Next Dal Open Dialogue event centres on how to stay healthy at home

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way people live their day-to-day lives. Whether they are working from home, juggling jobs and homeschool, unable to pursue their usual activities or in self-isolation, most people are spending more time at home than ever before. For many, this new way of being has disrupted the routines and habits that keep people healthy.

On January 20th from 6:30 to 7:30 AST, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health is hosting Healthy at Home, an Open Dialogue Live panel discussion that will address pandemic-related wellness issues. The panel will also explore ways for attendees to eat healthier, stay physically active and improve their mental health, despite the limitations of this new environment.

The discussion will be led by Sara Kirk (above left), a professor in Dalhousie’s School of Health and Human Performance, who will be joined by:

•    Dr. Catherine Mah, associate professor, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University

•    Sarah Moore, assistant professor, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University

•    Crystal Watson (BRec’00, MA’10), PhD candidate, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University

A whole new world

When Dr. Kirk speaks about her own at-home experience, it’s the lack of social interaction and physical activity that stands out most. “I miss my bike commute to and from work, personal contact with people and the incidental activity of moving around campus,” she says. “I have to work really hard to interrupt my sedentary time.”

In a recent Dal News article, Dr. Mah explains the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating existing food security challenges. “Past public health monitoring in Nova Scotia tells us that one in five households with children are food insecure. They don’t have adequate economic access to food. We expect that proportion will be even higher now because of COVID-19.”

As Dr. Kirk mentioned, it’s also become more difficult to maintain healthy physical activity levels. Recently, however, Dr. Moore led an important national survey titled Impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. As a result, she’ll be well-equipped to bring a fresh and informed perspective to issues of family activity levels and the importance of outdoor play to the panel.

Of course, even the toughest situations have a silver lining. “While it may have been chaotic for a time, the upside has been the opportunity to realign and clearly identify our priorities,” says Watson. “Fully enjoying that perk means that we are rethinking the pace at which we worked prior to the pandemic. We’re taking the time to really slow down and appreciate our lives a little more.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your own health at home. Register now.