We are the North - Tips from Hospital Health and Wellness Calendar

Vanessa Masters, Prevention and Screening Services - May 15, 2019

Northwestern Ontario is the largest but least populated area in Ontario, making it an attractive sell for big city workers to move here. Short commutes, low costs of living, friendly communities, and (a lot of) green spaces allow work-life balance to be a priority for Northerners. Northwestern Ontario has some unique characteristics that make it a great place to live, such as:

  • An overall lower cost of living compared to the rest of Ontario

  • A variety of parks and natural green spaces

  • Fewer traffic lights which makes for fast commutes and better nighttime viewing for seeing stars (and the Northern Lights)

  • Easy access to lakes and rivers with numerous hiking and walking trails

  • A smaller population, which is helpful for making new friends, as well as creating an overall friendly environment

Thunder Bay has 129 active parks with more than 55km of recreational trails with even more if you count those just outside the city limits. Many parks are open all year long, with the month of May being when playground equipment and public washrooms available to use!

Ashley Colville moved from the East Coast to Thunder Bay six years ago to cover a maternity leave, and has never looked back! “I love the skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and many other outdoor activities Thunder Bay has to offer. The beautiful scenery wildlife and wonderful people to share these adventures with are icing on the cake!”

 may-15-2019-we-are-the-north

Monthly Recipe - Breakfast Quesadillas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so why not make it a delicious and healthy one? Try these breakfast quesadillas submitted by Lisa Niccoli, Executive Coordinator.

Makes 2 servings

4 medium, round whole grain tortillas

5 eggs

1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 pound chorizo or other sausage meat

1/4 - 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

Toppings: avocado and salsa

Directions:

  1. Scramble eggs in a large frying pan and set aside.

  2. Place one tortilla in the bottom of a large, generously greased (or sprayed) skillet over medium heat.

  3. Top the tortilla with 1/4 of the cheese and then sprinkle half of the pepper and onion over top. Top with half of the scrambled eggs and sausage.

  4. Top all of that with an additional 1/4 of the cheese. Let cook for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt almost completely.

  5. Place a tortilla on top and then carefully flip the entire quesadilla over in the skillet, to cook on the top tortilla.

  6. Cook for an additional minute or two.

  7. Serve immediately and top with salsa and/or avocado.

  8. Repeat to make the second quesadilla and enjoy!

*All content from this article can be found in our Hospital’s 2019 Health and Wellness Calendar. To date, the Calendar has featured over 300 staff members from all areas and disciplines of the Hospital, capturing the many ways they choose to stay healthy.

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