by Liana Hwang | 1 Jan 2025 | Decoder Replay, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
The past year was so stressful, we all need to take a breather. Funny thing is, that’s just what the doctor has ordered. A path through a redwood forest in Northern California. Photo by Marcy Burstiner Editor’s note: Coming into 2025 made us think about...
by Liana Hwang | 21 Oct 2024 | Educators' Catalog, Environment, Health and Wellness
We worry about a future where it is too hot or too cold and extreme environmental events become the norm. That affects our mental health now. Beth Grant hikes on a trail in Awenda Provincial Park, Ontario. Grant is a sustainability researcher in Waterloo, Canada, who...
by Liana Hwang | 4 Oct 2023 | Educators' Catalog, Environment, Health and Wellness
To reduce your stress your doctor might prescribe a walk in the woods. Careful, though. This type of medicine is definitely addictive. A medicine cabinet includes a bottle that contains nature. Illustration by News Decoder. Photo on the medicine bottle of Comox Lake,...
In this text, ND correspondent and family physician Liana Hwang sheds light on the importance of spending time in nature as a way to promote positive mental and physical health. Plus, learn more about how spending time outdoors is an effective way to boost planetary health, too.
Exercise: Read the article with your class, then have students map out their schedule on a typical school day. How much time do they spend outdoors versus indoors? How can they intentionally carve out time to spend in nature? Have students set a SMART goal for increasing their time spent outdoors. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.
by Liana Hwang | 25 Jan 2023 | Culture, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Becoming a tea sommelier means confronting a history of imperialism and oppression and appreciating the world’s most common beverage. Six black teas from Sri Lanka and India set up for tasting in Squamish, British Columbia August 4, 2022. Although included in...