Living in Toronto: A Medically Inspiring Place
Toronto, a city that lies on the shores of Lake Ontario, has been increasingly recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world. The impressive skyline, diverse cultural festivals and events, great food and drink, and hospitable neighborhoods make this city a unique destination for tourism and living. But beyond the tourism industry and general aesthetics, Toronto can offer you more than just a simple place of fun and tourism. From a medical perspective, living in Toronto can provide you with a wealth of health benefits.
The people within Toronto are both vibrant and friendly. It is easy to make new friends from all over the world, and there is always an activity that suits people of all ages. Making connections and being social, even in moderate doses, has a positive effect on health. It is enriching to the brain tissues, helps individuals build resilience against stress, lowers the risk of developing age-related mental decline, and even enhances the immune system’s function.
Friendship is not only the only social connection seen in Toronto. This city is also rich in cultural diversity, with neighborhoods that reflect its inhabitants’ respective cultures. The Chinese community predominantly occupies the heart of Toronto’s chinatown, the Eglinton Avenue West Vietnamese community, Little Italy, and Greek town. Therefore, people from different cultures have set up businesses, constructed cultural and community institutions, and created cultural spaces that feature arts and entertainment. Frequent exposure to multiple cultures makes residents empathize with those from other cultures, enhance their knowledge, and even help in reducing cognitive decline in old age.
Toronto’s temperate weather is another factor to think about as a way of having a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to get outside and be active throughout all 4 seasons. Summer weather in Toronto can get humid, but that’s a small price to pay to enjoy a city that’s fun in the sun. Spring and fall are relatively mild, and you can expect warm days and cool nights, while winter can be quite cold, yet still, offer plenty of outdoor activities such as skating at Nathan Philips Square and tobogganing. Studies show that sunlight can positively influence mood, aiding the brain’s production of serotonin (the chemical responsible for regulating mood, carbohydrate craving, and sleep). Living in a city with such a vast array of outdoor activities can keep you active, happy, and healthy.
Apart from the sociability of Toronto residents, the city is also home to some of Canada’s leading health care centers, which provide healthcare services from primary to tertiary level. Toronto General hospital is one of Canada’s leading hospitals, with highly experienced and trained medical staff offering various specialized treatments. The hospital also runs over three-quarters of all transplant programs in Canada, amongst others making it the city’s academic health center. The University Health Network, a partnership of healthcare institutes comprising Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, supports innovative research that has made it known globally.
Living in Toronto is unquestionably healthy. Apart from the excellent healthcare facilities, social benefits, and exposure to different cultures, Toronto accommodates lovely parks where people can unwind and exercise. Consider living in Toronto and make health part of your lifestyle.
Sources:
– https://www.uhn.ca/
– https://www.toronto.com/thingstodo/2022/02/15/torontos-best-parks-for-exercising-according-to-experts.html
– https://www.blogto.com/city/2018/10/canada-ranked-8th-best-country-quality-life-un-world-health-organization-report/
– https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31179-X
