As I jog down the paths of the Rideau Canal, I watch the sunlight flicker off the water and the last yellow leaves fall to the ground. I exchange smiles and waves with fellow runners in silent encouragement. Ottawa has been a welcoming city. In the short time since I've moved from Vancouver, I feel that Ottawa is home.
What makes a place feel like a home? For me, it's community. This means connection with others with interests and values similar to my own. My passion is health and wellness and I have happily discovered many diverse ways that Ottawa residents are committed to a healthy community.
I love that Ottawa offers many opportunities to live an active life while having fun and experiencing nature. The bike paths are filled with families enjoying an afternoon stroll and commuters combining exercise, energy and cost efficient travel means. Yoga studios offer a sanctuary for body and mind to unwind from the stresses of the day. The many trails around the city reveal the beauty of the countryside. I'm excited for the snow to fall, to come out of winter hibernation and enjoy cross country skiing, snow shoeing and skating.
Filling my basket full of yummy local foods at the farmer's markets is another experience within Ottawa that supports health of individuals, community and environment. It must be my country upbringing but store bought carrots just are not the same as fresh ones from the garden. The ambiance of the markets is vibrant with people chatting with the farmers', bakers, artists and beekeepers allowing a deeper connection to the source of our food.
All communities have their struggles and, in the area of health, we are no exception. Sadly many of us in Ottawa die every year of the devastating illnesses of heart disease and cancer. 50% of us are overweight or obese which predispose us to many health problems. The rate of diabetes is on the rise. We suffer from many illnesses that prevent us from the activities that we enjoy. Amidst these sad realities we face, there is hope. We can create a healthier future for ourselves, our families and our community. We can prevent many diseases with healthy choices and lifestyle changes. This may not be an easy road but with education, hope and support we can make it happen.
I am very excited to be a part of the Sage Massage Therapy team and sharing their commitment to building a healthy community. The vision at Sage is to hold a space for healing that is known in the community as a leader in health and wellness, to lead by example and to educate and promote healthy lifestyles for a healthier community.
I would enjoy hearing about your experience of a healthy community!
What makes a place feel like a home? For me, it's community. This means connection with others with interests and values similar to my own. My passion is health and wellness and I have happily discovered many diverse ways that Ottawa residents are committed to a healthy community.
I love that Ottawa offers many opportunities to live an active life while having fun and experiencing nature. The bike paths are filled with families enjoying an afternoon stroll and commuters combining exercise, energy and cost efficient travel means. Yoga studios offer a sanctuary for body and mind to unwind from the stresses of the day. The many trails around the city reveal the beauty of the countryside. I'm excited for the snow to fall, to come out of winter hibernation and enjoy cross country skiing, snow shoeing and skating.
Filling my basket full of yummy local foods at the farmer's markets is another experience within Ottawa that supports health of individuals, community and environment. It must be my country upbringing but store bought carrots just are not the same as fresh ones from the garden. The ambiance of the markets is vibrant with people chatting with the farmers', bakers, artists and beekeepers allowing a deeper connection to the source of our food.
All communities have their struggles and, in the area of health, we are no exception. Sadly many of us in Ottawa die every year of the devastating illnesses of heart disease and cancer. 50% of us are overweight or obese which predispose us to many health problems. The rate of diabetes is on the rise. We suffer from many illnesses that prevent us from the activities that we enjoy. Amidst these sad realities we face, there is hope. We can create a healthier future for ourselves, our families and our community. We can prevent many diseases with healthy choices and lifestyle changes. This may not be an easy road but with education, hope and support we can make it happen.
I am very excited to be a part of the Sage Massage Therapy team and sharing their commitment to building a healthy community. The vision at Sage is to hold a space for healing that is known in the community as a leader in health and wellness, to lead by example and to educate and promote healthy lifestyles for a healthier community.
I would enjoy hearing about your experience of a healthy community!