Healthy Wealthy Camper

Your Journey to Health and Abundance

Category: Exercise

Move Daily for Vitality ~ Healthy Conversations with Bonnie Dixon

May 25, 2026 /
Man stretching on a beach at sunset.

Imagine yourself standing without a cane, clear-minded, able to move easily at 60, 70, 80, 90, and beyond. It may sound impossible to some, but our bodies were created to move. The more we stop moving, the more difficult movement can become. Even small daily actions can make a difference over time.

I was recently talking with a beautiful 97-year-old woman and asked her the secret to living well. She uses no cane, stands tall, holds a conversation with ease, and even sings with joy. Her answer was simple. A doctor once told her to keep her body moving — not just walking, but stretching and moving every part of her body every day. Think hands, arms, legs, torso, neck, and feet. She said that advice became a gift that kept on giving throughout her life.

Many of us make excuses. We might say we do not have enough time or enough space. But it is worth asking ourselves: what do we have time for? We will either invest time in our health now or spend time later dealing with the challenges that can come from not caring for our bodies. Even while watching television, try doing a few stretches during the commercials.

The good news is that you do not need a fancy gym or expensive equipment. A chair, a bed, or even your kitchen can become a place to move and stretch. There are many easy movement tips online. Two of my favourites on YouTube are Doc H and the fun team of Bob and Brad.

Check for Programs in Your Neighbourhood

Here in Merritt, there are also wonderful local opportunities to help keep you moving. Chair Yoga is offered at the Civic Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. with Sandy Labermeyer.

Mindful Relaxation is on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Library with Ros for ages 18+. Persistence Training Centre also offers Move and Mobility classes and Fascia Stretch Therapy with Alyssa.

Your future body will thank you for every movement you make today.

Bonnie Dixon
Healthy Conversations
Healthy Wealthy Camper

Sweet Dreams ~ Healthy Conversations with Bonnie Dixon

May 18, 2026 /

“The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

I am truly blessed because most of my life, I have been able to fall asleep easily. I created a simple routine over the years.

Usually by 10 p.m. I enjoy a cup of non-caffeinated hot tea, brush my teeth, use my beauty cream, and then lie down. Tada — off to a good night’s sleep.

Woman sleeping by AiArtista

Well… that was until the other night.

I think the tea I drank may have had caffeine! I followed my usual ritual and climbed into bed. Hmm. My brain was racing a hundred miles an hour. My body did not even want to rest. I persevered and lay there for a couple of hours, hoping sleep would come.

It was a bit cool that night, and I started to feel chilled. “Maybe I should get up again,” I said to myself. But I stayed tucked in, hoping and waiting.

I bet many of you have had nights like this.

An occasional restless night is common, but if it becomes frequent, it may be a health concern worth paying attention to.

Sleep is not lazy time. When we sleep, our bodies go into repair mode. Brain health, hormone balance, memory, mood, and our circadian rhythm all depend on quality rest.

Simple habits can help improve sleep. Try keeping a regular bedtime, avoiding caffeine late in the day, turning off screens earlier, and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable.

Gentle stretching, calming music, prayer, meditation, or reading something peaceful may also help settle the mind.

Tracking your sleep can also be very helpful when speaking with your healthcare provider. Make note of how many hours you sleep, how often you wake up, if you snore, nap during the day, or wake feeling tired.

These details can provide important clues about your overall health.

If you regularly struggle with sleep, wake up exhausted, snore heavily, or notice changes in your health, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Tonight, I will definitely double-check my tea label before bedtime.

Sweet dreams, everyone.

Bonnie Dixon
Healthy Conversations
HealthyWealthyCamper.com

Start Good Habits Now for Heart Month

January 26, 2026 /

February is Heart Month, and what better time to start— or restart—some good habits to live Every Month as Heart Month.

Hands holding a heartbeat graph with a heart shape in the middle.

Your heart beats about 60 to 100 times a minute. That adds up to roughly 100,000 beats every single day, day in and day out, for your entire life. With each beat, it pumps blood out to deliver oxygen and nutrients and pulls blood back in to be refreshed again.

All of this blood travels through an incredible network of approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels – arteries, veins, and capillaries — enough to circle the earth more than twice. Even while you sleep, your heart never takes a break.

The good news?

Your heart responds quickly to care. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Walking, dancing, swimming, or even energetic housework all count.

The key is movement -and consistency.

Nutrition also plays a starring role. The heart loves a diet rich in omega-3 fats (think salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed), high-fibre foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains, and lower amounts of saturated and trans fats. Small changes really do add up over time.

Our hearts are surprisingly resilient. They can recover from years of stress, poor diet, or inactivity. That said, it’s far kinder -and easier – to take care of your heart now than to ask it to bounce back later.

Daily Heart Health Habits

Modern medicine can do remarkable things. Hearts can be repaired, supported, and even replaced — but often at a very high personal and financial cost. Prevention remains the most powerful medicine we have.

This Heart Month, consider one simple habit you can start today:

  • Walking daily.
  • Adding one more vegetable to your plate.
  • Taking a few deep breaths to manage stress.
  • More of your favourite activity …

Your heart is listening – and it will thank you for every act of care. ❤️

Bonnie Dixon
Your Health Advocate
HealthyWealthyCamper.com/Bonnie

P.S.

See health videos and make an appointment to discuss your improved health.

Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions: Healthy Habits You Can Stick With All Year

January 4, 2026 /

Healthy Conversations with Bonnie Dixon

Mother and daughter cutting tomatoes to make a healthy meal.

Every January, we’re bombarded with calls to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions—often so grand they fizzle out by February. But what if this year, you skipped the overwhelm and focused on a few simple, sustainable habits that genuinely boost your health all year long?

Start small: Jot down just five realistic goals. Mine are straightforward and equipment-free:

  • Hydrate consistently throughout the day.
  • Walk for at least 15 minutes daily.
  • Stretch for 5 minutes every morning.
  • Mindfully add veggies and fruits to every meal.
  • Meditate for 5–10 minutes.

No gym memberships or fancy gear required—just your commitment and daily consistency.

The Power of Simplicity

The real key to lasting resolutions isn’t sheer willpower; it’s keeping things simple. Tiny daily actions compound into big wins. For instance, boosting your water intake while cutting back on sodas and energy drinks can skyrocket your energy, improve digestion, and enhance sleep quality. Even gentle daily movement—like a short walk—supports heart health, eases joint stiffness, and lifts your mental well-being.

Tackle Tough Habits with Support

If quitting smoking or vaping tops your list, celebrate every small step. Pair your goal with accountability—an encouraging friend, a coach, or your healthcare provider—to turn intentions into tangible results.

Prioritize Restful Sleep

Don’t overlook sleep, a true health cornerstone. Simple tweaks like ditching screens earlier, crafting a relaxing bedtime routine, or just committing to more rest can sharpen your focus, elevate your mood, and strengthen your immune system.

Check In with Your Health Team

The new year is ideal for a wellness tune-up. Schedule a visit with your primary care provider for basics like blood pressure checks and lab work to gauge your starting point. And don’t skip the dentist—oral health surprisingly impacts everything from heart disease to inflammation.

As you embrace the year ahead, ask yourself: What easy habits will I commit to for lasting health? Opt for progress over perfection, self-compassion over self-criticism, and choices that nourish your body and mind.

Start today—your healthier future awaits.

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