Health and wellness

Kara Nystrom, a contender for Miss Health and Fitness 2022, is possibly the first transgender woman to enter in the U.S. magazine contest. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

‘A queer, feminine body against the world:’ A Victoria woman’s vision for Miss Health and Fitness

Kara Nystrom has entered a U.S. magazine contest that is soon open to voting

 

Members of the Victoria Police Department are receiving trauma resiliency training, thanks to a program developed at the University of Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Trauma training kickoff for Victoria police coincides with Wounded Warrior Run

Resiliency training offers knowledge, tools to mitigate effect of traumatic experiences

 

Valentine’s Day may be over, but all of February is Heart Month. (Stock photo)

Too many Canadians suffering from heart failure, report finds

Heart and Stroke Foundation report suggests testing, treatment, support

 

Study participants with better attitudes toward aging showed a 43 per cent reduced risk of all-cause mortality. (Metro Creative Graphics photo)

A positive outlook on getting old could help with aging, B.C. study says

Study author says negative attitudes toward aging could become a self-fulfilling prophecy

Study participants with better attitudes toward aging showed a 43 per cent reduced risk of all-cause mortality. (Metro Creative Graphics photo)
Members of the Parkinson Wellness Project take part in an exercise class, weeks before the centre’s closure in 2020 due to the pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)

Parkinson Wellness Project bringing unparalleled care back to Victoria

Therapeutic fitness sessions, educational opportunities make a ‘significant difference’ for clients

Members of the Parkinson Wellness Project take part in an exercise class, weeks before the centre’s closure in 2020 due to the pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)
Ami Salmen says her tattoos have helped her to accept her new body, and keep loving herself throughout her breast cancer journey. (Photo by Lexy Parks, courtesy of Ami Salmen)

Power of ink: How tattoos helped a B.C. woman through her breast cancer journey

Ami Salmen’s tattoos helped her throughout her breast cancer journey. She’s now in the running to be on the cover of Inked Magazine

Ami Salmen says her tattoos have helped her to accept her new body, and keep loving herself throughout her breast cancer journey. (Photo by Lexy Parks, courtesy of Ami Salmen)
Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. He offers tips to remain on board with resolutions through sustainable practice. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)

New year’s resolutions are cliche – adopting healthy habits takes time, UVic expert says

Try pairing something you enjoy with health changes that might initially feel like a burden

Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. He offers tips to remain on board with resolutions through sustainable practice. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)
Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)

West Kelowna gym ordered to close and fined $2,300 for disobeying COVID restrictions

Interior Health was escorted by RCMP at Iron Energy Gym

Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)
Coldwater swimming is becoming a popular practice as many find that it benefits their state of mind. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

VIDEO: Polar bear dippers tout benefits of cold water swimming this winter solstice at Mile 0

A winter solstice swim and dance party brought together over 80 people safely outdoors

Coldwater swimming is becoming a popular practice as many find that it benefits their state of mind. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.

Ellie’s journey: Rare condition points to critical research need

BC Children’s Hospital shares need for increased research for childhood cancers

  • Dec 20, 2021
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.
Saanich resident Kim Dickinson and her son, Gavin Dickinson-Sichello, mug for a selfie. Gavin was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and he and his family are doing their best to adjust to their new lifestyle. (Photo courtesy Kim Dickinson)

Saanich family embracing lifestyle change after Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Kim Dickinson says son Gavin, 10, gaining independence, learning to recognize warning signs

Saanich resident Kim Dickinson and her son, Gavin Dickinson-Sichello, mug for a selfie. Gavin was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and he and his family are doing their best to adjust to their new lifestyle. (Photo courtesy Kim Dickinson)
Sara Maksymowicz worries about the effect of cuts to non-emergency care on the South Island for adults facing eating disorders. (Courtesy Sara Maksymowicz)

‘A system of failures:’ South Vancouver Island adult eating disorder services quietly removed

Non-emergency resources have been a lifeline for Greater Victoria residents

Sara Maksymowicz worries about the effect of cuts to non-emergency care on the South Island for adults facing eating disorders. (Courtesy Sara Maksymowicz)
Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)

Canada’s best tippers and most polite takeout customers found in one B.C. town

Uber Eats reports on driver experiences, picky eaters, popular dishes and more

Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)
Sue Stewart and Riley Severinski. After years of relying on the hospital for Riley (and for a few visits for her brothers), Sue felt it was important to give back through a legacy gift to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Jeff Weddell Photography.

20-year hospital journey inspires a legacy

Riley was just a six-week-old infant when her mom, Sue, was told…

  • Oct 25, 2021
Sue Stewart and Riley Severinski. After years of relying on the hospital for Riley (and for a few visits for her brothers), Sue felt it was important to give back through a legacy gift to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Jeff Weddell Photography.
Mikayla Edmunds, centre, with her cousin, Nevaeh Pelkey, and her mother, Jocelyn Edmonds, delivers the Gazette to make her dream of a trip to Disneyland, Paris come true. (Rick Stiebel/News Staff)

West Shore newspaper carrier is all about heart

Mikayla Edmunds delivering the Goldstream Gazette to save for a trip to Disney Paris

Mikayla Edmunds, centre, with her cousin, Nevaeh Pelkey, and her mother, Jocelyn Edmonds, delivers the Gazette to make her dream of a trip to Disneyland, Paris come true. (Rick Stiebel/News Staff)
South Island Counselling director of administration Stacey Cronin, and acting director of clinical services Richard Sayad encourage residents to seek mental health care, as global and personal events weigh heavier than ever before. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Saanich counselling centre sees uptick in demand before back-to-school

Many experiencing fear and anxiety about personal, global issues

South Island Counselling director of administration Stacey Cronin, and acting director of clinical services Richard Sayad encourage residents to seek mental health care, as global and personal events weigh heavier than ever before. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
Dr. Abraham Alexander of the BC Cancer Foundation

New technology offers earlier, targeted treatment for men’s health

BC Cancer Foundation fundraiser aims to increase access to prostate cancer diagnostic tool

  • Sep 13, 2021
Dr. Abraham Alexander of the BC Cancer Foundation
Nikik Lucas holds up a picture of her son Dustin, who died of an accidental drug overdose in February 2016. Lucas, who is part of Moms Stop The Harm, stands near the commercial plaza in Sidney where she works. The site also features memorials to two other sons of Sidney residents. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Sidney mother mourning the overdose death of her son calls for more government action

Niki Lucas will remember her son Dustin during International Overdose Awareness Day

Nikik Lucas holds up a picture of her son Dustin, who died of an accidental drug overdose in February 2016. Lucas, who is part of Moms Stop The Harm, stands near the commercial plaza in Sidney where she works. The site also features memorials to two other sons of Sidney residents. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Free yoga is back at Willows Beach Park until Aug. 31. (Black Press Media file photo)

Free yoga back at the beach in Oak Bay

Residents turn out to practise safely at Willows Beach Park on Tuesday nights

Free yoga is back at Willows Beach Park until Aug. 31. (Black Press Media file photo)
Khalid Hammad opened Oceanside Pharmacy in downtown Sidney in November 2020. He first discovered Sidney during a crabbing trip. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Pharmacist nets Sidney a new downtown business

Khalid Hammad fell in love with Sidney while crabbing off Bevan Fishing Pier

Khalid Hammad opened Oceanside Pharmacy in downtown Sidney in November 2020. He first discovered Sidney during a crabbing trip. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)