While many states such as Nevada and Idaho have some of the fastest-growing population increases, Utah holds the distinction in a different manner. Besides an uptick in migration, the Beehive State is the only one to grow its number of residents by natural births.
With more children now living here, it pays to be more attentive to what their needs are. From a landscaping perspective, children should have a garden.
Helping Children Beat Obesity
More studies suggest that gardens, whether they are comprised of ornamental or edible plants, can help children reduce their risk of obesity. This matters because childhood obesity is a serious health condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 18 million children are obese.
Utah has one of the lowest childhood obesity rates, but at 25.3%, (based on the 2017 State of Obesity Report) it’s still high. Back in the 1990s, the percentage was only 9%.
Being obese while still young poses many health risks. These include the early development of chronic diseases such as heart disorders, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. They are also more likely to remain obese or overweight once they reach adulthood. A garden can prevent these health outcomes in different ways. It can give them access to healthy food, for example.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), no more than a percent of high school students meet their recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Worse, French fries are the popular source of vegetable for the children.
A 2013 study said that kids who have access to gardens, including community-based ones, not only get to have fruits and vegetables; they also increase their consumption of these foods. Gardening can also encourage children to exercise or engage in physical activity. Its beauty will encourage them to spend more time in the outdoors. Tasks such as pulling weeds or mowing the lawn can also help burn calories. Even planting flowers can already burn at least 200 calories per hour, according to WebMD.
Children and Their Mental Health
There’s another reason to call a landscape installation expert in Park City, Utah. Gardens are just as beneficial to the mind as they are to the body, particularly for children. Mental health problems are actually common among this population.
The CDC data revealed about 4.4 million of children between 3 and 7 years old have diagnosed anxiety. More than 3%, meanwhile, are clinically depressed while 9.4% have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Studies show that gardens (and gardening) can be alternative forms of therapies for these children. Consider sensory gardens, where children can touch and smell the plants. They can stimulate the senses and provide an avenue for hyperactive children to expend their energy. They can also be excellent teachers on patience and emotion regulation. Gardens can also reduce feelings of stress and increase relaxation.
Gardening can encourage involuntary attention, which means that you focus on something without much effort. In the process, it can decrease attention fatigue, which may introduce or worsen stress.
The beauty of a garden lies beyond its colors, design, and other visuals. It feeds the soul, keeps the body healthy, and clears and relaxes the mind.
