Local Expert Advises That For Winter Blues, The Cure May Be Green

By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- All the snow, ice, and cold weather that's been plaguing our region this winter may be contributing to the incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as "SAD."

But one expert is advocating  horticultural therapy, a rehabilitation method that uses plant-based activities to help you get over those winter blues.

Beverly Agard, a horticultural therapist with Moss Rehab (part of the Einstein Health Network), says any interaction with green space or gardens can be beneficial in battling Seasonal Affective Disorder.

"If one has a nice window sill, (or) nurturing your plants has been proven to be very therapeutic," she notes.  "Another thing to do is to buy flowers each week."

Agard says cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables and adding them to your diet can also help improve your mood.  And she says there are many tricks to make it fun.  "We made skewers with fruit on it, with pineapple and grapes," she said.

Agard adds that  not only does horticultural therapy improve a person's approach to getting better, it helps them get there faster.

In:
• KYW Newsradio 1060
• Environment
• Philadelphia