PROTIME-FITNESS HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS

  New Airflow Device Stops Indoor Germs in Their Tracks A team of UBC Okanagan engineers may have found a new way to stop germs before they spread indoors. Their “jet-sink” airflow device traps airborne pathogens nearly as soon as they leave someone’s mouth—cutting down exposure far more than typical ventilation systems ever could. Most people don’t think much about the air they share—until winter rolls in and every cough starts sounding like a threat. With colds and flu on the rise every season, the quest for cleaner indoor air matters more than ever. Enter UBCO’s Dr. Sunny Li, Dr. Mojtaba Zabihi, and Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff. They’re working on a more innovative approach to indoor air quality, tackling a longstanding problem: most buildings aren’t designed to keep airborne germs at bay. Why Old Ventilation Isn’t Enough Most ventilation systems move air through big spaces. A few get fancy by blowing clean air directly at people, like those little airplane vents above your seat. But ...

RUNNING'S HEALTH BENEFITS AND HOW TO GET STARTED   Running isn’t just another workout trend—it’s one of the simplest, most thoroughly studied ways to change your life. You don’t need fancy equipment or a complicated routine. The research is in: just a bit of running, even once a week or less than an hour total, slashes your risk of dying from all causes, trims your chances of heart trouble or cancer, and helps you live longer. It doesn’t matter if you’re racking up marathon-level miles or just getting out the door for a jog around the block—the payoff starts early and builds from there. And here’s some good news for beginners: those benefits aren’t reserved for people crushing daily workouts. When researchers examined individuals who transitioned from virtually no activity to running even short intervals, the changes were substantial. Lower blood pressure, stronger hearts, healthier cholesterol levels, and less body fat—even at just a few weekly outings. So you don’t need perfectio...

GUT HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS   Gut health is having a moment—and for good reason. Science now shows that the mix of microbes in your digestive system isn’t just about avoiding stomach aches: it shapes everything from immunity to energy levels to how steady your mood feels day-to-day. More and more research points to the gut microbiota—the “ecosystem” of bacteria and other organisms that live in your gut—as a key player in all this. When your gut is in balance, you’re more likely to feel your best. One of the easiest ways to nudge your gut toward health? Prebiotics and probiotics. These two aren’t just wellness buzzwords; they’re backed by stacks of clinical evidence—and they work even better together. So, what’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Prebiotics are special fibers and plant compounds—the stuff you find in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains—that feed the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract. Think of them as fe...

DIET, EXERCISE, AND WEIGHT LOSS MEDS ARE MORE EFFECTIVE TOGETHER  We tend to talk about medications, diet, and exercise as if they're rivals. But real, lasting health comes from the magic that happens when you use all three together. This isn't just about trimming your waistline—when these approaches combine, you unlock better metabolic health, a sturdier heart, and a foundation for lifelong vitality. Medications: Beyond the Bathroom Scale The latest weight loss medications (like GLP-1 receptor agonists) do more than help people lose weight. Studies have shown that these medications can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar levels, and even protect the liver. But—and here's the kicker—the real benefits don't stop at dropping a few pounds. These medications initiate profound changes in how your body processes energy, manages inflammation, and regulates insulin. That said, experts warn that medication works best as part of a bigger p...

HEALTHY AGING: OPTIMIZING WHAT YOU HAVE   Healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about making sure those years are active, independent, and full of vitality. The research is clear: nutrition and physical fitness stand out as two of the strongest levers we have to shape how we age. Let’s start with food. What you put on your plate today can reshape the way you feel tomorrow—and years down the line. Older adults who consume a diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a diverse range of vitamins and minerals tend to experience fewer chronic illnesses, improved brain health, and greater independence. The Mediterranean diet is a favorite in scientific circles for a reason: it’s packed with vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins that help fight inflammation, improve heart health, and stave off disability as the decades roll by (MDPI, 2022; Nature Medicine, 2025; MDPI, 2025). On the other hand, unplanned weight loss or limited access to health...

THE 4 X 4 EXERCISE METHOD   The 4x4 aerobic exercise method—also known as 4x4 interval training—has been gaining popularity in gyms and research labs for years, and for good reason. It’s a go-to form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), loved not just for the serious fitness gains, but also for its flexibility. So, what makes this Scandinavian-born protocol so popular, and why do experts keep coming back to it? What’s the 4x4 Method, Actually? At its core, 4x4 interval training is simple: four bursts of high-intensity aerobic exercise (think 90 to 95% of your maximum heart rate), each lasting four minutes. Between these intervals, you catch your breath with three minutes of active recovery at a gentler 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. Start with a warm-up, finish with a cool-down, and the whole thing takes just 30 to 40 minutes. That’s part of its appeal. You can do it on a treadmill, a stationary bike, or even outdoors. It scales to your fitness level, too, which is why y...