Latest news with #VitalSigns
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Amid a climate crisis, ‘Vital Signs' documents the ‘relentless force' of changing landscapes
Tucked into a quiet corner of the Bill Reid Gallery is a nine-minute film by Nlaka'pamux artist Jade Baxter about the wildfire that devastated her homelands. Through a series of raw, handheld clips, Why Would I Leave? documents the months leading up to the June 2021 blaze that tore through 'Lytton.' Baxter's footage captures not only the fire itself, but the simmering tension of a community living under intensifying climate pressure. After weeks of record-breaking temperatures during the western 'North America' Heat Dome, the fast-moving flames caused two fatalities and destroyed most of the Nlaka'pamux village. The piece is part of the new exhibition Vital Signs, which features work by six First Nations artists who explore the personal and collective impacts of climate-related catastrophes on their communities. The six artists — Jade Baxter (Nlaka'pamux), Jasper Berehulke (Syilx/Okanagan), Kali Spitzer (Kaska Dena), Kwiis Hamilton (Hupačasath/Leq'a:mel), Rebecca Baker-Grenier (Kwakiuł, Dzawada'enuwx and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and Sage Nowak (Tahltan) — were in attendance. For several of them, Vital Signs marks the first time they've shared their work at the downtown 'Vancouver' gallery. On May 13, Matriarch Mary Point welcomed more than one hundred guests to the the opening of the exhibition on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səl̓ilwətaɬ Peoples. 'This place has many names,' Point said as she stood among guests in the grand hall of the gallery, with its soaring ceilings and mezzanine-level balcony that wraps around the room. 'Whether we think of this place as the Bill Reid Gallery, as 'Hornby Street,' as 'Vancouver,' I think we can collectively think of this place as — leləm̓ — as home.' Point, who is from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nation, says she saw 'not only a crisis,' depicted in the exhibition works, but 'messages of caution.' 'In our language, there is no word for art,' she said. 'It's just part of who you are. I really see that upstairs — it's part of who you are.' Across the mezzanine, works by the six artists span painting, cedar sculptures, textiles, photography, film, poetry, jewelry, and drawing — showcasing a wide range of artistic expression. The exhibition's title, Vital Signs, refers not only to the measurements of the body's essential functions, but also to the idea that the land is vital to our existence — a living entity in its own right, say curators Aliya Boubard and Amelia Rea. In Baxter's film, scenes of intense orange skies, billowing smoke, and smoldering flames reminiscent of an atomic blast are intercut with quiet hand-held clips of the village, a 'Canada' flag hanging from a window, and Baxter's black cat Mitchuk slipping through the frame. These ordinary moments take on profound weight when followed with the sound of howling wind and the surreal, otherworldly light. Overlaying the juxtaposed clips is a poem, written by Baxter before the fire, in 2019. 'If you crawled up from the river you would see there are worn metal tracks' she reads. 'Pounded so deep into rock it could start a blaze to burn this heart out.' The poem references Pasco v. Canadian National Railway, a landmark 1985 B.C. Supreme Court decision. On August 19 of that year, the court issued an injunction preventing CN Rail from constructing a second track along an eight-mile stretch of the Thompson River — a ruling that safeguarded Nlaka'pamux fishing and cultural sites. Silhouetted against a hillside ablaze, two figures stand watching as thick smoke swallows the night sky. Over the scene, Baxter delivers a stark quote from CN Rail's legal counsel: 'There is god. And next to god is the railway.' The frame then cuts to an eagle circling high above the smoke. Baxter responds: 'To that lawyer I say — I don't believe in god. And I don't believe in the railway.' Jasper Berehulke's diptich on wood panels continue on the theme of fire, representing 'the relentless force of wildfires' he wrote in an artist statement. One painting, watching tqłəniw̓ t, depicts the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire, which blazed through 13,500 hectares of syilx homelands. A silhouette of Berehulke's brother stands in the foreground, watching as flames consume Westbank First Nation land before jumping the lake towards kiʔláwnaʔ (Kelowna). His second painting, watching kiʔláwnaʔ, captures a lone ponderosa pine tree 'standing as a silent witness,' Berehulke wrote, as fire engulfed the other side of the lake. Healing is a central theme in the work of Hupačasath/Leq'a:mel artist Kwiis Hamilton, whose diverse practice spans graffiti-style painting, jewelry, and drawing. His large-scale painting explores the cycles we move through — life and death, pain and healing, growth and transformation among both human and non-human relatives. Black squiggles ripple across the edges of the canvas, symbolizing a time of upheaval and physical change brought on by an earthquake. 'This time of change,' Hamilton says, 'is an opportunity to learn, grow, and ʔuʔaałukst̓ał (take care of one another). Engraved silver and hand-cut abalone shell jewelry and ink drawings accompany the painting, which Hamilton says explores the reciprocal relationship humans share with the land. Also on display is a poem originally written by Hamilton in the Nuu-chah-nulth language. Sayaasim min Nismaqkin (In the future we belong to the land), shares the same name as the series of artworks on display. 'Even on the darkest days,' Hamilton writes, 'Your ancestors are with you, Remember them, Acknowledge them, Sing for them, Make an offering.' A featured piece by fashion designer Rebecca Baker, Our Roots Run Deep, is a corset crafted from old-growth cedar shavings. 'For those who know carving, it's so special to be surrounded by those remnants,' said Baxter, who arrived straight from Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe with her family. Inspired by her poem Yesterday: A Love Letter to Cedar, Baker said she wanted the piece to reflect 'the importance of using every part of our natural resources.' The exhibition is on view upstairs in the Bill Reid Gallery and will be on view daily until September 7. Admission is free for Indigenous Peoples.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
8 Habits That Can Add Decades To Life
We all want to live as long and as healthily as possible. Many healthy living hacks, such as lounging in a hot sauna or taking a cold plunge, claim to increase lifespan, but how effective are they? Growing research points to a different answer, suggesting that a few simple, consistent lifestyle habits can be far more effective at boosting longevity and well-being. Referring to a 2024 study examining nearly 720,000 U.S. veterans ages 40 to 99, Dr. Damon Noto, a rehabilitation medicine specialist, stated on the Epoch TV show Vital Signs that among eight lifestyle factors found to influence a person's lifespan by more than 10 years, the most significant are whether a person has smoked, had an opioid use disorder, and their level of physical activity. We know exercise is a healthy habit, but do we consider it life-saving? Noto said the veteran's study shows exercise may add as much as a decade or more to our lives. He also examined the type of physical activity in the study. People in the study often stayed active by engaging in natural movement, such as gardening or participating in sports with their friends. He believes these lifestyle or social activities are especially beneficial because building physical activity into someone's daily life can help a person stay consistent with moving the body. Diet can also impact a person's lifespan. Those living in blue zones tend to eat homegrown and home-cooked foods and avoid overeating. Those who ate highly processed foods and sweets had shorter lifespans than those who followed a nutritious diet, according to the same study. Noto highlights a social component of longevity. Research suggests that individuals who have friends and a sense of community tend to live longer than those who are lonely or isolated. 'A lot of these studies have shown that people who have purpose, especially purpose greater than themselves, not only live longer, but they live happier lives and more successful lives,' said Noto. 'So purpose is something we found to be extremely important.' Noto points out that those in blue zones tend to place family and faith as a high priority in their culture. Noto said that all those with longer lifespans had some way to deal with stress in their regular routines, whether it was socializing with friends, taking walks, praying, or working around the house. The Longevity Project, which began in the 1920s, followed 1,500 Americans with high IQs from childhood to death. Initially, it was thought that because these children were intelligent, they would succeed and do well in life, but that was not the case. The study showed that the more conscientious a person was, the longer they lived. Character qualities such as discipline, hard work, organization, thoughtful decisions, and a sense of responsibility greatly influences success in life. Sleep impacts the length of a person's life. Getting enough REM sleep is crucial to adding years to your life. Noto recommends getting a sleep-tracking device to ensure you get the proper sleep quality. Those who suffer from chronic anxiety or sleep apnea were shown to have shorter lifespans. However, he also emphasizes the body's ability to do amazing things, even under stress. He believes that having a sense of purpose helps through times of stress or low sleep, and significantly impacts a person's health and life.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
State scores major win for clean air after battling polluting industry: 'A huge achievement'
Colorado just scored a big victory for clean air — and communities that have been facing the consequences of industrial pollution. As reported in the Environmental Defense Fund's Vital Signs newsletter, state regulators finalized a plan in February 2025 to reduce harmful air pollution from oil and gas operations. After local groups started raising concerns about oil and gas operations near homes, Colorado adopted new standards that will require companies to replace outdated equipment that intentionally vents harmful pollutants in the air. Once this is fully implemented by 2029, it's expected to reduce methane pollution, a planet-warming gas that can be harmful to human health, by 10% in the state. The new standards will also improve air pollution monitoring. Companies will be required to keep a more detailed account of the pollutants they're releasing, such as toxic gases like benzene and xylene. This is a big deal for local residents, especially those living near oil and gas facilities. Public health is on the line, with locals having higher rates of respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal diseases, and even leukemia. The EDF's Vital Signs newsletter is a great source of inspiring climate solutions, policy wins, and actions we can take to support a healthier planet for all. Colorado joins other states making progress toward a healthier environment, like New York's plan to electrify buses and Illinois' investment in clean energy. While the current administration has been working to roll back some federal environmental protections, this move by Colorado shows how progress can still be made on a state level. "These Colorado safeguards are a huge achievement," said Nini Gu, an EDF policy expert for the Western region, per Vital Signs. "And Colorado did all this with consensus across the board from environmental groups, industry trade groups and state regulators. It's really an example for other states can follow." "If you can accomplish this in Colorado, you can do it in other places, too," said Laurie Anderson, an advocate with Moms Clean Air Force, according to Vital Signs. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NYC's controversial congestion pricing policy is four months old — here's how it's impacting commuters
When New York City implemented congestion pricing in January after years of development and delay, critics feared the program would be a death knell for business owners — costing the city more in the long term than it would save in commute times. However, around four months later, data shows that congestion pricing is working as intended, bringing a range of benefits to New Yorkers and commuters in the surrounding area. The Environmental Defense Fund's VitalSigns detailed the findings on April 23. A trusted destination for climate news, VitalSigns spotlights stories that give people hope for the future while empowering its readers through education and other green living tips. According to the report, which cited city data, congestion pricing not only raised more than $100 million for the public transit system over the first two months but also slashed the number of vehicles entering the congestion zone by 6 million. As a result, buses are able to drive their routes 4% faster on average. The Congestion Pricing Now Coalition also found that traffic injuries have dropped by half, while commuters taking the Holland Tunnel from New Jersey to New York can expect a 48% reduction in travel time. What's more, retail sales within the congestion zone are up 21% — on pace to rake in $900 million more in 2025 compared with the previous year, per credit card data from Affinity. "So far, the impact has been more positive than expected, though we remain mindful of potential long-term effects, especially for small businesses with tighter margins," Ulrika Bengtsson, owner of Bjork Cafe and Bistro, told amNY in a recent interview, per VitalSigns. Multiple residents also shared similar concerns when the program went into effect this winter, and the U.S. Department of Transportation has challenged NYC's congestion pricing. To this point, efforts to roll back NYC's congestion pricing program have stalled in court. Beyond the initial sales boost, officials expect congestion pricing to benefit public health by supporting infrastructure that reduces dirty fuel pollution linked to millions of annual premature deaths worldwide. The program is providing more immediate quality-of-life perks too, though. According to NYC311, the city's nonemergency service line, noise complaints about "excessive honking" have dropped 70%, as VitalSigns reported. Multiple studies have linked noise pollution to increased stress levels and learning difficulties for school-age children. How much time do you spend commuting in the car each week? Over an hour a day 30-60 minutes a day Under 30 minutes a day I never drive to work Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "More than 6 million people who ride public transit every day are starting to see the benefits from congestion pricing funding and faster bus times throughout the city," said the EDF's Andy Darrell, who advocated for congestion pricing for more than 10 years, per VitalSigns. "Already, drivers are spending less time stuck in traffic and businesses in the zone are seeing an uptick in foot traffic and sales," Darrell added. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Burlington Community Foundation launches Vital Signs survey
The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) has launched a digital survey for its 2025 Vital Signs report — the first in nearly a decade for the organization. The survey will be conducted in addition to panel research done in partnership with Leger and measure 'vital indicators of community connection and wellness' such as housing, safety, belonging, living standards and quality of life, noted a media release. The report will provide original data as well as a 'timely, hyperlocal snapshot' of the community, the release said. The last Vital Signs report from the BCF was released in 2017, and at that time, showed an 'increased need' for mental health supports in the city as well as insights into the meaning of belonging in a community. 'This is a critical time to look at the connectedness and well-being of Burlington,' said Megan Tregunno, CEO of the foundation, in a statement. 'We need a real-time picture of how people are feeling and to understand the vital areas we can all collectively focus on.' The release said the reports are also used to identify needs in the community, spur civic engagement and inform local decision-making for individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses and government. The digital survey, which runs until midnight on June 11, can be accessed online at and . There is also a QR code to access the survey, which is included on posters at Burlington Public Library branches, City of Burlington recreation centres and pools as well as at the Burlington FirstOntario Credit branches at 895 Brant St. and 4021 Upper Middle Rd. The survey is open to Burlington residents and all participants are eligible to be entered into a prize draw. Those requiring assistance in completing the survey are asked to contact the BCF by calling 905-639-0744 ext. 1.
