Our second episode of the HEAL YAC Podcast is now live!

At the Human Environments Analysis Lab (HEAL) at Western University, we work closely with an inspiring group of young people aged 13-19 through our Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The YAC plays a vital role in shaping our work by bringing youth perspectives directly into research on youth health and wellbeing.

In Episode 2 of the HEAL YAC Podcast, we dive into youth social media use, phone habits, and how being online shapes our everyday lives. HEAL YAC members share their experiences navigating screens, relationships, and mental well-being, alongside a special guest, neuroscientist Dr. Emma Duerden. Together, we explore how screen time influences connection, why in-person relationships still matter, and how “third spaces”—places outside home and school where young people can hang out and build community—play a key role in fostering real-life connection.

Tune in to hear youth voices leading the conversation.

We’re excited to share that the very first episode of the HEAL YAC Podcast is now live!

At the Human Environments Analysis Lab (HEAL) at Western University, we work closely with an inspiring group of young people aged 13–19 through our Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The YAC plays a vital role in shaping our work by bringing youth perspectives directly into research on youth health and wellbeing.

Drawing on their lived experiences, YAC members, together with HEAL facilitators and a special guest Dr. Holly Schaafsma, created this podcast as a space to explore issues that matter to young people today. The inaugural episode focuses on “Nutrition at Home and at School,” offering thoughtful reflections on how food environments shape everyday youth experiences.

Tune in to hear youth voices leading the conversation.

The Human Environments Analysis Lab (HEAL) at Western University, and the Town and Gown Association of Ontario recently hosted a conversation on how to build and maintain effective community-engaged research practices.

Shawna Lewkowitz, a local community organizer and current HEAL PhD student moderated the conversation between Dr. Jason Gilliland, Director of the HEAL; Sarah Merritt, a long-time community collaborator with the HEAL and member of the Old East Village Community Association; and Dr. Davarian Baldwin, the Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of American Studies at Trinity College.

The conversation focused on what types of engagement work for researching with communities, and when engagement can go wrong in research. Emphasis was placed on expanding the notions of what constitutes the relationship between universities and communities, as well as, building research programs that directly respond to community needs on their own terms.

(Recorded June 8, 2022)

Creative Collaborations in Education for Health Outcomes! Rachel Schofield Martin presents many innovative ideas for nutrition and health education being deployed and tested in District scolaire francohpone Sud – Nouveau Brunswick.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

The conference version of this public lecture is also available.

Dr. Mariana Brussoni from the University of British Columbia and the BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit presents ‘Rethinking risk: The importance of outdoor risky play for children’s health’

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

The conference version of this presentation is also available for viewing.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

You can also watch more videos from Dr. Nykiforuk.

In this video, Dr. Cathy Jordan from the University of Minnesota and the Children & Nature Network presents: Advancing the Evidence Base for the Field: Children & Nature Network’s Research Activation Strategies.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

In this video, Shawna Babcock from Outdoor Play Canada presents Galvanizing an outdoor play moment in Canada.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

In this video, Michael and Chantelle from TNC/SEAS program present on Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards: Inspiring the next generation of leaders and stewards.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.

In this presentation, Brenda Simon from Earth Day Canada presents: The Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) pilot project: Bringing adventure play to recess and lunch hour.

The Children’s Health and the Environment Workshop & Symposium (CHEWS) was held at Western University with the support of The Lawson Foundation.