What's New at Physio Sport Med

Since 2014, Canada has had the honour of hosing the Invictus Games two times.   In 2017, Toronto hosted a summer version of the games. At that time, we welcomed 539 competitors from 17 nations, including Romania, Iraq and Ukraine, who were competing in their first games.  There were 8 days of fierce competition spread over 12 adaptive sports.  Due to her work at the Pan/Parapam Am Games, Trish became a lead volunteer for this event.   Even though her resume has gotten much longer, Trish still states, “to this day it is my favourite multigame experience, and it is due to the spirit of athletes celebrating rehab, recovery and success.”

In February, British Columbia hosted the first winter version of the Invictus Games,  including 500+ athletes,  23 nations and 11 winter sports held across Vancouver and Whistler.     We are so proud that James was selected as a sponsored medical practitioner and spent 8 days in Vancouver assisting with the medical treatment of the athletes.   Luckily, he wasn’t too busy.   But he admits that his favourite moments included watching the gold medal Wheelchair rugby game between United Kingdom and France and meeting Prince Harry.  It was also his first trip to British Columbia; he discovered the beauty of our west coast, and hopes to return for some camping and hiking.
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The next Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham, UK in summer of 2027.   Who knows, maybe Trish will head back to her Commonwealth stomping ground… 

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1. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods​

Heart health thrives on a nutritious diet. Embrace heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Foods that are high in fiber and low in unhealthy fats can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Exercise Regularly
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Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve heart health. It strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day —whether it’s walking, swimming, or dancing to your favorite love songs.

3. Manage Stress

The stress of everyday life can take a toll on your heart. Take a step back to manage stress in healthy ways. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending quality time with loved ones can help lower stress levels and promote heart health.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups
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Lastly, never underestimate the power of preventive care. Regular check-ups with your doctor help monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart health indicators. 
Taking care of your heart is the ultimate act of love—both for yourself and for those you care about. So, this February, let’s commit to living heart-healthy lives long after the chocolates have been eaten and the flowers have wilted.