CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The Cincinnati VA is addressing veterans’ whole health through a gardening program that focuses on mind, body and spirit.
The program centers on what staff call a circle of health with nine different areas of focus. When veterans improve one area, other areas of health tend to improve as well, according to the VA.
“We kind of say we’re the best kept secret of VA for some reason, even though we are very intentional about sharing,” said Shari Frensemeier, whole health director at the Cincinnati VA.
The program begins with veterans working in a garden at the facility.
“And so you start working on movement and your sleep improves, your relationships tend to improve, your mood improves,” Frensemeier said. “And we’re bringing people together, especially veterans who are even branches of service, cooperate and work well when they need it.”
Garden builds connection and skills
Veterans tend to potted plants and grow fruits, vegetables and flowers in the garden.
“That connection and camaraderie, learning from each other, because they all become very interested and do their own research about plants and what works and what doesn’t work,” Frensemeier said. “Even in the fall, they harvest and dry seeds, put them in a packet to share. But yes, in the spring, everybody’s excited about planting season.”
The VA also offers a cooking class that uses vegetables grown in the garden. Veterans can take home the produce with recipes.
“Nothing tastes better than eating your own vegetables or fruit, right?” one participant said.
All programming is free for veterans.
Veterans who cannot physically attend can dial in virtually for the cooking classes. The VA also hosts a drum circle during summer months on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m.
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