Fitness

  • Walking: Key to Health & Well-being

    Walking, often underestimated in its capacity to foster health, is a cornerstone of preventive medicine. This gentle, yet incredibly effective, form of exercise is universally accessible, requiring no special equipment or environment, making it an ideal starting point for those who want to incorporate more physical activity into their routines. It engages the cardiovascular system, enhancing heart health by improving blood circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Regular walking adjusts the body’s lipid profile by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, thus playing a pivotal role in managing and preventing type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.…

  • Health Benefits of Cycling: Indoor & Outdoor

    Cycling, a multifaceted exercise with the flexibility to be practiced indoors or outdoors, stands as a beacon of health and fitness, accommodating enthusiasts across all seasons, particularly in regions where winter’s chill might otherwise deter outdoor activities. Whether mounted on a stationary bike within the confines of one’s home or a gym, or navigating the diverse terrains that the great outdoors offers, cycling encapsulates a broad spectrum of health benefits, spanning from the physical to the mental, making it a universally accessible and highly beneficial exercise regimen. The act of cycling, characterized by its low impact on the body’s joints, presents an appealing option for individuals at various fitness levels,…

  • Staying Active During the Holidays

    The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, often, a break from our regular routines. Amidst the festive cheer and colder weather, staying active can often become a secondary concern. However, maintaining physical activity during the holidays is crucial not only for our physical health but also for our mental well-being. This article aims to provide comprehensive strategies and tips for incorporating fitness into your holiday schedule, ensuring that you stay healthy, energized, and ready to enjoy the season to its fullest. Embracing Indoor Exercises As the Canadian winter sets in, outdoor activities might be less appealing due to the cold and snow. This is an excellent opportunity…

  • Benefits of Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

    Regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. While many people focus on cardiovascular activities and strength training, the importance of incorporating regular stretching and flexibility exercises into one’s fitness routine should not be overlooked. Stretching helps improve flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle elasticity. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of regular stretching and flexibility exercises and how they contribute to overall health. Enhanced Range of Motion Regular stretching and flexibility exercises can significantly improve your range of motion. By increasing the flexibility of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, you can move more freely and comfortably. This increased range of motion promotes better posture, reduces…

  • Exercising Safely in the Summer Heat

    Summertime brings longer days and warmer temperatures, presenting perfect opportunities for outdoor exercise and activities. Whether you’re a fan of running, biking, hiking, or participating in team sports, the sunny weather can boost your mood and inspire you to be more active. However, the summer heat can also pose some health challenges, especially if precautions aren’t taken to ensure a safe and healthy exercise routine. This article will provide an extensive look at how to exercise safely in the summer heat, from understanding heat-related illnesses to knowing when and how to exercise for optimal health and safety. Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses Exercising in the summer heat can put you at risk…

  • The Multifaceted Role of Parks and Recreation in Canada

    Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive wilderness. But, nestled within its bustling cities and quaint towns, there is a vital resource that sometimes gets overlooked – its parks and recreation facilities. From national parks to local community playgrounds, these spaces play an indispensable role in enhancing the quality of life for all Canadians, providing not only environmental benefits but also promoting health, fostering community, and fuelling local economies. Health and Wellness The health benefits of parks and recreation facilities cannot be overstated. They provide easily accessible spaces for physical activities such as walking, running, biking, and playing sports.…

  • The Mind-Body Connection

    Exercise has long been recognized as an essential component of physical health. From improving cardiovascular endurance to increasing muscle strength, the benefits of regular physical activity are well-established. However, the impact of exercise on mental wellbeing is a topic that deserves equal attention. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between exercise and mental wellbeing, shedding light on how physical activity can enhance emotional resilience and cognitive function while preventing mental health disorders. The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Wellbeing To better understand the connection between exercise and mental wellbeing, it’s crucial to recognize the physiological processes that underlie this relationship. When we engage in physical activity, our body responds…

  • Outdoor Exercises for All Ages and Lifestyles

    As a physician, I am constantly encouraging my patients to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, as well as promoting mental well-being. Engaging in outdoor exercise not only provides the benefits of physical activity, but also offers the additional advantages of fresh air, exposure to natural sunlight for vitamin D, and a connection to nature, which can further enhance the positive effects on mood, stress reduction, and overall health. In this article, I will present a variety of creative outdoor exercises that cater to diverse…

  • Protecting British Columbia’s Supply of Ozempic

    The government of British Columbia is taking essential measures to ensure that individuals with diabetes in the province have uninterrupted access to the crucial medication Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about potential shortages due to increased demand for the drug in various regions. Ozempic, which is an injectable prescription medication intended for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, contains the active ingredient Semaglutide. As of now, B.C. has not faced any shortages of the drug. However, PharmaNet data from the province reveals an unusually high proportion of Ozempic dispenses being purchased by United States patients from B.C.-based pharmacies. U.S. consumers are increasingly…

  • Unlocking British Columbia’s Fitness Treasures

    As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it’s time to embrace the outdoors and reap the benefits of nature’s own fitness playground in British Columbia. From serene coastal vistas to rugged mountain landscapes, BC offers a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to combine the joys of exercise with the beauty of nature. This spring, venture outside, breathe in the fresh air, and explore the countless opportunities for outdoor fitness in British Columbia. The Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Exercising outdoors provides several health benefits, both physical and mental. In addition to increasing your physical fitness and stamina, spending time in nature can help reduce stress, improve…