Health and wellness

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)
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)
Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)

Nanaimo has most polite and best-tipping customers when it comes to takeout food

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)
Jordin Tootoo will be at this year’s We Care Fair. Photo Eventbrite

Jordin Tootoo to speak on mental health and suicide in Campbell River

We Care Fair hosted by First Nations health groups next week

Jordin Tootoo will be at this year’s We Care Fair. Photo Eventbrite
Sue Stewart [left] and Riley Severinski [Right]. 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 18, 2021
Sue Stewart [left] and Riley Severinski [Right]. 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)
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)
By the end of life, the average North American has eaten the weight of a family sedan in sugar. (Pixabay.com)

FITNESS: Living the sweet life without too much sugar

Simple choices can have a major impact on your health

  • Jun 21, 2021
By the end of life, the average North American has eaten the weight of a family sedan in sugar. (Pixabay.com)
The federal government says it wants to ban most flavoured vaping products in a bid to reduce their appeal to youth. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Craig Mitchelldyer

Health Canada proposes ban on most vaping flavours it says appeal to youth

If implemented, the regulations would restrict all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco, mint and menthol

The federal government says it wants to ban most flavoured vaping products in a bid to reduce their appeal to youth. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Craig Mitchelldyer
Consultation is underway on how to best redevelop the 3.9-acre Oak Bay Lodge property. (Black Press Media File)

Second phase of Oak Bay Lodge land use consultation set to start this month

CRD hospitals and housing committee views report from initial consultations

Consultation is underway on how to best redevelop the 3.9-acre Oak Bay Lodge property. (Black Press Media File)
Participants in the annual Raymond James Father’s Day Walk and Run for Prostate Cancer pose for a photo in 2020. This year’s fundraiser is being held virtually given continued public health restrictions on gatherings. (Courtesy of Island Prostate Centre)

Island Prostate Centre working hard to continue cancer support services

COVID-19’s effect on business has trickle-down effect on non-profit, executive director says

Participants in the annual Raymond James Father’s Day Walk and Run for Prostate Cancer pose for a photo in 2020. This year’s fundraiser is being held virtually given continued public health restrictions on gatherings. (Courtesy of Island Prostate Centre)
Lia Crowe takes a cold water swim in Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Don Denton photograph

When Cold Is Hot

Cold water swimming is therapy and exercise

  • May 26, 2021
Lia Crowe takes a cold water swim in Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Don Denton photograph