Amber D Wolfe BS AgrAbility Project Coordinator Arthritis Foundation Heartland Region Stephen J Swain ATP Assistive Technology Specialist National AgrAbility Project Breaking ID: 737233
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Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
Amber D. Wolfe, BS- AgrAbility Project CoordinatorArthritis Foundation, Heartland RegionStephen J. Swain, ATP- Assistive Technology SpecialistNational AgrAbility Project- Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University
Gardening with Effective Arthritis Management
An overview of the tasks related to gardening and the relationship between arthritis pain management and maintaining a productive garden.Slide2
Need speakers or headphones to hear the presentationMeeting > Manage My Settings > My Connection SpeedDial-up not recommendedQuestions about presentation Type into chat window and hit return.During the Q&A period at the end, if you have a web cam/microphone, click the “Raise Hand” icon to indicate that you have a questionWe will activate your microphoneBasic Webinar InstructionsSlide3
4 quick survey questionsSession recorded and archived with PowerPoint files at http://agrability.org/Online-Training/archived along with resource materialsProblems: use chat window or email agrability@agrability.org Basic Webinar InstructionsSlide4
Disconnection with presentersHang on – we’ll reconnect as soon as possibleDisconnection with participantsLog in againUse of videos at the endLet us know if you have problems via chatKnown Webinar IssuesSlide5
AgrAbility: USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.Partners land grant universities with disability services organizationsCurrently 23 projects covering 25 statesNational AgrAbility Project: Led by Purdue’s Breaking New Ground Resource CenterArthritis Foundation, Heartland Region = funded partner More information available at www.agrability.orgSlide6
Gardening with Effective Arthritis ManagementGardening is one of America’s most popular hobbies. According to a recent Greenhouse Management Online study, nearly 164 million homeowners in the US (49%) gardened in the past 12 months. In addition to the enjoyment it brings, gardening is also a great activity for maintaining range of motion, bone density and strength, joint flexibility, and overall quality of life.However, many people feel they have to give up this popular pastime because of arthritis pain. Arthritis is the number one disability-causing disease in America, with nearly 50 million American’s having a diagnosis of at least one form of arthritis.Slide7
Arthritis Defined…The term arthritis refers to an “inflammation of a joint” and refers to over 100 rheumatic/autoimmune diseases that are characterized by problems in and around joints.
-Inflammation, pain and degeneration of the connective tissue occurs. -Most forms are chronic and have no cure. -Arthritis can be effective treated with self-management, education, and medical support.Slide8
50 Million people in the US have doctor diagnosed Arthritis.By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million or 25% of the projected total adult population will have arthritis.Arthritis
is the most common cause of disability in the US workplace, limiting nearly 21 million Americans at their job.More than half of the individuals who have arthritis are younger than 65 years old.A Nation In PainSlide9
Gardening with Arthritis
Joint flexibility & range of motion increases, and lessened stress levels are all beneficial side-effects of gardening. --But it can also HURT!
Gardening can be an excellent treatment for arthritis.Slide10
Is your garden your hobby, or is it a form of income?Does your gardening require more hours than you can easily give?Does your hobby garden ever become a chore?Has arthritis pain ever taken away the joy of hobby gardening, or the productivity of your operation?Define Your RoleSlide11
Arthritis pain can take away the joy of gardening.Back/hip/knee pain, hand/wrist/shoulder/elbow painBending, kneeling, pruning, weeding, carrying, watering, harvesting, raking, digging, etc.Arthritis is just as much mental as it is physical.Arthritis pain can make gardening seem like a tough task that needs completed.Rushing yourself can irritate arthritic joints.Understanding LimitsSlide12
Benefits of GardeningGardening can be a stress-relieving exercise. Gardening can also be good physical exercise. Movement is Medicine!The most important gardening tool is the body!With proper body mechanics, well-designed gardening tools, and frequent rest breaks, anyone can remain a healthy gardener despite arthritis pain.Slide13
Gardening Tips and Tricks
Pace WorkWarm Up Joints
Use Proper Tools
Wear Gloves
Change Positions Frequently Use a Stool or Knee Pad
Use Largest Joint
Modify
Gardening Style
Keep Tools Near Work at
Best
TimesSlide14
Take time to do simple stretches before, during, and after your gardening work.Listen to your body. If you start to feel pain, stop the current work, move on to another type of activity with a different part of the body. Or stop completely to allow your body to rest.Embrace the use of ergonomic, enabling, or adapted tools to make the gardening work easier on the body. Prepare Your BodySlide15Slide16
Poor posture can lead to pain, fatigue, and strainssome garden carts actually perpetuate worse posturethe upper back has limited movement, the lower back needs to be able to flex forward and backward, it should NOT twistAdditional stress on the back, hips, and legs, in addition to the vibration on the shoulders, elbows and wrists, from riding mowers, weed-eaters, and rototillers, can have an affect on comfort and posture as well.Perfecting Your Posture
Video DemonstrationSlide17
Avoid staying in one position too long, and avoid repetitive tasks for long periods of time.Use the strongest and largest joints and muscles for the job.When weeding, use a kneeling pad or bench to avoid excess pressure on the knees and hips.Avoid twisting at odd angles to protect the hip joints.Perfecting Your Posture
Video DemonstrationSlide18
With physician approval, wear wrist and back splints whenever possible.Try to keep excessive twisting and reaching to a minimum. Use a cart or long-handled tools.Proper footwear is crucial to supporting the ankles and knees.Support Your JointsSlide19
Be aware of carrying heavy loads using your wrist as the main joint.Wear braces to support repetitive and stressful movements, such as hand pruning, weeding, and dropping seeds.Wear gloves to support the wrists and finger joints.Support Your JointsSlide20
Be Aware of the WeatherProtection from the sun. Weather exposure can both help and hurt a person with arthritis. Some enjoy the warmth of the soil and the sun while working, but overexposure can be detrimental.Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.Avoid working during the peak heat and sunlight hours.Drink plenty of water to help lubricate joints.Slide21
Low Maintenance RemindersConsider all options for the garden/container locationNear a water source, near tool storageAccess from all sidesConsider all options for weed controlMulch or black plasticChemical useConsider all options for plant choicesMaintenance, water needs, space and growing mediumYoung plants vs. seedsConsider all watering optionsHand watering, soaker hoses or sprinkler systemsRain water collectionSlide22
Gardening Style Modifications
Container GardensRaised BedsTrellis Gardening
Window Boxes, Hanging Baskets, Decorative Pots, Terrariums
Garden
Paths, Seating
Areas,
Mobility and AccessSlide23
Hanging basketsContainer GardeningSlide24
Decorative pots- be creative!!Window boxesContainer GardeningSlide25
Container Gardening
Terrariums- Great for herbs!Slide26
Container Gardening
Trellises- Uses for vegetables as well as flowers!Slide27
Pathways can prevent excessive walking and movement around the perimeter of a garden. It is also helpful to have clear entrances to the gardening area.How wide do you need it? Wide enough for passage- garden carts, utility vehicles, walking, mobility vehiclesWell drained, and slightly sloped- not too much of a grade that it is difficult to make your way back up, but enough for water run-off to prevent loss of traction, deep mud, etc.Garden MobilitySlide28
Raised ground bedsDeep raised beds, Straw beds“Raising Up” Your GardenSlide29
Elevated off the groundWell-aerated, disease-free growing medium, cost efficientPerfect for growing vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and melons)Older bales that have started to rot work best, grass mixUse a fertilizer mix to form a bed on the top of the bale before plantingEasy Straw BedsSlide30
Elevated bedsTerracing and retaining walls“Raising Up” Your GardenSlide31
Ergonomic Tools & Assistive Devices
Longer Tool HandlesCushioned HandlesReaching Devices
Rolling CartsBraces/Pads
Ergonomic= The Best FitSlide32
Buzz Word: Ergonomics!Careful tool selection can make gardening easier, while protecting you from unnecessary and unwanted stress, strain, and injury. Some tools are made specifically for women, with lighter materials and smaller grips.Benefits:Neutral join positionsMinimize stress, maximize power
Appropriately sized, soft padded handlesReduction of vibration and slippingThumb rests and proper diameter gripsSpring-loaded or power-assist tools that increase leverageSlide33
Tools should have handles that fit the person’s handRule of ThumbPistol Grip vs. Straight Handle
Ergonomic Hand ToolsSlide34
Long Handle ToolsTwo handed grip is betterLight weight Enlarged, foam, soft handle
Reduce resistance with smaller surfaceShorter length to reduce stretching and twistingVideo DemonstrationSlide35
Modified Tools
Telescoping ToolsStabilized Wrist SupportSlide36
Modified Tools
Powered Hand Tools (Bulb Planters)Bag Carrying HandlesSlide37
Other Assistive ToolsWheeled Carts
Shovel StepAuto-Locking/Lever-Action Nozzles Slide38
Other Assistive ToolsHandled Weed Carriers
Gardening ApronsPot LiftersSlide39
Still Asking What if?What if these modifications aren’t an option?Price, location, materials, time?What if other tasks are difficult, but not enough to change the entire gardening style?Edging, weed-eating, spreading mulch, and dividing perennials, etc.Do chemicals have an effect on arthritis?Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizersWhat about the products of the garden? Do some foods have a positive or negative effect on arthritis pain? Nightshade vegetables?Primary Care Provider/PhysicianSeek help regarding allergies, diet, exercise, etc., as these may be different for each person.Slide40
Additional ResourcesNational Arthritis Foundation- www.arthritis.org National AgrAbility Project- www.agrability.org The Toolbox Assistive Technology DatabaseArthritis and Agriculture Webpage- www.arthritis-ag.org Order the Arthritis Foundation’s “Gardening and Arthritis” brochure!Download the “Therapeutic Gardening” ArticlePrint the “Don’t Let The Dirt Hurt” Stretching/Exercise SheetSlide41
Additional Project ResourcesArthritis Today Magazine- “Tips for Reducing Pain While Gardening”- http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/everyday-solutions/do-it-easier/yard-and-garden/gardening-arthritis.php Gardens for Every Body- Missouri AgrAbility Projecthttp://agrability.missouri.edu/gardenweb/ Endless Gardening- Arkansas AgrAbility Projecthttp://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/agrability/endless_gardening/2012/volume1.pdf Slide42
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
Amber Wolfe Steve SwainArthritis Foundation National AgrAbility Project615 N. Alabama Street Purdue University- ABE Bldg.Suite 430 225 S University StreetIndianapolis, IN
46204 West Lafayette, IN 479071-800-783-2342 1-800-825-4264
awolfe@arthritis.org swainsj@purdue.edu www.arthritis-ag.org www.agrability.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter!!
Presenter Contact InformationSlide43
ResourcesNational Arthritis Foundation- www.arthritis.org National AgrAbility Project- www.agrability.org Arthritis and Agriculture Webpage- www.arthritis-ag.org Arthritis Today Magazine- “Tips for Reducing Pain While Gardening”- http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/everyday-solutions/do-it-easier/yard-and-garden/gardening-arthritis.php Gardens for Every Body- Missouri AgrAbility Projecthttp://agrability.missouri.edu/gardenweb/ Endless Gardening- Arkansas AgrAbility Projecthttp://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/agrability/endless_gardening/2012/volume1.pdf