David Off Orchid Tips 10/2009

[waldororchids]

A new story entry has been added:

David Off Orchid Tips 10/2009

David Off is a 3rd generation
member of the highly respected
WALDOR ORCHIDS family.
RELAAXX!
There is no doubt growing orchids is good
for your health. Some 15-30% of heart
attacks are caused by high levels of stress.
So many of us, after a long day of going and
going, just want to take a few minutes (or
longer) with our plants. Tending to or just

[Nic100]

I find this topic really fascinating! I work in healthcare, and there have been numerous studies in North America and Europe demonstrating that people recover faster and experience less pain if they have a view of nature during their hospitalisation. It's a topic that has been explored over the years for reducing lengths of stay in hospital (and ultimately cost) and also improving the working lives of staff, who experience less stress when there are plants, or access to gardens in the hospital environment. This isn't specific to orchids of course, but there has been some recent research into the medicinal properties of a root extract of Orchis mascula which can apparently reduce high blood pressure and lipids (cholesterol), which are 2 of the major risks associated with heart attacks and strokes.

[Connie Star]

I'm a medical doctor, and I could not agree more! After a whole day of handwashing, rubber gloves, masks and general stress, the value of time with my small number of plants is unmeasurable. Looking at the flowers, seeing how much (often very little) that new leaf is expanding, anticipating the opening of a bud that is forming- Aaaah. I just feel more relaxed.

[Sandy4453]

I'm a caregiver to my mother who is on hospice. This has been the most stressfull, the most lonely, the most frustrating time in my life and the ONLY reason I mention this is because, sometimes, the only outlet I have is in tending to my orchids and I welcome it gladly, almost begging-ly sometimes! I'm stuck in the house a lot, especially after the aides have gone for the day and there are times when I can't stand being in the house and I want to runnnnnnnnnn but, I can't. I sometimes find myself stopping everything and going into my orchid room (a screened patio devoted to my couple of hundred orchids) and just getting lost in something or other to do with their care. Sometimes, I'm out there until 1:00 a.m. I let go when I'm out there with them. It's saved me, more times than I can count from losing it! It's been the best stress reliever I've found. ...that and when a friend comes to steal me for a few hours and dinner on the beach is on the menu.