EDMONTON — ‘Tis the sweater-weather wearing holiday season for University of Alberta experts to create a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression – weighing in on everything from reindeer and recreation to retail and nutrition.
Nevermind Santa and his 12 reindeer, according to anthropologist Robert Losey, people still herd reindeer from northern China through Russia into the Arctic. In fact, evidence from northern Siberia indicates harnesses may have been used to train reindeer to pull sleds 2,000 years ago. Learn more fascinating facts such as: while reindeer can’t fly, they can swim!
Alberta School of Business retail expert Heather Thomson shares savvy tips for shoppers —including how to stretch your holiday wish-list budget in a Grinchy economy, as well as insight on consumer trends and a return to pre-pandemic inventory levels.
Recreation experts Glen Hvenegaard and Elizabeth Halpenny take a look at why a local getaway could be the best gift this holiday season. From boosting homegrown businesses to encouraging healthy activity and sustainability, giving recreational experiences benefits the giver, recipient and entire community.
According to leisure and well-being professor Shintaro Kono, positive leisure experiences help us achieve greater well-being – and the holiday season is a great time to seek balance in a holistic way, rather than just focusing on whether we are doing enough physical activities.
As Jack Frost nips at our noses outdoors, physiologist Michael Kennedy shares ways to improve our comfort, enjoyment and safety while being active in frigid air — lungs are especially vulnerable.
With the array of exercise and equipment, it’s snow secret that starting an exercise program can be a daunting and straight-up confusing task – is there one best exercise or maybe variety is the spice of life? Weightlifting researcher Loren Chiu sheds light on how to create an effective program that is flexible, time-conscious and easily tailored to one’s goals.
As visions of sugar plums dance in our heads, the upcoming ‘Santa-mental’ season is a great time to enjoy good company and even better feasts. Registered dietician Sabina Valentine shares some keys to healthy holiday nutrition and how to keep food prices down, while food microbiologist Lynn McMullen talks turkey and dispels myths – such as whether to wash your bird and how long to let those leftovers linger.
For many people the holiday season is not always the most wonderful time of the year – as challenging as it is joyous. Psychiatry experts Adam Abba-Aji and Andrew Greenshaw offer ways to cope with stress, keep a positive outlook and maintain overall mental well-being.
To speak with any of these experts, please contact:
Debra Clark
U of A communications associate
debra.clark@ualberta.ca
Michael Brown
U of A media strategist
michael.brown@ualberta.ca | 780-977-1411