FOR YOUR HEALTH

ENJOY BENEFITS OF GARDENING THIS SUMMER

Keely Ehmann

RiverStone Health Clinic

As the days get warmer, you may be looking forward to doing more activities outside or picking up a new hobby. Consider taking up gardening as a new hobby. Gardening offers physical health benefits. It’s also a great way to improve your emotional wellbeing.

There is satisfaction in growing and harvesting your own nutritious fruits and vegetables. Gardening provides opportunity for you to exercise while doing something you enjoy. As you plant, weed, and water, you

Eden Sowards are working many different

RiverStone Health Clinic muscles without putting too much strain on your body. You might be so focused on your lovely plants that you don’t even notice you’re breaking into a sweat. Gardening enhances mental health. Getting to work among the plants can help lower stress levels, keep us connected to nature, and provide us with a sense of responsibility and reward. Being out in the sunshine boosts your mood and increases your vitamin D exposure, which improves bone health and your immune system. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water and to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The Montana State University Extension offers a simple guide for planning a successful vegetable garden.

First, the essentials: Invest in good soil and choose the right location that yields six to eight hours of sunlight daily.

Organize your vegetable rows in a north-south direction to ensure the sunlight is distributed evenly. For example, tall vegetables like corn should be planted on the north side to reduce shading.

Consider using raised garden beds. The raised beds help reduce back strain, prevent soil compaction, extend the season, and serve as a barrier to pests like slugs and snails.

Be aware of the timing in which seeds and transplants need to be planted to give them the best chance for success. Some warm-season vegetables that are typically planted by direct seed in Montana include beans, cucumbers, squash, and sweet corn. If you’re looking for warm-season transplants, you might try eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.

If you grow more in your garden than you can use, don’t worry. Consider selling your excess produce this summer. The Healthy By Design Gardeners’ Market welcomes farmers and backyard gardeners to sell their produce in beautiful South Park. There is no fee to participate, but vendors are required to go through a short orientation. To learn about becoming a vendor, call 406.651.6444 or email market@hbdyc.org.

Whenever you can, choose to buy food from other local producers. Purchasing food from Montana producers through local markets also provides a unique opportunity

to meet the growers, share recipes, and engage in some all-ages fun. Look for locally grown produce in the grocery store, too.

Farmers markets play an important role in the health of our communities by increasing fresh food access. These neighborly markets create more opportunities for people to have healthy options. When you support local farmers and gardeners, you help boost the economy of your community.

Seniors age 60 and older may qualify for Senior Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program vouchers to use at participating farmers’ markets. To learn more about this program in Yellowstone County, call the Adult Resource Alliance at 406.294.1580. (See page 9 for more information.)

Whether you grow some of your own produce or shop for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, you will be fortifying your diet with healthy, delicious foods. Celebrate summer’s garden bounty in salads, main dishes and snacks now. Consider freezing or canning to enjoy local produce even longer.

Keely Ehmann and Eden Sowards are prevention health specialists in Public Health Services at RiverStone Health.

Keeping residents safe is our way of life.

Heidi is our Quality Coordinator. For over 17 years she has provided expert care and services to Westpark Village residents.

2351 Solomon Avenue, Billings, MT 59102 | 406-652-4886 | westparksenior.com

Gardeners’ Market

IN SOUTH PARK

Starting June 10, fresh, affordable, locally grown produce will be available from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in South Park. The Healthy By Design Gardeners’ Market will continue Thursdays through October 7. Handicap parking is available along with seating and sidewalk access. Vendors accept debit and credit cards, SNAP, Double SNAP Dollars, WIC Farm Direct Checks and Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers. Live music and senior-focused activities are planned. Visit www.hbdyc.org/market and sign up for the weekly market e-newsletter.

PARTIAL LIST OF 2021 TOURS

Limited Seats Available Don’t Wait ~ Call NOW!

MAY 29

Join us on this terrific combo day tour!

Hear the compelling and moving story about Heart Mountain, followed by Cody Attractions! ☛ $198/pp. $100 Deposit to reserve seat; Balance due: May 5, 2021

JUNE 19

A Day to explore the Castle Museum, White Sulphur Springs and The Bair Museum, Martinsdale

☛ $165/pp. $100 Deposit; Balance May 25, 2021

JULY 23

Day to Encounter the Bighorn Canyon Boat Tour!

☛ $195/pp. $100 Deposit; Balance Due June 23, 2021.

AUGUST 27

11-Day Motor Coach ‘The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky & Creation Museum.’

This incredible life-sized Noah’s Ark built to dimensions given in the Bible can be mindblowing and a fascinating experience of modern engineering ☛ $1,175/ppd. $75 Deposit. Balance Due June 20, 2021.

JUNE 25

8-Day America’s Music Cities featuring Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans

☛ $3,499/ppd. $200 Deposit. Bal Due April 23, 2021. Incl RT Air from Billings

SEPTEMBER 19

6-Day Sedona’s Red Rocks and The Grand Canyon, featuring Two Historic Rail Journeys

☛ $2699/ppd; $200 Deposit; Bal Due July 16, 2021. Incl RT Air

Be sure to keep this page of information for future reference of GDP Tours for 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LILY MOORE AT GDP TOURS office: 256-1492 • talk & text: 860-9085 • lily@gdptours.com • www.gdptours.com