Health Initiatives for March 2023

Brain Health Awareness Month

Brain Health Awareness Month raises awareness about maintaining optimal brain health through healthy habits like diet and exercise. Activities like reading, writing, puzzles, and language learning are good for brain health. Protect the brain from injury by wearing helmets and following safety procedures. During March, Brain Health Awareness Month, try something new for a healthy mind.

Liver Health Month

Liver Health Month takes place in March. Various organizations and healthcare professionals may hold events and campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of liver health, preventing liver diseases, and promoting liver disease screening and treatment. Research efforts are continuously leading to exciting breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. However, not all patients have access to these advancements. Liver disease affects 1 in 4 people in Canada, yet the issue remains overlooked, leading to a negative impact on liver healthcare.

As a patient, family member, physician, nurse, or allied health professional, you can help by raising awareness about liver disease. Dispelling misconceptions, sharing stories, emphasizing the importance of liver health, and advocating for government policies can make a difference. By speaking out and acting, we can improve liver healthcare and increase awareness about liver disease in Canada.

Nutrition Month 2023

For nutrition month this year Canada is drawing attention to the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. Food is nourishments, but it’s so much more. Food unites us at the kitchen table and can improve health, prevent disease and keep us well for longer. Check out some of our quick and healthy snacks on the next page that you can assemble for those long hospital/ clinic days.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. While we cannot change risk factors like family cancer history or age, there are ways to lower the risk of developing it. Going for screenings, keeping up with physical activity, healthy diet and not smoking all lower the chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Are you in a rush but still want to eat well? Try one of these healthy and effortless snacks for a nourishing pick-me-up that will also keep you feeling full longer.

Grab and Go; to name a few.

• Any fruit; apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc.

• Popcorn

• Cheese and Crackers

• Rice Cakes

• Boiled eggs

• Mixed nuts

Cinnamon Apples

Ingredients:

• 1 Apple

• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a container. Core and slice the apple then add to the same container. Attach the lid and simply shake!

Mason Jar Parfait

Ingredients:

• Fresh Berries of your choice

• Plain Greek Yogurt

• Seeds or nuts of your choice

• Oats (optional)

Fill the mason jar about halfway with greek yogurt, add fruit and other toppings. Place in fridge the night before a busy day for a quick and easy packable snack. This snack is high in protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

Smoothies

Choose a liquid base. coconut water, or any dairy-free milk for an extra creamy smoothie. Avoid fruit juices, as it adds unnecessary sugar.

Start with frozen fruits. Using frozen fruits keeps your smoothie chilled and creamy.

Add veggies. Adding fresh spinach or kale is an effortless way to sneak in greens. If adding this to your smoothie, try blending first with a little water to ensure a smooth blend.

Add healthy fats. Healthy fats will help draw in all those fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients from your fruits and veggies! Try almond butter, a drizzle of coconut oil, a slice of avocado or a variety of seeds such as chia seeds or flax seeds.

Kamloops https://www.linkagephoto.com/kamloops-bc-panoramas

Kamloops

Kamloops is a gorgeous city in British Columbia located in the Thompson Valley. The word Kamloops is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’ and for centuries has been the unsurrendered land of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people.

Kamloops is truly an all-seasons type of destination full of amazing things to do any time of the year – especially if you love the outdoors.

Things to do Art and Culture

The best way to explore the arts and culture in Kamloops is to simply take a stroll. The city of Kamloops has art galleries and outdoor art installations, including an entire Back Alley Art Gallery and a variety of sculptures and statues that will greet you along your way.

The Kamloops Art Gallery offers inspiring, provocative, and transformative art experiences of national caliber. The Gallery is well respected for its educational and public programs and through activities organized and presented in the community and region involving both contemporary and historical art.

Kamloops Agri Centre

The Kamloops Agri Centre, located in the heart of Kamloops, is a fantastic place to spend the day with friends and family. Kamloops agriculture is most famous for their sheep farming and wool production but aside from that, residents find entertainment through a variety of agricultural and rodeo events including; barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, team penning, cattle sorting, horse racing and spring training.

Kamloops Golf and Country Club

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Spend the day golfing at Kamloops Golf and Country Club; the oldest golf course in the Kamloops area. This eighteen-hole course is open for the season from April 7th, 2023 – October 10th, 2023. If you would rather practice your drive or work on your putt than play a whole course, the driving range features a large grass tee driving range that stretches out to 275 yards in length. The country club also includes two chipping greens, one practice bunker and an additional putting green.

Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is a village located just 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops, it is the second-largest ski area in Canada and a year-round destination for guests in search of a welcoming, accessible, stress-free mountain experience. If you do not like driving in the winter, there are several shuttle and transfer options to choose from that provide transportation to Sun Peaks from the city of Kamloops. Activities range from winter activities such as; skiing/ snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice skating. If you prefer to hibernate in the winter, their summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and mini golf. Not to mention spas, yoga studios, axe throwing, and local shops that are open year-round.

Lake Recreation

No matter the season, Kamloops has a spot for you to cast a line. The best lakes for fishing in the area are within a 50km radius of Kamloops. The nearby lakes include various fish: rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, kokanee, and salmon. If fishing is not for you, there are plenty of other lake activities you can take part in.

If you prefer lounging on the beachside and going into the water for a quick dip, Riverside Beach Park has what you are looking for and it is just a few minutes away from downtown. Enjoy a picnic, stroll along the beach, or go for a swim. The park also features lawn bowling and “Music in the Park” held nightly throughout the summer at the Rotary Bandshell.

Wells Grey Provincial Park

Wells Gray Country and all the communities and lands within it are unlike any place in the world. Located an hour and a half north of Kamloops, it is here you will find the world’s only old-growth inland temperate rainforest, tranquil lakes, powerful rivers, and soaring mountain peaks as well as extinct volcanoes, lava beds, mineral springs, and glaciers and 41 named waterfalls. B.C.’s hidden untamed wilderness playground invites you to explore and unwind.

Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area

Looking for something a little closer to home? Look no further than Lac Du Bois Grasslands

Protected Area which offers sweeping grassland vistas, spectacular cliffs and canyons, cool, dry forests, secret ponds, and small lakes. The park is known to have stunning and peaceful hikes. Lac Du Bois is less than 20 minutes north-west of downtown Kamloops.

Tournament Capital Centre

Kamloops is known to be the ‘Tournament Capitol of Canada’ and their facility is unmatched. This world class facility includes a Fieldhouse, Canada Games Aquatic Centre, indoor throws room, workout facilities, outdoor artificial soccer turf.