There has been a renewed focus on health and wellness in Vancouver, and the rest of the world, due to historic events that have taken place this year and last. With so many options and opinions available regarding lifestyle, food, and therapies, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all of the choices. Really, there is no need for good health to be complicated. Take a look at these 21 Amazing And Simple Ways To Be Healthy In Greater Vancouver, and you will see that it’s easier than you think!
1)Science World:
Really? Science World? To be healthy? That’s right, I said it! Health includes physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental. Well, Science World certainly satisfies the mental health requirement. The larger-than-life silver globe, carefully adored with coloured lights, at the end of False Creek has been an unmistakeable and iconic figure in the Vancouver skyline since the Expo ’86 World’s Fair. Under the leadership of Science World since 1987, this learning center has housed world renown exhibits in art, astronomy, physics, anthropology, paleontology, biology, chemistry, engineering and more. Adults and children alike, will all experience eye-opening, and jaw-dropping moments as their imaginations and scopes of knowledge are broadened. Their mission statement, says it all: “Through science and nature, we ignite wonder and empower dreams.”
2)Karibu Soaps:
How often do you wash your hands? Very often, I’m sure. Handwashing was always a well-advised method of reducing the transmission of viruses, but nowadays it has become almost an obsession (and rightfully so). Since we are using soap more frequently, there is a need for a “good” soap. Karibu Soaps is a New Westminster-based, micro-business that was created specifically to aid us in preventing infection from the COVID-19 virus. The founder, Ken Okondo, has focused upon producing a clean, healthy, and plastic-free product using locally sourced plants and other natural ingredients. The end result is a bar that is gentle, nourishes the skin, and environmentally friendly. Even after the pandemic has gone by, we would be well advised to keep washing our hands as often as possible. The need for a healthy soap is a current one, as well as a future one.
3)Air Purifiers – Magnet Hardware:
Ok.. it’s time to clear the air. Literally. With lockdowns and quarantines, we have been spending a lot of time indoors. The quality of air inside one’s home (no matter how often you clean) does not match the quality you would breathe during a walk, hike, or outing in greenspace.
Outdoor air tends to be fresh and healthy for 8 months out of the year, here in Vancouver, but then the summer starts! How many air quality warnings occurred last year? Yes, that’s right – too many! Finally the number of BC forest fires subsided last year in 2020, compared to past summers, but then smoke and smog from US fires clouded our skies and entered our homes. Is there a way to tackle this recurring threat? There is – air purifiers.
Magnet Home Hardware is a staple on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. A locally owned small business that has served the community for over 50 years! Affiliated with Home Hardware since 1991, this shop has managed to increase its inventory to the point where they have solutions for most, if not all, of your mechanical and electrical needs. Indeed, they sell air purifiers. If you have questions, you can certainly ask one of their highly knowledgeable staff, who will more than likely teach your something new. Like I said), it really is time to clear the air.
4)Salt Lamps – Quidditas:
If I told you there was an item that could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; provide higher sleep quality; improve your breathing; and in general, lighten your mood – how much would you pay? Would you even believe me? Well, salt lamps have been known to provide the above noted benefits. Where can you get a salt lamp? Quidditas on Commercial Drive would be an excellent place. A locally owned business operating and serving the community since 2005. In addition to salt lamps they also produce and distribute a slew of herbs, teas, lotions, oils, and all types of holistic items.
Now, there is no quantifiable evidence to show that salt lamps can improve one’s health. However, the benefits have also never been disproven. At the most, these lamps will ease some potentially hazardous ailments; and at the least, they will provide dim lighting and a lovely ambiance. Either way, they are a benefit.
5)Fruitfull Offices:
Though there is currently renewed hope in the world getting back to a sense of normality, there will still be many lingering ills from the pandemic. However, one area that can be considered a ‘silver lining’ would be a renewed emphasis on health and wellness. As offices begin to reopen and as employees begin to repopulate those offices, owners and managers would be well advised to consider ways to promote staff health as well as boost the morale of the employees who are the backbone of the Organization. Cue, Fruitfull Offices. This local small business was established in 2016 and has committed to promoting healthy eating for the Greater Vancouver Area, namely Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Delta, and Langley. Fresh fruits, select vegetables, nutritious snacks, along with a wealth of other options will show employees that employers have their best interests at heart.
Please note, there is no evidence to suggest that the Covid-19 Coronavirus can be transmitted through food. In addition, there has long been a protocol of washing one’s fruit before consuming, as well as washing one’s hands before eating. Wash, eat, enjoy!
6)Kula Kitchen
Naturally, whatever you put into your body (food, liquids, air, medication) will have an effect on the things that you are able to get out of your body (strength, endurance, appearance, longevity). Focusing on food, we should really attempt to use the healthiest ‘fuel’ possible. A plant-based diet is a great way to provide said fuel. Kula Kitchen in East Vancouver creates a plant-based, Afrocentric cuisine, all in the name of health, flavour, sharing and love. No dine-in service is available, but in an effort to keep you, your loved ones and their staff safe, pick up or delivery can be selected. Please see the following quote from the passionate founder of this eatery:
“My name is Asha Wheeldon, founder of Kula Foods. My journey began in Kenya where sharing food with our community was an important part of every day. I migrated to Toronto as a young teenager where I was introduced to West African, Caribbean, and middle Eastern cuisine and culture. After moving to Vancouver, I was inspired to create something unique that is reflective of my experiences by connecting people to their food and community.”
7) Famous Foods
As mentioned before, a large component of healthy living has to do with what you put into your body. Eating out or ordering out can be a welcome break from household chores, but the reality is you have to eat at home sometimes. So at some point one needs to go grocery shopping and prepare meals. A go-to store for many (including myself) is Famous Foods on Kingsway, near King Edward in Vancouver. The store has been around for 80 years, including 30 years at the current location. What makes this store so special? Organic selection!
Of course, there are all of the standard grocery items, breads, fruits, veggies, meats, frozen foods, snacks; as well as specialty items, grains, nuts, seeds, obscure spices. But most, if not all, of their goods are available as natural, organic, and non-medicated.
As we all know by now, you are what you eat – so a healthy diet is one of the keys to maintaining overall good health.
8) Living Lotus Chocolate
Well, we have discussed eating out, cooking at home, as well as fruits. But what about dessert? Is there room for desserts in a healthy diet? There certainly is! Living Lotus Chocolate is a locally owned chocolate and dessert specialist. Founded by Audrey Wong, who was simply looking for a way to satisfy her “sweet tooth” without sacrificing her health. She focuses on creating plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free desserts without sacrificing flavour. Is there sugar? Yes – however, none of the commercial, white refined sugar. Instead, coconut sugar is used, which is a healthier option and, surprisingly, does not taste like coconut.
The menu is littered with chocolate-laced choices. However, due to the chosen method of processing the cacao beans (the main ingredient of chocolate), more of the health benefits are preserved.
“Living Lotus Chocolate creates pure, kind and beautiful chocolate by sourcing clean, cruelty free ingredients for chocolate lovers seeking joy through chocolate.
Our chocolate and desserts are gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free and soy free. We also provide a wider knowledge base by providing chocolate making workshops.” This is a quote from their website and speaks to the integrity of this company as well as their commitment to their craft.
Dessert anyone?!
9) Vessi Footwear
With all of that eating (albeit, healthy), you will need a way to burn those calories. Walking, by all accounts, is a healthy activity. Not only does it fulfill physical needs (oxygen; muscle movement; increased endurance), but it also satisfies psychological needs (break from work; seeing nature; accomplishing goals). Depending on the time of year you decide to walk, you may run into rain or the remnants of said rain. Well, if you are going to walk, you need an appropriate shoe.
Vessi Footwear was founded by 3 local entrepreneurs who decided that they would take matters into their own hands when it came to designing a perfect west coast shoe. It is a given that a shoe should provide support and comfort and look great. It is not a given, however, that this shoe would be waterproof! Yes, Vessi Footwear has succeeded in their mission to make a shoe that can be worn “all day, every day, in any weather”.
Is it true?
Yes, it is!
I tend to be a little skeptical regarding big promises. I recently purchased a pair of the Everyday Sneakers. Almost immediately after opening the package, I put the shoes to the test. I slipped them on and ran the bathtub tap. Water beaded off of the surface, and my feet remained bone dry. Second test – I set about 2 inches of water in the tub and stood in it. Again, my feet were dry. After passing the tests, I had full confidence in walking in the rain, through puddles, and on wet grass. And I have no doubt they would withstand snow, slush, and the like. And bonus, the shoes are lightweight! One size may not fit all but one shoe will suit all.
10) Stanley Park – Aboriginal & Eco Tours
Continuing with the walking theme, since you now know which footwear to attain, the only other question is: “where do we walk?”. Answer: Stanley Park. If you live in the Greater Vancouver Area, surely you have either been to or heard of Stanley Park. What better place to go for a walk, than a park populated by roughly half a million trees? Trees produce oxygen, of course, and they are also a pleasure to see and smell. While you are free to enter the park unattended, I would suggest a guided tour with Aboriginal & Eco Tours. These tour guides are comprised of members of the Sechelt and Squamish First Nations. Their ancestors have been here for several thousand years, so they have a unique and symbiotic connection to the park, the wildlife, and the region.
There are many tours to choose from: Talking Trees; Indigenous Forest Walk; Spoken Treasures; Forest Therapy Experience; Talking Totems. Each tour has its distinctive attributes, though each has elements of spirituality, oneness with nature, mindfulness, and of course walking! And before you ask, yes there are Covid-19 measures in place. The number of participants permitted in each tour has been reduced, due to the pandemic.
No matter where you do it, walking is always a good way to get or stay healthy. If you can walk amongst life giving trees while receiving a thought-provoking tour from the original caretakers of the land, then that is even a better way to get or stay healthy.
11) Central Park Pitch and Putt
It is usually a good idea to spend some time outdoors. It may be a better idea to incorporate a sporting activity into your outdoor time. Central Park Pitch and Putt is an excellent way to achieve this goal.
Those of you who are familiar with golf, will be well aware of this activity. For those of you who are not familiar with the sport, “pitch and putt” refers to the shortened golf course which does not include any golf clubs such as drivers or woods. In other words, this version favours accuracy over power.
Whether you are a golf fanatic, a casual fan, or a novice, you can benefit greatly from this activity. First of all, it takes place outdoors – fresh air, birds singing, greenery, all of those good things! The walking, the swinging of the club, the club carrying, the retrieval of your ball, are all wonderfully beneficial activities for your body. The read ing of the course, the strategic ball striking and placement, the putting accuracy, are all wonderfully beneficial activities for your mind.
By oneself, or in a foursome, either way should provide hours of enjoyment and exercise. And in this day and age, we have to mention that it is a Covid safe activity. Even a foursome should be able to social distance.
12) Üphoria Yoga:
If you live in the Greater Vancouver area, you certainly must be familiar with yoga. If you have not experienced it yourself, you more than likely know someone who has sung its praises at some point. But where should you go to engage in this mind, body and soul altering practice? Üphoria Yoga is a family owned and operated studio whose classes have been designed for all ages. Young folks, adults, pregnant mothers, parents with newborns, families. Rather than exclude children, they have designed specialty sessions for soon-to-be parents, newborns, toddlers, and kids. And of course, they still include traditional classes for all skill levels.
Üphoria has also considered other factors involved in parenting. Seasonal camps, birthday parties, and even child-minding services are available to provide environments where kids can learn, play, and socialize with or without their parents. A healthy child is a happy child. Furthermore, a happy child has positive effects on the parents, siblings, and all who are involved in their lives.
Covid-19 is most definitely on their radar, as online sessions are available if the studio happens to temporarily close to the public during these uncertain times in BC, and the World.
We could not have a ’21 ways to stay healthy’ list in Vancouver without including yoga, of course! And if you are looking for inclusivity, innovation, and scheduling flexibility, then Üphoria Yoga is a must!
13) Acupuncture – Lynn Truong:
Are you aware of an ancient therapeutic treatment that originated in China over 3,000 years ago? It is commonly used today and has proven to be effective in combatting many physical and psychological issues. Yes, you guessed it (or maybe you didn’t) – acupuncture! The best endorsement I can give you would be based on my own personal experience with Registered Acupuncturist, Lynn Truong, BSc DTCM RAc, located on East 10th Avenue at Commercial Drive in Vancouver.
A couple of years ago I was experiencing some shoulder, ankle and back pain/soreness from decades of sporting activities and the fact that I am not getting any younger. I had often thought about trying acupuncture, but never did. Well, a friend referred me to Lynn Truong so I phoned to book a treatment. To my surprise, I also received a reminder text on the day of the appointment. The first 15 or 20 minutes ended up as a counselling session as Lynn tried to get to know a little about me, and a little about my personal and family history. After laying face down, the needles were inserted, and I proceeded to have just about the most relaxing 45 minutes of my life!
But the most memorable portion of the visit took place after the treatment was completed. I was in a euphoric state. When I exited the treatment room, I could not stop laughing. Even as I pulled my wallet out to pay, I was giggling uncontrollably. I asked Lynn “what did you do to me? And can you do it again, please?!” She replied “sometimes when toxins are released from your body, it can have joyful effects”.
Honestly, I was unable to drive home for about ½ an hour. I had to walk around Commercial Drive with a big child-like grin on my face. Needless to say, I am still a regular patient.
14) Jotika Healing Arts:
Mental and emotional health concerns are often discussed these days, as long-standing stigmas have begun to fade. Mental health plays a huge factor in one’s overall health, so it is in one’s best interest to seek assistance if needed. A number of different treatments and exercises have proven to be effective, however one innovative method is known as Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT). What is EXAT, you ask? – it is an arts-based approach to individual counselling and therapeutic group work. Sessions can be tailored to your own personal preferences, including writing, movement, music, dance, painting, clay, drama, puppets and more.
dynamic method of connecting with your counselor and your fellow group participants (if you choose to do group work). Now that there has been 20+ years of data, studies have shown EXAT to be an extremely valuable tool in the healing from trauma, depression, medical illness, social struggles, and more.
Where can you access this type of care? Jotika Chaudhary Samant of Jotika Healing Arts specializes in this modern and novel methodology. Decades of study, work, and lived experience has made Jotika an expert in this field. Contacting them will enlighten you, inform you, as well as support your healing journey.
15) Burnaby Mountain Dental:
As we all (should) know by now, dental health directly impacts your overall physical health. In short, bacteria from your gums, can be carried through your blood stream to other parts of your body, namely your heart. Regular dental care (check-ups, brushing, flossing) will help to reduce the amount of bacteria in your gums.
Why Burnaby Mountain Dental, you ask? Well they come highly recommended…by me! They have been my personal dental provider for nearly 15 years. It started as a matter of convenience as their office was a mere 10-minute walk from my home and although I have lived in Vancouver for 10 years, I still make the trip to Coquitlam. I can honestly say that they have done their part to keep that big grin on my face!
16) Drinking Water
One of the basic tenets of clean living is the regular consumption of water. We should try to drink about 2 litres of water per day. But why? We have been told that it is good for us, and it seems to make sense but why is that?
Though the percentage varies by age, gender, and body type, in general the human body is comprised of approximately 60% water. Water is the primary building block for our cells. This liquid helps to regulate internal body temperature, as well as strengthens your muscles, and moisturizes the skin. Our bodies lose water through perspiration, urination, and breathing. In order to maintain a good balance, it is wise to replace the water that our bodies lose through normal bodily functions. In fact, a glass of aqua first thing in the morning is an excellent way to help rid the body of toxins and waste.
Now, if you happen to think slurping on a water bottle all day could get boring, you can supplement your drinking with raw vegetables and fruits. These foods tend to be dense with water.
So once upon a time, your parents may not have explained the details but they were right – drink lots of water, and eat your fruits and veggies!
17) Stretching
Often overlooked, and underappreciated; misunderstood, and sometimes ignored altogether – no, I’m not talking about husbands 😉! I am talking about stretching! Really, it is something that most of us do instinctively. What do you do first thing in the morning? – as soon as you sit up in bed and put your feet on the ground. Many of us reach up to the sky with both hands. Though more than the customary morning stretch is needed to truly benefit your body. If you have forgotten the basics that you learned in high school gym class, a quick search on the internets will tell you all you need to know about how to, how long, and how often. It can be performed before and after exercise; or even without exercising. In the morning, afternoon or night – there is no bad time to stretch. Stretching contributes to improving muscle flexibility, strength and health. The increased blood flow, produced by these simple movements, helps to deliver nutrients (oxygen, minerals, glucose) to muscles while removing waste products (carbon dioxide, ammonia, uric acid) from the muscles. The advantages of this activity are numerous, including: stress reduction; improves posture; reduces back pain; creates a greater range of motion; helps to prevent injury; and much more. This is certainly one of the more straight forward actions on this list. If you have no injuries or other physical restrictions, then start today!
18) Sleeping
A good quantity and quality of sleep are essential to maintaining or gaining good health. If you consider your mind and body to be machines, then just like any other machines they cannot run well without maintenance. The machines need an opportunity to recharge in order to ensure that they will continue to run effectively. Experts agree that an adult needs anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. But why? Well, there are many positive outcomes from gaining the appropriate amount of rest; including, but not limited to: boosting your immune system; strengthening your heart muscles/valves; improves memory; helps the body (cells) repair itself; makes you more alert; reduces stress.
Though there may be obstacles for some to gain the recommended amount of sleep (ie. night shift, life changes, illness, sleep apnea), it is crucial to try to eliminate or work around/within those factors. And listen to your body – it will certainly tell you when rest is needed.
19) Meditation
Getting quality sleep, consistently, has been mentioned on this list. Meditation can be considered, ‘sleeping while awake’, as it encompasses many of the same benefits as a good night’s rest. Any natural means that can help you achieve a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and pain, is worth incorporating into your daily routine. Though there are many different methods of meditating, there are some consistencies among the methods – namely: a peaceful setting; focus; and habit. The setting could be your bedroom, or your couch; maybe your balcony or car; maybe a park or a garden. You can decide to focus on many things, including ‘nothing’; or your breathing; or a life/career goal; or a specific body part; or a specific activity (walking in the woods; gardening; yoga; listening to birds). Habit entails the formation of a consistent practice. Do it everyday – preferably the same time each day, but not necessarily. You could start off with 2 minutes each morning as soon as you wake up. Slowly increasing the allotted time, week by week. Since each of us has varying interests, needs, and resources, it may be best to research the method that makes the most sense for you. However, some techniques are easier to start than others. You can even try right now, after reading this: close your eyes; breathe normally; focus on the air going into your lungs; focus on the air coming out of your nostrils; keep thinking about the breath fillings your lungs, and slowly passing out of your nose.. something as simple as doing this for 2 minutes each day could be the start of a more peaceful and purposeful existence.
20) Reading
Another simple, inexpensive, and oft-forgotten method of stress relief is reading! No, not text messages, emails, or blogs – reading a book. One of the beauties of this tool is that a book is portable. You can pull it out anytime, and any place – on public transportation; at work (on a break, preferably!); in your bedroom; in your bathroom; at a coffee shop; at the park. You can take almost any opportunity to lose yourself in the pages of a riveting story. Besides the fact that reading is educational, improves brain connectivity, and increases your vocabulary, it is also quite therapeutic. Researchers and medical professionals have determined that reading regularly aids in preventing cognitive decline; it reduces stress; alleviates depression; and has proven to be an effective sleep aid.
If you happen to be an avid reader, then please keep it up! If books are generally unappealing to you, then you just have to find something that sparks your curiosity. Sports fan? – read an autobiography. Cooking enthusiast? – how about an Anthony Bourdain novel? Like to watch tv? – many movies and series were adapted from, you guessed it, books. Even if you do not manage to get through a full novel, as long as the effort is present you can still reap the benefits.
21) Check-Ups!
There seems to be a belief among many, that family doctors no longer give general check-ups. Watercooler talk and anecdotes have fueled a new habit of not going to the doctor. Well, this is not a good habit. In Canada we have the immense privilege of a government funded health care system – meaning, you can see a general medical practitioner and not have to pay out of pocket. And if you have no family doctor, there are many walk-in clinics around town. If you’ve had a lump/rash/dry spot for years and you have convinced yourself that it’s nothing – go see a doctor, just incase. If you get a sharp pain in your abdomen a couple of times a week, and you’ve gotten used to it, over the past year – go see your doctor. Doctors can play a crucial role in your overall health. They can confirm that you: “have nothing to worry about”, or “should continue to monitor something”, or “will need to make some dietary/lifestyle changes”, or “should see a specialist”.
You may get a clean bill of health, which can provide peace of mind, or you may get a diagnosis, which will then help to inform you how to deal with the condition or ailment. Whether you are at one end of the health spectrum, or the other, it is always a good idea to have your doctor involved.