AMAZING TRANSYLVANIA So Much More Than Just History ISSUE 1-2021 CONTENTS

LIVING WITH RENAL FAILURE | ISSUE 1-2021

RECIPE Naturally sweet honey and orange curd cheese mousse – a delightful dessert

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Gardening – the natural way to a healthier routine

A PATIENT’S STORY Beating the odds by focusing on solutions

TRAVEL STORY AMAZING TRANSYLVANIA So much more than just history ISSUE 1-2021 CONTENTS

Dear readers,

After more than a year of the coronavirus 10 A PATIENT’S STORY pandemic, what we’re all wanting most is After losing her eyesight to be able to get back to life without the and her kidney function risk of infection again. Especially during this difficult time, to a rare disease, this young it’s very important to look after yourself. Are you getting enough special moments to relax and woman went on to fulfill be happy in your personal everyday life? If your answer to that question is a spontaneous “No!”, her dreams. 20 then please read on — because this issue of share for care brings together lots of ideas to help you RECIPE boost the feel-good factor in your daily routine. A light yet luscious curd cheese dessert that relies on Our special medical topic this time is oral health and the importance of paying attention to it. 4 natural fruit and honey for Regular visits to the dentist and a daily teeth-cleaning program alone can effectively reduce the NEWS flavor and sweetness. risk of disease and inflammation in the mouth while at the same time making you feel healthier Coated balloons and better every day. improve the results of shunt angioplasty. We’re also introducing you in this issue to Nikoletta Horváth from Hungary — a young woman who with no exaggeration can be called a “happiness expert.” Although she lost her eyesight due to a rare disease and has been dependent on dialysis for years, Nikoletta has been able to find her dream job as a journalist and is now a successful and extremely cheerful blogger and book author. 14TIPS Staying organized is a great Our travel story this time will be taking you — in your imagination, and maybe also in your practical way to streamline your life vacation plans for post-COVID times — to wild and romantic Transylvania. Colorful architecture, and avoid unnecessary stress – deep ravines and forests, and the best cuisine of Hungary and Romania will turn the trip into an helping you make the most allround experience. of your time. 22HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Gardening was probably Scientific evidence has now shown that gardening and other activities that give the senses plenty one of the first fitness of stimulation make people feel happier. When you’ve read our article about how good for you it 6 routines ever invented – and is to dig around in the soil, sniff the scent of flowers, or even just keep a house plant from wilting SPECIAL TOPIC it has so much more to offer Oral health – from proper every day, you’ll be wanting to get more greenery into your life. for mind, body, and soul. dental care to maintaining healthy flora within the Wishing you lots of fun reading this issue, mouth, good oral hygiene is Your editorial team a must for dialysis patients. 16 TRAVEL STORY We all know the stories, but in Christopher Boeffel Martin Kuhl reality, Transylvania is one of the most beautiful and inviting P.S. Please write to tell us how you like the issue — we’ll be delighted to regions of Eastern Europe – receive your letters, comments, and ideas, sent to [email protected]. waiting for you to come and explore!

2 | EDITORIAL CONTENTS | 3 NEWS EARWAX AS A STRESS RECORD EXERCISE SAVES It has not so far been possible to record long-term levels of the stress hormone hydrocortisone in the body, since blood samples only provide snapshots of it. But a research study has now shown that analyzing earwax — medi- cally termed cerumen — can COATED BALLOON document long-term con- People who exercise regularly centrations of the hormone. IMPROVES ANGIOPLASTY livesincrease their chances of living The fatty secretion inside When the dialysis shunt has narrowed and blood healthier and longer lives — and the ear stores hormones and is no longer passing through it properly, an angio- the same can apply to dialysis other substances. Diagnosing plasty procedure has to be carried out to widen the patients. A long-term study in a persistently high hydrocor- affected blood vessels and open them up again. This Europe and South America inves- tisone level is important for treatment, which uses a special balloon catheter, tigated the activity profiles of the treatment of psychiatric has so far often led to irritation and injury to the more than 6,000 dialysis-depen- diseases, among other things. vessel walls, which in turn can cause the vessels to dent people in connection with start narrowing again. A study including 29 treat- the rate of deaths from cardiovas- ment centers in the USA, Japan, and New Zealand cular and other diseases. Accord- has shown that adding an outer coating of paclitaxel ing to the study, individuals who to the balloon can lead to a substantial improvement stated that they were physically in the treatment. active at least twice a week had a nearly 25 percent reduction in the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease in comparison with those who said they were only occasionally active or were mostly sedentary.

BLOOD TEST NEWS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CANCERS

Early detection of cancer using a blood test is one of the great unfulfilled ambitions in medicine – but we may now be a little closer to seeing this dream come true. A Nation- al Health Service study in Britain, including 165,000 participants, is to investigate the “Galleri test” over the next few years. The test identifies specific molecular changes in the blood, and this might make it possible to detect more than 50 types of cancer even years before symptoms start developing.

4 | NEWS 5 SA LI VA SPECIAL TOPIC AND DRY MOUTH Due to restrictions on the amounts they can drink, patients with renal insuf- ficiency often suffer from dry mouth and reduced salivation — a factor that The mouth promotes the development of caries and periodontitis. If not enough saliva is pres- HOW TO ent, food is transported KEEP IT HEALTHY from the mouth in a less liquefied form, and more AND WHY tends to be left on the IT’S SO IMPORTANT teeth. Sugar-free chewing gum is helpful for reducing dry mouth, and saliva People who live with a chronic Neither embarrassment about substitutes (e.g., based on disease like renal failure usually allegedly “poor teeth” nor a feel- hyaluronic acid) can also be have a full diary, with lots of spe- ing that “I’ve got quite enough recommended. cialist visits and treatments. Going other health problems” should to the dentist may not always be prevent you from visiting the top of the list. But it should be! dentist regularly and insisting on Because even if you don’t have a thorough diagnostic check on any dental pain or other symp- your dental health. toms, you should never dispense with regular visits to the dentist. Regular checking of oral health is important for the whole body, as The most frequent oral disease, the mouth is particularly exposed periodontitis, is present in 70 per- to the outside environment. The cent of the population and in as moist and warm interior cavity is much as 90 percent of older peo- used to ingest food every day. The ple. It is a hidden endemic disease problem is that the sugar contain- that develops ed in food is not only metabolized Regular checking of oral health unnoticed over in the digestive tract, but also is important for the whole body, a long period, feeds some of the more than 700 as the mouth is particularly and people with different types of bacteria that exposed to the outside environment. chronic diseases live in the mouth. The best-known such as diabetes of these are the bacteria that mellitus or weakened immune sys- cause dental caries, dissolving tems, like dialysis patients have, minerals out of the dental enamel are particularly susceptible to it. and thus leading to cavities in the At the same time, periodontitis teeth. also exposes them to particular risks. So it’s all the more important for everyone affected to pay good attention to oral health.

6 | SPECIAL TOPIC 7 SPECIAL TOPIC

inflammation, periodontitis is a burden on PREVENTIVE CARE AND the immune system, and this can lead to MAINTENANCE deteriorating health in dialysis patients, OF TREATMENT SUCCESS whose immune systems are already wea- Correct tooth-brushing, either manual or kened. Reducing periodontitis is also an electric, is not enough. It is just as impor- absolute necessity for transplant patients, tant to clean the interdental spaces daily whose immune systems are deliberately as well, using special brushes or dental weakened by medication in order to redu- floss. Together with regular professional ce rejection reactions. dental cleaning (arranged with your dentist), these three elements are promising Scientific research into the effects of peri- factors for success in maintaining impro- odontitis is by no means fully completed. ved conditions over the longer term. There is a consensus that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. A recent study has shown that type 2 diabetic patients with untreated periodontitis develop severe renal disease more often than those with healthy gums. So there are already more than enough reasons to give much more attention to oral health than before.

Bacterial inflammations in the mouth to advance through this fissure and can DIAGNOSIS: The starting point is certainly a are damaging not only to the teeth but ultimately even cause decay in the jaw thorough dental examination. X-rays can be also to the gums and what is known as bone. In extreme cases, this may become used to clearly diagnose the extent to which the periodontium — the tissue surround- so severe that the teeth lose their support periodontitis has already attacked the perio- ing the tooth root. In contrast and fall out. dontium. A periodontal probe can also be used Periodontitis to caries, periodontitis may be in the mouth to examine the depth of the (the -itis ending present for a long period with- THE PROBLEM: fissure between the tooth and the gums, in often refers out any symptoms appearing. LONG-TERM INFLAMMATION order to assess the course of the disease. to inflammatory Bacterial film in the inter- Bone loss in the jaw and tooth loss were conditions) dental spaces or in gingival for a long time thought to be symptoms TREATMENT: The first step here is to eliminate pockets initially causes inflammation in of aging. More recently, medical research THE MOST the causes. Cleaning of the oral cavity is used the visible area of the gums. This may or has shown that they are caused by to remove bacterial film and deposits in the may not lead to symptoms such as bleed- inflammation. This is why the term peri- IMPORTANT gingival pockets and thus control the inflam- ing in the gums. If the inflammation is not odontosis is no longer used, but rather mation in a targeted way. Surgical procedures stopped, it penetrates further and further periodontitis (the -itis ending often refers STEPS TO may also be indicated in cases of advanced into deeper layers of the periodontium. to inflammatory conditions). periodontitis.

This progressive inflammation happens so This discovery has also led to the disease IMPROVE easily because the teeth emerge through being regarded today as more dangerous the skin that is actually protecting us than was earlier thought — as the inflam- ORAL HEALTH against bacteria — giving rise to a sys- mation often does not remain limited to tematic weak point, the space between the mouth and jaw area, but can lead the tooth and the gum. Bacteria are able to secondary diseases. As a long-term

8 | SPECIAL TOPIC 9 A PATIENT´S STORY

“I DON’T SEE MYSELF AS BEING ILL” Dialysis is a vital step — not only for improving the quality of life That’s clear from both Niki’s pro- but even just for survival. For patients with renal failure, having to fessional career and her private go for dialysis for four hours three times a week means a very big life. Her publications are avail- change to their accustomed lifestyle. You might think a difficult able both in bookshops and situation like this would have negative effects on the emotional online. Privately, she tries to state of the people affected, but that isn’t so. The staff working in make as much time as possible our dialysis centers quite often see people who are full of vitality for physical exercise. and with surprisingly positive energy — and in fact, with positive thinking and support from friends and family, and by setting “I had my first dialysis treatment completely new goals, it’s quite possible to benefit from the new on March 19, 2012, but that year condition and even enjoy things. signaled a change in my life in other areas too, because I made up for the strains of treatment by having some creative fun: in 2012 I launched my blog called Like Nikoletta Horváth, called Niki, a patient at the dialysis center in Szombathely, who suffers from a rare VakVagány ('Blind and Tough'), disease that meant she lost her eyesight when she was a teenager. Eight years ago, she then also developed where I cover topics that are a renal disease that made lifelong dialysis unavoidable. We spoke to Niki to find out how she has managed important and interesting to me to keep her positive attitude to life — and even be happier than many people who don’t have such a serious in my own voice. disease. This is her story.

“Nineteen years ago, when I was cational career she has followed opportunity to see people and "I’ve also had three books published, in which I 13, I developed a rare disease despite the disease, it’s hard not my surroundings for many years introduce my guide dog Lili, for example, and try that led to the loss of my eye- to be amazed. before the disease got worse, to give readers a closer insight into my outlook on sight a few years later, and as even though I had to relearn ev- life, which has also helped me achieve happiness time went on it also caused lots “In 2014, I graduated with honors ery aspect of my life again after to a great extent.” of other problems,” Niki says. in communications studies, and I losing my sight. Coping with “The disease affected the pitui- also have an OKJ (National Qua- everyday tasks, public transport, tary gland and bones, and led to lifications Register) qualification school, and all the other areas constricted blood vessels and in as a journalist.” She’s particularly of life is completely different for the end to kidney failure, so that fond of radio broadcasting and blind people. I needed dialysis treatment.” journalism, where she has been involved above all in the fields of "You need a lot of time to adjust, The past few years have been culture, lifestyle, and mental and but living life to the full is still full of hard work and a strug- emotional health. Niki describes possible as a blind person.” gle to improve her living condi- how her life changed complete- tions, Niki reports. And when she ly overnight when she became describes the extraordinary edu- blind. “I’m grateful I still had the 10 | A PATIENT´S STORY 11 "I have a lot to thank B. Braun A PATIENT´S STORY for — not just for the dialysis treatment, but also some very close friendships. I’m glad I’ve been able to meet them all, and I In addition to her work as an me. That’s why I usually just refer article and trying to shed new would say the dialysis treatment author, she takes part when- “At home, to them generally as my angels. I light on social stereotypes about has enriched my life rather than ever she can in the RenBike tour, the family can only hope I’ll be able to give serious disease. taken anything away. I wouldn’t which is organized regularly for them back at least some of all want to change anything that kidney patients. “A couple of always had they’ve given me.” "I’ve been going for dialysis at has happened.” years ago I was even given a tan- the center in Szombathely for It’s always a pleasure to meet dem bike by the organization’s a very life- During the first wave of the coro- eight years now. That’s a long someone who has faced up to staff. I was sad to hear the event affirming navirus pandemic, Niki published time, and I’ve been able to get tremendous challenges and is still isn’t being held this year due to a detailed article about the pre- to know B. Braun and the doc- able to live a balanced, happy, the pandemic. From the outside, outlook. judices that people have about tors and nurses who work here. active, and successful life. Niki is it might seem like it must take health problems, and about For me, the center’s like one big one such person, and at the end a lot of energy to have such a "I often ask my mother how she dialysis treatment in particular. family, some of the nurses are of our conversation she adds that varied lifestyle, but actually it’s managed to make it through the She had already been concerned like family members to me... I she’s not planning to stop and is these activities that give me my last few decades, since she’s the about the problem of ignorance also have a very personal rela- already thinking up new projects. strength and inspiration.” real heroine in this story. I can’t for a long time, she says. “In my tionship with fellow patients. “Writing will always be part of imagine anything worse than experience, not just with dialysis I’m very grateful to the dialysis my life, but there are also a lot Niki’s positive approach can having to sit and watch help- but also in relation to blindness, center community, especially the of other things taking shape. serve as a shining example. But lessly while someone you love is it’s usually just ignorance that nurses, who provide the basis For example, I’d really enjoy where does she get all the ener- suffering. Mom always gives the lies behind the various miscon- for this health-care enterprise appearing in public and I hope I gy from — apart from through same answer: ceptions and false assumptions, and are always there for men- can get a few opportunities to her creative work as an author? tal support. To start with, during do so. I’ve got lots of plans and How does she always manage ‘I BASICALLY DON’T FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM, my first treatment sessions, Lili, ideas, I’m making progress. I to sound cheerful, as if she has BUT RATHER ON THE SOLUTION.’ my guide dog, was even able to think you have to live every day forgotten she's ill? Niki’s answer come with me and waited very with awareness, always trying to to this very direct question was obediently and patiently until the let go of bad characteristics and clear and decisive. "That approach had a really rather than hatred or malice. A dialysis was finished. I have a lot habits. You can’t look for your strong influence on me. I never lot of people simply have no idea to thank B. Braun for — not just future in the past, you have to “I don’t see myself as being ill. saw my parents showing any what dialysis involves... When I for the dialysis treatment, but take steps toward the future out I don’t believe that people all signs of desperation. They never came across a comment claiming also some very close friendships. of the present. belong to set groups. We’re all ran away, even though they that one positive effect of the I’m glad I’ve been able to meet human beings. There are some would have had good reason to quarantine is that people who them all, and I would say the dia- people who seem likable to us do so, as we’ve had plenty of need dialysis wouldn’t need to lysis treatment has enriched my and some who don’t. And that challenging moments over the go for treatment, I was shocked life rather than taken anything "So I spend a lot of time feeling doesn’t depend on wheth- years. But they stayed strong and felt right away that there away. I wouldn’t want to change working on myself so er or not we’re labeled as phys- and never gave me the feeling are misunderstandings that need anything that has happened.” ically healthy. I’m a sociable and that there was no way out of to be cleared up. I couldn’t just I can strip away any bad open person. People close to me the situation. That’s what made let people believe that dialysis say I have a good sense of humor. me what I am today. Of course, treatment is optional. patterns and improve my Integration has never been a lots of other people contributed own mental well-being.” problem for me at any stage in as well. Some were part of my "For us as the patients affected, my life,” Niki explains, before life only for a short time, while dialysis treatment is unavoidab- describing the people who have others have been with me for le, we would really just suffoca- And our conversation with Niki supported her in life and helped longer... it would take too long to te without it. That idea was the finishes with that thoughtful shape her positive personality. list everyone who’s important to starting point for writing the piece of advice for life.

12 | A PATIENT´S STORY 13 TIPS FAQs WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO BECOME Although pill organizer boxes are practi- A FATHER AS A DIALYSIS PATIENT, OR 3 cal — when traveling abroad, it’s often AFTER A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT? STAYING advisable to keep the pills with you in In principle, male dialysis patients are able their original packaging, to avoid any pro- to have children. However, taking certain blems when you enter another country. medications and having raised blood pres- The best idea is to get information sure often lead to some limitations on erectile well organized beforehand about the regulations function and a reduced sperm count. After Lots of pills and different medications are often part of everyday life for dialysis patients. applying at your destination. kidney transplantation, many male patients It can be challenging to keep track of them all and make sure not to forget about taking one. recover both potency and the ability to have So useful aids and tools that make it easier to manage taking medicines are welcome. children, substantially increasing the chances of reproduction. If you are wanting to have children, you’ll need to get advice from the physician treating you in any case. You should be sure to use this practical aid: pill organizer boxes. These are available in CAN SUNLIGHT BE GOOD FOR US? all sorts of colors, shapes, and designs. You Excessive ultraviolet light does of course 1 can use them to presort your pills for each involve a health risk, and it makes sense to day and the various times of day. The best protect yourself against it with appropriate way is to do this for the whole week ahead. behavior, clothing, and sunscreen. But You’ll also be able to see when it’s time completely avoiding sunlight is not a good for a new prescription. Some pharmacies idea either, because the light does actually also provide a service to fill the boxes for have an indispensable influence on health. you according to your physician’s For example, the body can only produce the prescriptions. vitamin D that is essential for bone if we regularly store up some sunshine. Sunlight also ensures that the body’s day and night rhythm and thus hormone production are properly regulated, and it’s important for mental health and well-being.

IS IT SENSIBLE TO BUY VITAMIN PREPARATIONS AT THE PHARMACY TO IMPROVE MY GENERAL HEALTH? During dialysis, not just toxic substances but also nontoxic ones are filtered out of the Reminder alarms and apps: A wide range blood. This often results in loss of water- of small technical aids are available, from soluble vitamins and trace elements, which beeping key fobs to apps for your cell- can lead to tiredness, loss of appetite, and phone, using audible signals to remind you poor concentration. However, buying vitamin to always take your pills at the right time. preparations on your own initiative isn’t Modern apps can also enable you to scan advisable. It’s better to clarify your own per- in your whole medication plan easily in a sonal needs with the physicians treating you. single step, using a QR code. That means They will know which additional vitamins 2 you can automatically get a complete and you should be taking in a targeted way and up-to-date overview of your medications which you should even avoid, and they can any time (e.g., when seeing a specialist, or also adjust your vitamin intake relative to the in the emergency department). other medications you are taking. 14 | TIPS 15 TRAVEL STORY

Târgu Mureș is located in the north of Romania on the river Mureş, and it belongs to the historic region of Tran- sylvania. With about 140,000 inhab- itants, several universities, a state theater, a zoo, and a multitude of res- OFF TO taurants and cafés competing for visi- TRAN tors, the trading city, founded more than 700 years ago, has long since developed into a regional center with a thriving cultural life. SYL The region’s sweet cake specialties include kürtőskalács (spit cake or chim- ney cake) and Dobos torte (a sponge cake), and many restaurants offer genuine Hungarian goulash as a main course. In addition to Romanian, people VANIA! can often also be heard speaking Hun- garian on the streets — not surprisingly, since nearly half of the city’s population is still proudly Hungarian.

The dialysis center is located about three kilometers (nearly two miles) A meeting place for outside Târgu Mureş, in the quiet, leafy different cultures, suburb of Sângeorgiu de Mureş. This is where B. Braun opened its first dialysis colorful architecture, center in Romania. Many of the staff who were originally responsible for the and surrounding challenging task of setting up the cen- countryside full of ter still work here and have many years of professional and personal experi- legends — the Romanian ence, which they are happy to share BEST TIME FOR TRAVEL: with their patients and the guests at city of Târgu Mureș Transylvania has a continental the vacation dialysis center. climate, with hot, dry summers is a tempting destination and cold winters. Pleasant for explorers temperatures for visiting can be enjoyed in the months and connoisseurs. of May and June, as well as September and October.

16 | TRAVEL STORY 17 WORTH TRAVEL STORY KNOWING Getting there: Târgu Mureş Transylvania Airport is an international airport that is located about 15 km (about 9 miles) southwest of the city. The city center takes about 20 minutes to reach by taxi, TRANSYLVANIA – rental car, or minibus. AN EL DORADO FOR For your personal travel and appointment arrangements, please get in touch with the contact person at the clinic, Ms. Alexandra Balalau, by phone or e-mail.

Tel.: +40 729 887 319 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bbraun.com/en/patients/ renal-care-for-patients/renal-care- HISTORY centers/europe/romania/targumures.html

In FANS.keeping with Transylvania’s complex history, Târgu Mureş offers visitors a rich architectural heritage, with fascinating buildings dating from the Middle Ages and Renaissance and When you’re traveling in Transylvania, you come from the Habsburg baroque and art nouveau periods. across castles everywhere, as well as the forti- These include the city’s landmark Rose Square, fied churches that are characteristic of the re- with the Orthodox Cathedral, the City Hall, and gion — historical witnesses to a past that was the Palace of Culture. The Palace of Culture, also full of religious conflict. The area around DIALYSIS CENTER INFORMATION with its majolica tiles that shine in the sun- Târgu Mureş is marked by mountains and Renal Care Center Târgu Mureş light and colorful mosaics on the façade, is a forests, lakes, streams, and rivers and even 1 Soarelui Str. superb example of the splendor of Hungarian underground streams. Bicycle tours along the 547530 Sângeorgiu de Mureş art nouveau. If you’re interested in earlier his- Mureş River are popular. In addition to sever- Mureş County, Romania tory, you can climb up to the medieval fort- al national parks, the vineyards and renowned ress, which provides a fantastic view of the wineries in the surrounding area are also worth city, or visit the famous Teleki-Bolyai Libra- a visit. ry, built in 1799–1803 in the baroque style, which holds many extremely valuable books. Sighişoara — the birthplace of Count Dracu- la, according to legend — is also well worth a visit. The city is captivating, with an incom- parable variety of colorful sights, and is one of many beautiful and popular tourist attrac- tions in the region. The city of Braşov is less than three hours’ drive away and is also worth an outing, with sights including the Biserica Neagră (Black Church). These are just two of any number of rewarding trips and discoveries that can be made starting from Târgu Mureş. Transylvania — an El Dorado for history fans. 18 | TRAVEL STORY 19 30 min. RECIPE

SERVES 4 300 g curd cheese 2 pinches poppy seeds CURD Zest of one orange 2-3 TSP honey 4 sheets gelatin 2 TBSP orange juice CHEESE 100 g whipped cream 1 TBSP orange marmalade 2 strawberries and currants MOUSSE for garnishing WITH HONEY

THE CURD CHEESE MOUSSE Mix the curd cheese, poppy seeds, orange zest, and honey together until well blended. Soften the gelatin in cold water, squeeze out the water, and then slowly melt in orange juice at low heat (important: never boil gelatin!). Fold into the curd cheese mixture with care. The curd cheese adds lots of protein to the dessert. Allow to cool off, then carefully fold in Use poppy seeds sparingly. the whipped cream. Place the mixture into dessert molds and refrigerate for 2 hours.

THE SAUCE Blend together 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Pour over the cream cheese mousse. Garnish with the berries.

Nutritional value (All nutritional information per serving. This corresponds to ¼ of the total recipe.) Energy Carbohydrates BE Protein Fat Potassium Phosphate Sodium Water 192 kcal 9 g 0.8 12 g 12 g 107 mg 143 mg 36 mg 81 ml

These nutritional values represent average figures, which may differ in certain cases. They should be used only as a guide and cannot replace a consultation with your doctor or nutritionist.

20 | RECIPE 21 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

GREEN IS GOOD FOR YOU

People who enjoy digging in flowerbeds or lovingly tending to houseplants are also actively looking after their own health — because gardening is a highly effective relaxation program.

there’s plenty of food for the senses: it’s a hobby that fully rewards the senses of touch, hearing, smell, and taste. And things that make the senses harmonize can create happiness here and now.

People who enjoy being surround- As everyone knows, plants and flowers Medical research has in recent years You breathe more deeply in the garden, ed by plants indoors can also benefit are soothing for the spirit, and there’s found out more about this. There is and measurements show that garden- from these healthy feel-good effects. nothing like the happiness that comes now evidence that simply looking at ing can even improve brain function. Because Monstera etc. don't just pro- with the scent of fresh herbs or with plants and listening to the sounds of Outdoor activity can strengthen the vide better indoor air quality — taking successful home-grown tomatoes. In nature can have a relaxing effect and immune system, and sleeping better care of the plants, watering them, a way, gardening is really in the blood can reduce blood pressure and sensiti- and having a healthy appetite after and spraying the leaves has been for all of us. Although we nowadays vity to pain. Active gardening, plunging working in the fresh air complete the shown to have mood-lifting, relaxing spend a lot of time indoors and in front your hands into the soil, the physical garden’s contribution to a better sense effects. Taking care of plants every day of digital screens, we haven’t lost our effort of digging (which also benefits of well-being. strengthens your sense of your own receptiveness to the power of nature. the heart and circulation), and the joy effectiveness. And at the same time, Especially in spring, when the sunshine of planting and harvesting can reduce CREATE A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT the fact that the plants are always You can find is coming back and everything green stress, anxiety, and depression. This is AND “FEED” YOUR SENSES growing at their own pace promotes useful information is starting to sprout forth, there’s an why garden therapy is used in suppor- The most important reason for the patience and calmness. Even just a few for your overpowering urge to get outdoors. tive treatment for mental illness, for positive effects of gardening is proba- minutes of contemplative plant care health & fitness example. According to one study, even bly that it appeals to us in so many per day is enough to have a noticeab- at our website, But what specific effects does just 30 minutes of gardening can re- ways — body and mind are equally ly positive effect on body and mind. A www.bbraun-dialysis.com. caring for plants have on our health? duce hydrocortisone levels in the blood. involved, you’re linked to nature, and little more nature is good for all of us.

22 | HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 23 A NETWORK OF COMPETENCE Exploring the world with B. Braun

64 of more than 350 B. Braun renal care centers worldwide 45 out of 64 B. Braun locations worldwide