We like to keep our ear to the ground, you know, sniff out the good stories that we feel shape the world of health and wellness. You could call us wellness newshounds. As we come to the end of 2012, we thought itd be nice to put together a list the stories we found the most impactful, profound and future-shaping for our industry.
Tainted Meat.Amassive outbreak of E.Colishut down XL Meats in Brooks, Alberta – one of Canadas largest meat processing plants. Then, we saw a series of meat recalls through the fall affecting everything from deli meats to beef to chicken. The tainted meats of 2012 shone a light on a faulty inspection system and, we hope, moved people to reconsider where their meat comes from.
Spontaneous Kindness.Winnipeg bus driver, Kris Doubledeemadeinternational headlineswhen his spontaneous generosity was reported. On a chilly September day while driving his route, Kris saw a man without shoes. He stopped the bus, took off his shoes and gave them to the barefoot man. Once the media grabbed a hold of his story, he simply said that he hoped it would inspire others to be kind. We love news stories that punctuate a positive message.
Lost Leader.Lance Armstrongsfinal descent from the pedestal that many of us happily put him on, created ripples that most did not see. While the world focused on his stripped medals, many were concerned about the charitable organizations, events and campaigns linked to his name including his Foundations brand Live Strong. Once known as the poster child for overcoming cancer and for winning an unfathomable 7 Tour de France races, he will now be the impetus for how elite level sports are monitored.
Bye Bye Big Gulp.Who knew that a mayor could dictate how much soda citizens could drink? NYCs Mayor Bloombergbanned giant single servings of sodapop saying that the move would make a major impact on the obesity epidemic. While many people decried hed created a Nanny State, health professionals applauded him for helping those who (according to their scales) have difficulty helping themselves.
We Dont Want to Know.Californians had the opportunity to be leaders in the GMO labeling fight when they faced the polls this past November. However, theyvoted against a propositionthat would have forced food manufacturers to identify genetically modified foods or ingredients. We predict that 2013 will bring new battles against GMOs. You may have won this round, Big Agriculture, but the war isnt over yet!
Good Old Joe.For years, coffee has shivered in inferiority under the giant shadow of healthy teas but 2012 was the dark beans year. Coffee is legitimately healthy, baby. The case for a daily cup of Joe has been mounting with previous reports of decreased depression in women, improved capacity to fight certain types of cancer, reduced inflammation and for being packed with anti-oxidants. But this year, it captured the grand-daddy of wellness benefits longer life. So, go on coffee lovers, drink up, in moderation…for your life.
Ugh, Me No Hungry, Me on Caveman Diet.Every year seems to have a diet craze associated with it. For 2012 it was thePaleo Dietwith celebrity endorsers like Steve Nash, Jessica Biel and Matthew McConaughey. Think everything (really) old is new again because this diet says we should eat the way man ate 10,000 years ago. The good part is that it means youll have to park all processed foods, eat local and get back to whole foods. The tricky part is giving up other healthy foods like teas, grains and any fruit or veggie that is not in season and local. For Canadians, that could mean a very hungry winter.
Whats ahead for 2013? Were looking forward to increased awareness for health and wellness issues, new studies thatll help us understand our life journey, and inspirational people that encourage us to be better than we were in 2012.
Oh, and of course a new diet of the year because we no like raw caribou meat.
