BCAHL Blog
Reflecting on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 27, 2023 As an organization focused on disease prevention and health promotion, BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL) understands that colonization and institutionalized racism are largely responsible for the gap in health outcomes between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples. As such, BCAHL stands with Indigenous partners and communities in this journey toward reconciliation. We recognize that these are early days and there is much learning and work to be done ahead of us...Read More >
Communities Going Active Toolkit
September 25, 2023 Active transportation has many benefits: it can reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage communities to be physically active, which in turn helps prevent chronic diseases and foster mental wellness. However, many people in British Columbia experience barriers that prevent them from using active transportation infrastructure. In order to address individual barriers, we have developed the Communities Going Active Toolkit to support communities in promoting the use of...Read More >
Quebec proposes a ban on flavoured vapes; but where is Health Canada?
May 4, 2023 Youth vaping is a serious problem that needs urgent action. We’ve been seeing a steady increase in vaping among youth year over year, in BC 42% say they’ve tried vaping and 27% say they’ve vaped in the last month. This is worrisome as there are toxic chemicals in the aerosol, which can lead to short-term respiratory and cardiovascular health effects and the longer-term effects remain to be seen. E-juice typically...Read More >
Pressed for time? Here are some quick, easy & affordable recipes you can try this week
March 6, 2023 Weeknight dinners can be a bit stressful because of a number of things: sometimes, the commute home takes longer than usual or maybe you didn’t have time to buy ingredients. No matter the reason, here are some ways you can make it easier on yourself this week, while keeping your meals nutritious and cost-effective. Check out these recipes from TikTok cooks. Veggie & noodle stir fry (Prep and cook time:...Read More >
Op-ed: Do you know how risky your drink is?
February 9, 2023 Note: this piece was first published in The Tyee, Castanet and The Province. Sometimes it’s a couple of pints of beer after work with friends, sometimes it’s a margarita to go with your tacos. Sometimes it’s an actor’s cocktail of choice that goes viral the world over. However you may encounter it, alcohol is so commonplace that few realize how harmful it can be, and most don’t know where...MediaRead More >
BCAHL’s reflections & accomplishments: 2022
December 15, 2022 The easing of pandemic restrictions brought a sense of hope and positivity to 2022, as British Columbians reconnected with family, friends, and colleagues more often and welcomed the return to much-missed activities. However, many still struggle, and good health continues to be hampered by inequities. We have our work cut out for us in the year ahead, and we remain committed to ensuring that health and equity are at the...Read More >
Alcohol warning labels: Webinar recording
November 23, 2022 In 2021, close to one in five Canadians (18%) reported consuming five or more drinks on days they consumed alcohol, according to Statistics Canada. During the pandemic, BC reported a 22% increase in alcohol consumption. While drinks during dinner at home, social gatherings and celebrations are common for most adults in BC, the prevalence and normalization of regular alcohol consumption in our society underscores the need for effective policy to...WebinarRead More >
Mobile Produce Markets: A Food Security Solution webinar
October 25, 2022 BC Alliance for Healthy Living’s recent research has shown that 93% of British Columbians are not eating the recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day. We know that increasing fruit and vegetable intake helps prevent chronic disease, but how do we get to that point? Canadians are facing a high inflation rate and coupled with barriers that people may face in terms of healthy food availability...WebinarRead More >
BCAHL’s statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 29, 2022 BC Alliance for Healthy Living stands with Indigenous partners and communities in the journey towards reconciliation. On September 30, we reflect on the efforts that have been made towards reconciliation and let that fuel our work moving forward. As an organization focused on disease prevention and health promotion, we understand that the colonization of Indigenous peoples is a contributor to the gap in health outcomes between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples....Read More >
Stressed About Healthy Back-to-School Lunches? We’ve Got Ideas for You
September 1, 2022 It’s that time of the year again: summer is winding down, we’re rushing to get school supplies, and some of us are wracking our brains about what to put in our kids’ lunchboxes as we send them off to school. Remember, your kids’ lunches don’t always have to be complex or time-consuming to make. Sometimes, the simple stuff is what gets them interested and energized. Young kids and teens alike...Read More >