Gardening, Nutrition, and Community Wellness/Health Benefits

Being a gardening and cultural diversity advocate, I wanted to be assess the influence of gardening in the Navajo (Native American people from South-western United States) population. From prior research and working with this population in person, it is known that the rates of diabetes and obesity in these communities are higher than national rates due to this population incorporating process foods in their diets and not growing their own food as their bodies were accustomed to. A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables would aid in prevention and reductions of such rates. Therefore, this project focused on promoting gardening to make vegetables and fruits more convenient and accessible at the comfort of their own home. As previous research in this area has shown, gardeners on average consume two more servings of fruits and vegetables than non-gardeners. Thirty participants were recruited by flyer distribution at chapter houses, senior centers, and community centers, from four Navajo targeted areas: Shiprock, NM; Tsaile, AZ; Lukachukai, AZ, and Hogback, NM. With the involvement of the participants, gardens were built in each home. Once the garden was complete, the participants would independently maintain it, with the addition of monthly check ups. Workshops on gardening techniques were provided so participants would be able to sustain their own garden(s). Each participant had to sign a consent form prior to conducting any gardening activity. An interview and a survey was also conducted with each participant. The survey questioned the participants’ eating habits, focusing on the regularity of fruit and vegetable consumption, the consumption of sodas and other sugary drinks, etc. Two additional surveys were also conducted, one taken midway of the project and the other at the conclusion of the project. The three surveys dispersed throughout the project document changes in the participants’ eating habits. The results have unfortunately been inconclusive as the study is still being conducted. However, Baxter’s research article reveals and confirms the many health benefits of gardening. Garden work is classified as moderately strenuous physically active by it commonly involving: bending, stretching, and kneeling anywhere from half an hour to several hours. This study also showed that gardening on a regular basis relieves stress, improves cognitive function, and may help people who suffer from certain psychological disorders. Therefore, in conclusion, gardening is a great exercise for the mind and body.

References:
-Avitia, S., Mark, C., & Garcia, L. (2016). An Intervention to Promote Navajo Gardening, Nutrition, and Community Wellness. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 9(5), 86.
-Baxter, P. (2007). Gardening for Good Health. American Gardener, 86(2), 25-29.