Many of us in Thorold are looking for new ways to stay fit and healthy, while our community faces restrictions at schools, gyms / fitness clubs, as well as dining in restaurants due to the pandemic. This means it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy for an enjoyable season. Here are some tips to remember:
1. Eat a balanced diet.
What we put in our body fuels us and helps protect us. Even though the holidays and hibernating on the couch during weekends can tempt us to reach for processed snacks, balance out indulgences with more nutritious foods. Fresh fruits and veggies are available throughout the season, so be sure to take advantage of them, and remember to include whole grains and lean proteins.
Think local and buy your fresh produce at businesses in our community such as Big Red Markets, Foodland, or Small Scale Farms, to name a few options.
2. Get enough exercise.
Moving our bodies is great for boosting immunity and mood. Whether you’re walking along Richmond Street or exercise at home, the key is to have regular physical activity. If you’re just starting out or don’t know what to do in the cold, try something new like snowshoeing. There are numerous nature parks in the surrounding area to enjoy.
Consider for example the Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park – it’s known as nature in the city, located off Decew Road near Beaverdams Road in Thorold.
Try partnering up with a friend or family member to get some quality time together, go on a winter hike, and maintain motivation.
3. Visit your doctor.
Many of us have neglected regular checkups and doctor’s visits during the pandemic. But staying on top of these can make sure you’re healthy and able to fight off colds and viruses. Go to a local pharmacy like Henderson’s Pharmacy and check that your vaccines are up to date. Contact your family doctor to ask if any bloodwork required is being done and that you have a time booked for your physical.
For those people in Thorold who don’t have a family doctor, and need medical attention, they should go to one of the walk-in clinics in the nearby area including Niagara Region Walk In Clinic on Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, or the Glenridge Walk Clinic in St. Catharines, among other clinics across Niagara.
Don’t forget to make appointments with specialists, like your chiropractor, physiotherapist, dentist, or other healthcare provider.
4. Drink fresher water.
Canadian private and public drinking water supplies are generally of excellent quality. Whether it’s supplied by the municipal system or a private water well, water can carry contaminants that are harmful or cause the water to taste off. Use a DIY at-home test kit from My Water Quality to make sure your water is pure. Simply follow the instructions and use the courier service that is included with the testing kit to ship your sample to an accredited laboratory. An easy-to-read report card will arrive within five to 20 days and provide you with all the results. Find more information at mywaterquality.ca
Let’s see what Wiarton Willie says on February 2 about winter 2022 when the famous Canadian groundhog in Bruce County pops up to predict whether we will get an early spring. Hopefully, an early springtime means the community will open up sooner and we could find many more fun things to stay healthy and enjoy life in Thorold. Stay tuned, and stay healthy.