Welcome to the greater Vancouver area, where rain falls at least four months of the year.
When I moved here three years ago, I really had to change my perspective on things. I moved from Ontario where most days it was sunny, on the heavy rain days which when I look back seemed like fewer than more, I would use those days for rest.
Coming to Vancouver, I faced the reality that it rains and rains and rains some more. I told myself I surely could not workout for four months in the rainy season, so I had to mentally change my outlook on rain.
My first thought was that I need good rain gear. If I am going to be running or hiking in the rain, including my children we need good rain gear. This helps prevent blisters, completely soaked feet, and getting cold.Read More→
Our current reality is that this pandemic is still with us. The statistics are showing us that children are being affected more so than before. Many of you have probably had children or children that you know go through an isolation. At first, it probably feels a bit overwhelming getting the notice that your children must stay home, no community and the only place they can go to is the forest. School is very important and important for children, but instead of looking at the isolation negatively, what if we could make it into a positive experience for our children. I like to call it “The School of Life.” There are many life skills that children can learn at a young age if they are exposed to or given the opportunity. These life skills can help them feel accomplished, confident, and happy.
Alright, I think we are all getting the travel itch, but as we slowly begin to reopen, and restrictions get lifted we want to ensure we continue to do so safely. As I write this blog, we can now safely travel around in our health region until June 15th and then hopefully then we can travel around BC from then on. To encourage the current guidelines please find some safe summer activities that you can do, until we move into the next phase. Read More→
Across BC, all students young and old will get a full two-week break. This year might once again look different as we enter into our second spring break pandemic. However, we must look on the bright side as it should surely better than last as we are able to get out a bit more. Not sure what to do? We already got ours planned, see below for some of my families safe planned Spring Break activities.Read More→
Pandemic aside, we all know when the weather turns, some of us begin to hibernate indoors. It is certainly not a bad thing, especially if you are sitting beside the fire, with a book in one hand and a hot cocoa in the other. But we all know that too many days spent in is not always the best. Did I forget to mention that it is dark at 4:30pm too?
So how can we beat the cool rainy days and still give our body all the feel goods we need? Read More→
Fourty years ago, a Marathon of Hope began. Some of you will have remembered where you were or maybe the season you heard of a young boy embarking on a journey of running from St.John’s, Newfoundland all the way across Canada to finish in Vancouver. That man was Terry Fox. Today is the annual Terry Fox Run. A time to remember a legend, one that said nothing is impossible. He ran 42km a day with a prosthesis leg, which was said was unheard of because it was not made to run on. Bad weather, running into the wind, chafing, dealing with cancer were the things he was dealing with as he ran each day.
Today my three young children and I ran for Terry. Due to COVID, running events needed to be done virtually, the tag line was ‘One day, your way’. We did just that, we started our day with a run to commemorate Terry Fox. I have three children under 5, so a half mile run is a big deal for a 2-year old. But it wasn’t about the distance it was teaching them about a legend, encouraging them that we can do anything and not giving up in the hard times.
Maybe you know where I am going with this, but if you have a few minutes watch Terry’s story. See a young man at 18 years old as he was told he had a tumor in his leg. It had to be amputated. As a competitive runner, I cannot even imagine losing my leg, let alone running a marathon a day with only one. Terry took something tragic and said I am going to do something great with my story. I want to live a legacy; I want to do what others would think are impossible because all things are possible if you try.
Are you feeling fatigue because of COVID? Have you let COVID tell your story or did you tell COVID, I choose to beat you?
These last 6 months sure have not been easy for anyone, a lot of us are living in our first pandemic. But I want to encourage you that you can not let it take from you. Just like Terry we too can conquer tough times. What Terry did was a lot harder than what most of us are currently dealing with. I encourage you to spend time with the close family and friends that you have chosen to bubble with, take time for yourself, commit to getting outside and exercising, read, and maybe even learn something new.
Sam Mitchel, past coach of the Toronto Raptors says it best,
In my last blog, I didn’t feel that I gave you enough hikes to explore. I felt I wanted to share more hikes that you can enjoy during these last weeks of summer. As promised, here are a few more of our most favorite hikes. Read More→
Hiking in British Columbia has endless opportunities. It seems like everywhere you turn there is a trail, a mountain, a river to explore. Two years ago my family and I moved across the country from Ontario to beautiful BC. As a family we began to explore BC and all it had to offer. Two years later our new hobby has grown to a new level. Read More→
Go for a run, take a bike ride, create a backyard circuit, climb the stairs, or do some yoga. Stuck indoors? Then live stream an exercise class. If you do not have weights, use your body weight to continue building strength. Read More→
Curtis Health Is Partnering With Kintec: Footwear + Orthotics
Kintec is offering all Curtis clients (including friends and family) expert shoe fitting to best suit your needs at a 15% discount on regular price footwear.
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