Here we list some of the amazing health resources that athletes and coaches can access online, for free! In order to be the best athlete you can be, you need to be at your healthiest.
Use these free online resources to keep on track, and share them with your teammates and family! You can start a fun challenge with your team or family, helping you share resources and support each other to achieve your goals.
Healthy Eating
Part of being healthy is eating healthy. This can be tough, especially if you’re on the road a lot or following a budget. Use these resources to keep on track with your healthy eating.
Did you know that you can talk to a HealthLink BC Dietitian for free? The service is free for all B.C residents. These dieticians can answer any questions you might have on healthy eating. Follow the link below to access the website and e-mail a dietician, or simply call 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a dietician.
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthyeating/
Meal Planning
We know meal planning can be challenging, especially if you’re in a rush at the supermarket or don’t know which choices are the healthiest. This free tool has a three-step strategy: Get Organized, Plan Ahead, and Make a List. http://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/blog/recipes-and-tips-school-lunches#sthash.mCJuuYh2.dpuf
It’s designed to put you in the driver’s seat so that you have everything you need on hand to take meal preparation.
When you go to the supermarket or are thinking about what to eat for the week, it’s a great idea to have a plan in place. Check out this meal planning info from Healthy Families BC!
Sodium
Sodium is a nutrient found in table salt and many other foods. Your body needs some sodium to function, but too much may lead to high blood pressure (a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease). Most Canadians take in more than twice the amount of sodium they need in a day.
Test your knowledge of sodium and learn about how to make your meals low sodium by using this interactive tool:
http://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/sodium-sense
Portion size
If you are ever confused about how much of each food group you should be eating, use this tracker to find out! Eat tracker allows you to check your food and activity choices, analyze your recipes and plan your meals. Sign up on this link to set goals and track your progress.
Recipes
Need some healthy recipes for tonight? Here are a few links that will give you great ideas for a healthy meal.
http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3485641/
http://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/blog/category/recipes
Physical Activity
Being active, even outside of your Special Olympics programs, is very important. You should be aiming for 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
My Healthy Weight Action Plan gives you easy-to-use plans for getting to and keeping your healthy weight:
https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/HWAP2/?pgsrc=hw_NTLbtn
Get free tips for a healthier life with the My Health eSupport program, which gives free weekly emails:
This free app gives you information and support to maintain a healthy heart through a 30-day challenge:
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/30-days/id556586803?ls=1&mt=8
Heart Health
If you have been diagnosed as having high blood pressure, there are online tools to help you manage and track your blood pressure. This can help reduce your risks and improve your health.
The Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment helps you find out what is putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke:
https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/hsra/
Use the links that you like the most to improve your daily health and get new and inspiring ideas. Share with your teammates, family, and friends for added motivation!