Because this is a hot button health issue I wrote an editorial on this topic on Healthy Moms.

http://www.thehealthymoms.net/2010/03/why-health-care-reform-bill-will-hurt.html

Here is an example of what I am talking about:
Scott Veerkamp / Predatory Lending (Franklin Township School Board Member.)

Please review this information from U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley regarding deceptive lending practices:
“Steering payments were made to brokers who enticed unsuspecting homeowners into deceptive and expensive mortgages. These secret bonus payments, often called Yield Spread Premiums, turned home mortgages into a SCAM.”

The Center for Responsible Lending says YSP “steals equity from struggling families.”
1. Scott collected nearly $10,000 on two separate mortgages using YSP and junk fees. 2. This is an average of $5,000 per loan. 3. The median value of the properties was $135,000. 4. Clearly, this type of lending represents a major ripoff for consumers.

http://merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=A09C6A80-537A-4EB1-83C5-31925F046B6F

By lowering your center of gravity and harnessing the energy from your legs and torso gardening versus the muscles of your lower back and arms, gardening becomes both more aerobic and more enjoyable. Also, this technique will reduce strain on your back, muscle soreness and even calluses on your hands.

My advice is and has always been: gardening can be good for you but only if done correctly — and most don’t do it correctly (how they move their body) and use tools that were not ergonomically designed. For more information, check out my books or view the photos and videos on my website: http://www.getfitthroughgardening.com

This is the start of a revolution. Now we can be stewards of the planet and be stewards of our bodies at the same time. Get Fit Through Gardening — the most environmentally friendly, fitness program on the planet! Be lean, mean and green. — Jeffrey Restuccio