protect the feet against damp. In summer the wide-brimmed hat should shade the worker from strong sun. and in cold weather head and shoulders should be protected to prevent rheumatism, neuralgia and chills. It is well to remember that sunshine in correct doses is most beneficial, and one’s summer attire should allow as much exposure of the skin as possible. If the sun’s rays are gradually absorbed, a few minutes at a time to commence, a regulated sunbath in the garden will benefit health considerably. Most gardeners know that to take a very hot bath after great exertion makes the aching muscles more tired, as heat accelerates the blood flow, and this increase gives the muscle tissue extra work. A warm bath, however, is beneficial. , Exercises for breathing correctly should be practised daily. Posture should be studied. Kneeling is a good exercise and to protect the knee joints a pad should be used. Long standing —usual in the glass house —should be avoided.