People who have experienced cancer feel not only fatigue and depression caused by treatment side effects but also fear of recurrence and death. It is important to relieve stress and improve mental and physical health through hobbies. If you don't have a suitable hobby, how about trying gardening activities?

 

Today's cancer letter, two-line summary

 

1. Horticultural activities improve the physical and mental prognosis of cancer patients.

2. Try participating in specialized programs or start by planting small plants!

Horticultural activities improve the prognosis of cancer patients

 

Research has shown that cancer survivors engaging in gardening activities can help improve overall health.

A joint research team from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and Auburn University in the United States tracked 381 cancer survivors aged 50 to 95 for one year. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group that cultivated home gardens and a control group. The experimental group was provided with vegetable seeds and gardening tools to cultivate gardens at home, and professional gardeners visited participants' homes monthly to assist with garden management. The research team measured participants' strength, balance, and agility, collected biological samples, and gathered data on vegetable and fruit intake as well as physical activity.

 

As a result, the horticulture group increased their daily intake of vegetables and fruits by about one-third. The horticulture group perceived themselves as healthier than the control group, and their physical activity levels increased, along with improvements in gut microbiota. The horticulture group experienced an average weight loss of 0.8 kg, while no significant weight change was observed in the control group. The inflammation markers, such as cortisol and cytokines, remained stable in the horticulture group.

 

 

 

Excellent effects on cognitive and emotional enhancement

 

Professor Aekyung Lee from the College of Life Resources and Sciences at Dankook University, Department of Environmental Horticulture (Director of the Korean Horticultural Society, President of the Human Plant Environment Society), stated, "Horticultural activities are effective not only for physical benefits but also for enhancing cognitive, psychological, emotional, and social health." She added, "Focusing on horticultural classes and planning activities can improve problem-solving skills, decisiveness, and other abilities, allowing participants to feel a sense of achievement and self-esteem."

There are domestic research findings indicating that horticultural activities for cancer patients can improve psychological and emotional well-being. The research team from the Rural Development Administration and Ajou University Hospital's Gyeonggi Cancer Center conducted a four-month horticultural therapy program with 113 adult cancer patients. As a result, just one participation improved the emotional quality of life for cancer patients by 13%, while feelings of depression decreased by 45%, and stress levels dropped by 34%. Blood test results showed a 40% increase in serotonin secretion, known as the happiness hormone, after horticultural therapy.

 

I recommend growing herbs and sprout vegetables at home.

 

So, how should we start horticultural activities? Professor Jung Seung-yeon of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ajou University Hospital (Director of the Regional Cancer Survivors Support Center) recommends participating in horticultural therapy conducted by experts such as the Cancer Survivors Support Center. Professor Jung said, "Participating in group programs led by professionals allows for communication with others and the formation of bonds through horticultural activities." For example, the Gyeonggi Regional Cancer Center offers various programs that incorporate elements of crafts into horticultural activities, such as 'Making Natural Material Mobiles' and 'Creating Spring Moss Terrariums.' They select plants and themes suitable for each season.

If you want to engage in gardening activities at home alone without participating in a program, try transplanting or sowing herbs, flowers, succulents, or sprouts. Professor Aekyung Lee recommends engaging in gardening activities with non-toxic plants that do not strain the body.

 

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They say that just because you grow a big tree doesn't mean it's possible.

Even growing a small potted plant can heal the heart and lower inflammation levels.

 

Growing herbs seems to be quite challenging.

 

The rubber tree grows well.