Program digs in for health

GARDENING is now part of the rehabilitation process at South Eastern Private Hospital.
The Healthe Care Group hospital in Noble Park will get help from Bunnings Dandenong to deliver the in-house gardening group.
The allied health team developed the 45-minute program and said it had physical and non-physical benefits.
It said the program can help to reduce stress and anxiety and to improve mood and memory.
The program also helps patients to prepare to go home and return to gardening in a safer, more knowledgeable manner to reduce the risk of falls.
Participants will plant vegetables and flowers in raised garden beds set in a purpose-built rehabilitation mobility garden and court yard.
“There have been many requests from patients who have a love of gardening to have it incorporated into their rehab program,” South Eastern Private Hospital CEO Andrew Blyth said.
“It engages the patients and they can see the results of their handy work.”
Call Andrea Carlon on 0423 433 469 or email andrea.carlon@healthecare.com.au for more information.