384. Gardening may help reduce cancer risk and improve mental health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A new study shows that gardening can reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses, including cancer and mental health disorders. In the study, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder recruited almost 300 adults who had not gardened before, gave them an introductory gardening course, and allocated a small community garden plot, as well as seeds and seedlings. The researchers found that compared to controls who did not garden, the gardeners increased their intake of fiber by eating more fresh produce. They got more exercise tending the garden. And they felt more socially connected. All of these factors have been shown to be protective against cancer, mental health issues, and various chronic diseases.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
