t is now July and the weather has been nice for a little while now. This month the focus is going to be on mental health and gardening. Now you say, “What does mental health have to do with gardening.” Well, if you ask anyone who has a garden, they will tell you that they always feel better after they garden. Maybe a little tired but that just means they got some exercise, but they feel good about gardening.

       According to an article in Psychology Today 2008, the benefits of gardening go beyond eating healthy food and being physically active. Yes, when you grow your own tomatoes and lettuce and cucumbers, you have a fresh salad that comes from your own ground and from the toil of your own hands. And you feel good when you work to eat. The salad is fresh and you know where each ingredient came from. That is a good feeling. 

       But in addition to the physical benefits of gardening, it is well documented that “messing around in the garden proves to be nature’s way of cultivating your physical and mental health.” That is directly from the September/October 2008 Psychology Today magazine. In a study done at the University of Colorado, a scientist discovered that certain strains of the bacteria in the soil stimulate the immune system. He also found that it boosts serotonin levels. For those of us that don’t know, the chemical serotonin, which is in our brain, helps us to feel good. It is our own natural anti-depressant. So, the soil we work with when we garden is increasing our ability to feel good naturally. The next time you feel a little down, go outside and plant a flower or a vegetable garden. See if your mood changes. In effect, gardening is therapeutic. I have always thought so because whenever I went out in my garden, I felt better about being out there both physically and emotionally. 

       There is a group right here in Springfield which must reap these benefits on a regular basis. They are the Gardening the Community Youth Group. Ibrahim Ali (M.Ed) is the new Director of the Gardening the Community (GTC) program. Every growing season they recruit youth to garden and grow food in the city of Springfield. Check out their website or give them a call at 413-538-5822. They might even help you to grow a garden.

       This is not to say that you don’t have to go see a therapist or that you can stop seeing your current therapist and garden instead. There are professionals to deal with clinical depression and other emotional issues. If you need professional help with any mental health issues, please seek them out. The crisis unit at BHN is there as a first defense and you can call them at 413-733-6661. They can refer you to therapists and psychiatrists.

       The Mason Square Health Task Force is a part of many collaborations in the city of Springfield. These include food justice, recovery initiatives, health disparities, and many others. To get involved or for more information, contact me at 413-739-4901 ext. 128 or by email at zgovan@mlkjrfamilyservices.org.   n

GET YOUR FRUIT ON!

By Anika C. Johnson

t’s a beautiful time of the year. The days are longer, the laughter from children is slightly elevated and, of course, you have brilliant seasonal fruits and vegetables (produce) available at your finger tips. The local farmer’s market boasts of many of your all-time favorite vegetables. Besides the farmer’s market being a great way to keep dollars local, you have the added peace of mind of knowing where your fruits and vegetables come from. Actual farmers are available at the market who can answer questions about the produce you offer your family. An added bonus is the fact that local fruits and vegetables can bypass the chemicals companies many times apply to produce for the sake of keeping the fruits and vegetables fresh as they are shipped to local grocery outlets.

       What’s on the menu at the farmer’s market? The choices are endless as each farmer has unique options available. The farmer’s market is open late spring to early fall. Check the state website at (http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/farmers_markets.htm) or call your local WIC office to learn more about farmers’ market locations, hours and phone numbers.

Knowing how to pick ‘em

Sometimes picking produce can be a challenge. How often have you gotten your vegetables home to find them not quite ripe? Here are some helpful hints on how to pick some of your favorite produce.

Apples - Should be firm to the touch. Avoid those that are soft and mushy.

Apricots - Should be golden, plump and firm to the touch. Avoid those that are too hard or soft and shriveled.

Bananas - Should be firm to the touch; some brown and/or yellow is ok.

Berries - Should be plump, firm and look healthy.

Cherries - Look for ones that are firm and plump.

Grapes - Should be firm, healthy looking clusters with well formed stems. Green grapes should have a slight peach color.

Melons - Look at the color; also the aroma should be your best guide.

Tangerines - Should be a deep orange in color. Avoid puffy and dry skin.

Watermelons - Should have a dull surface. The shade of green is not a factor.

 

How to get your toddler  to eat more fruits and vegetables

Some kids are picky and think twice about eating certain kinds of fruits and vegetables. The best way to get your child on board is by being an example yourself. Children love to do as adults do. So if you are a vegetable lover, your child, through wanting to be a big kid, will many times follow your lead.  Why not take your child to a local farmer’s market? This would be a great time to allow her/him to make choices. Also, remember toddlers are usually better eaters when they eat with other toddlers. Consider fun foods like ants on a log (ingredients include: celery stick and peanut butter topped with raisins).

 

Dear Robust Reader,

Now is your time to explore fresh, local produce. Why not take a fresh fruit salad to your next picnic? The color and aroma will be the talk of the outing. Also what a great way to show your commitment to your health and that of your neighbor!

     Please forward your thoughts, comments and ideas, as they are important to me, to: ajohn006@waldenu.edu attention: Anika

WATCHING TV BEFORE BED WILL RESULT IN PRESSING “SNOOZE” MORE ON YOUR ALARM CLOCK

 

All Races Don’t Get Enough Sleep, But African Americans Report The Least

 

SPRINGFIELD – A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation found that Americans of all races have trouble sleeping, but African Americans report the least amount of sleep.

       Also, Blacks and Hispanics experience more sleep disturbances than whites, affecting their quality of life, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

       And, the troubling results of a lack of sleep are obesity, heart disease and diabetes, diseases that are more prevalent among African Americans.

       Dr. Karin Johnson, a neurologist and sleep specialist at Baystate Medical Center’s Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Center, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, offer the following tips on how to get a good night’s sleep no matter what your race or ethnicity:

 

l Do not go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal before bedtime either.

l Avoid alcohol, food or drinks that contain caffeine, and any medicine that has a stimulant prior to bedtime

l Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

l Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.

l Get a full night’s sleep every night.

l Avoid any rigorous exercise within two hours of your bedtime.

l Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.

l Get up at the same time every morning.

 

       More than half of all Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Sleep needs depend on many factors, including age. Baystate Medical Center’s Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Center provides the latest high-technology testing and diagnosis for all types of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, snoring, and sleepwalking.

       For more information about the Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Center, call Baystate’s Health Link at 413-794-2255 or visit baystatehealth.org and click on Neurosciences under the Services tab. n

HOMOSEXUALITY and HIV INFECTION, PART ONE

By Alonzo D. Sheffield, MD, retired, Volunteer Physician of the MA Medial Society’s Senior Volunteer Health Center Program

omosexuality has long been recognized in human and animal populations. It appears to involve a complex interplay of biological, psychological and social factors.

       Professor Kinsey, of the University of Indiana (a pioneer in sexuality studies during the 1940’s) reported that 8% and 4% of men and women, respectively, were exclusively homosexual for a period of at least three years during adulthood.  Four percent of men and 2% of women were exclusively homosexual after adolescence. Thirty-seven percent of men and 20% of women reported at least one homosexual experience that resulted in orgasm. With the acknowledged changes in sexuality, the literature currently places the lifetime population prevalence of homosexuality around 10%. However, complicating the picture are some individuals who think of themselves as heterosexual who engage in homosexual behaviors. Sexuality comes in more variations than individuals and society commonly recognize.

 

Who is Homosexual?

Most adults consider themselves as either heterosexuals or homosexuals in spite of the fluidity of human sexual orientation. A smaller number regard themselves as having relatively little preference for one sex over the other and identify themselves as bisexuals. Homosexuality remains misunderstood and controversial for much of society. The literature now provides both a biologic and behavioral perspective on homosexuality. Homosexuality does not meet the category of a mental disease.

       Sex is certainly not the whole of life, but it is an important part of it, and so it should be part of the discussion. Abstinence is an absolute solution but biological drives override religious, moral or dogma. Sodomy is considered a cardinal technique in sexuality discussions. Protestants customarily allude to sodomy references in the Old Testament: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. Other faiths no doubt have comparable concepts and references.

       Here are a few common terms: Gender identify refers to an individual’s internal sense of being male or female, boy or girl, man or woman. Ego psychology alleges gender identify develops early in childhood. Gender orientation refers to an individual’s desires and preferences regarding the sex of the intimate partners. Like gender identify, gender orientation is based on deeply held conscious and unconscious psychological constructs. Some may develop feelings and identity over a lifetime influenced by the character and personnel at work, in religious teachings and community social associates with whom they develop closer relationships. These individuals tend to have a range of preferences and desires. They often become bisexual because of sexual inadequacy.

       The terms gay and lesbians are utilized as preferred ways of referring to one’s gender orientation as well as to their culture. It is an alternative to mainstream straight (heterosexual) culture. On a societal level in the USA, tolerance and variability is accepted, although not approved by most, except some religious groups. They are most accepted and more fluid primarily in the arts where orientation categories are less clearly defined.  n