COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Gardening and COPD
If you're living with COPD, gardening is a relaxing way to remain active.
Tools of the Trade
In the past, you may have easily moved in and around your garden; produced immaculately manicured lawns with a walking-mower, pushed heavy wheelbarrows filled with dirt and lugged around heavy hoes, shovels and hoses.
Now, with COPD you may need to consider your many gardening tools:
Use lightweight tools that require less energy: trade in your traditional hoe and rake for smaller versions with extra-long or extendable handles.
When you mow your grass, wear a dust mask. Better yet, have a family member cut the grass: or hire someone to mow the lawn.
Depending on the size of your property, trade in your walking mower for a riding mower. For small lawns, use a push-mower rather than being exposed to the fumes of a gas mower.
Eliminate excessive kneeling and bending by investing in a small stool or bench.
If necessary, relocate your garden tools and hose closer to your garden.
Step-by-Step Gardening
Creating a magnificent garden takes considerable effort. Consider these tips for balancing COPD health considerations with your love of gardening:
Garden in moderation especially in the spring when you're raking and preparing beds. Do a little at a time.
Check The Weather Network web site, where you can check air quality and pollen forecasts; if pollen or pollution levels are high, postpone your gardening activities.
Ask for help whether it's trays of annuals, bags of dirt or heavy annuals, have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. This includes moving your purchases into and out of your car.
Listen to your local weather report. Avoid working outside when allergen, pollen and pollutant levels are high.
Limit your exposure to intense heat and humidity; garden during the cooler times of the day (early morning and late afternoon).
Gently stretch and warm your muscles before you begin gardening.
Slow down, relax and alternate cardio-intensive activities (i.e. reaching, walking) with tasks requiring less exertion.
Incorporate frequent breaks into your routine to reduce fatigue.
Redesign Your Garden
In the past, your garden may have stretched for miles, displaying the bounty and beauty of your labour. It's still possible to create a noteworthy garden but on a smaller scale.
Reduce the total size of your gardening area and flower beds. Consider replacing areas of your garden with easier-to-reach raised beds.
Get creative; swap your traditional garden for flourishing flower window boxes. Transform your deck into a green oasis with colourful container gardens.
Pace your planting schedule with perennialsthey provide a yearly return with a limited physical investment.
If you have a large yard, consider replacing some of your garden or grass areas with low-maintenance ground covers or no-maintenance pebble stones or wood chips to enhance your outdoor space.
With some planning and inspiration, gardening can continue to be a source of pleasure, relaxation and pride.
Enjoy
Holly
If you're living with COPD, gardening is a relaxing way to remain active.
Tools of the Trade
In the past, you may have easily moved in and around your garden; produced immaculately manicured lawns with a walking-mower, pushed heavy wheelbarrows filled with dirt and lugged around heavy hoes, shovels and hoses.
Now, with COPD you may need to consider your many gardening tools:
Use lightweight tools that require less energy: trade in your traditional hoe and rake for smaller versions with extra-long or extendable handles.
When you mow your grass, wear a dust mask. Better yet, have a family member cut the grass: or hire someone to mow the lawn.
Depending on the size of your property, trade in your walking mower for a riding mower. For small lawns, use a push-mower rather than being exposed to the fumes of a gas mower.
Eliminate excessive kneeling and bending by investing in a small stool or bench.
If necessary, relocate your garden tools and hose closer to your garden.
Step-by-Step Gardening
Creating a magnificent garden takes considerable effort. Consider these tips for balancing COPD health considerations with your love of gardening:
Garden in moderation especially in the spring when you're raking and preparing beds. Do a little at a time.
Check The Weather Network web site, where you can check air quality and pollen forecasts; if pollen or pollution levels are high, postpone your gardening activities.
Ask for help whether it's trays of annuals, bags of dirt or heavy annuals, have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. This includes moving your purchases into and out of your car.
Listen to your local weather report. Avoid working outside when allergen, pollen and pollutant levels are high.
Limit your exposure to intense heat and humidity; garden during the cooler times of the day (early morning and late afternoon).
Gently stretch and warm your muscles before you begin gardening.
Slow down, relax and alternate cardio-intensive activities (i.e. reaching, walking) with tasks requiring less exertion.
Incorporate frequent breaks into your routine to reduce fatigue.
Redesign Your Garden
In the past, your garden may have stretched for miles, displaying the bounty and beauty of your labour. It's still possible to create a noteworthy garden but on a smaller scale.
Reduce the total size of your gardening area and flower beds. Consider replacing areas of your garden with easier-to-reach raised beds.
Get creative; swap your traditional garden for flourishing flower window boxes. Transform your deck into a green oasis with colourful container gardens.
Pace your planting schedule with perennialsthey provide a yearly return with a limited physical investment.
If you have a large yard, consider replacing some of your garden or grass areas with low-maintenance ground covers or no-maintenance pebble stones or wood chips to enhance your outdoor space.
With some planning and inspiration, gardening can continue to be a source of pleasure, relaxation and pride.
Enjoy
Holly
I really liked you suggestions and going to take a little stool and try it out, still seems like you would have to bend over (that always does me in).
The only thing I can say that I don't believe would work on your list is a push lawnmower. I had one back when I was strong, healthy and it my 30's. That lawnmower just it about did me in then. Maybe it was that lawnmower, but that thing took a lot of effort to push (effort=oxygen).
I was thinking about a battery operated self propelled until my neighbor said he would mow it for me. Yippee, Skippee. Love that guy!!
I was given an areogarden as a gift and I'm really enjoying watching it grow.
I have found that each year I have to re-define what I can and can't do. Much of this list is already too difficult for me. I used to have 2 huge gardens about 30'x12', and they have gradually been sown for grass and now all I do is containers and raised beds. Garden seats on wheels are indispensable, and anything that lets you bring the work to you, instead of having to bend or reach so much.
I found a lot of help through the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you go to their website, then the Education tab, and then select Horticultural Therapy, you can find links and descriptions of their "Enabling Garden". I visited this last summer, and there are still pictures of this in my photos. I found the garden very inspirational, and came away with many ideas. They do have a series of leaflets and booklets that can be purchased, too. Here's, the link, and you may have to copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/therapy/index.php
One last thing. I find that if I'm working on something that might contain a lot of dust of mold, such as weeding, or working in mulch, I make sure to wear a mask. I really helps. And of course, organic is the way to go for us - no chemicals.
Thanks again! Hugs, Sue
had "fresh" veggies all year long. Gardening
is so relaxing and Zen like. I miss it.
I Love Chicago, there are sooooooo many cool things there!!!!!!
Our vegetable garden is planted!
Cant wait to watch it grow!
Enjoy gardening, you can do it, even if its just in a pot!
Holly