Human Kinetics

Accessibility, adaptability, connection: Building age-friendly universities and communities

Shanthi Johnson and Veronika Mogyorody speak at podiumsDrs. Shanthi Johnson (left) and Veronika Mogyorody (right) advocate age-friendly cities, communities and universities (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With age comes a wealth of lived experience and a lifetime of growth and knowledge.  

Barriers created by a lack of accessibility, adaptability and connections in our homes and communities can, however, sometimes make the aging process unnecessarily challenging. 

Losing gold: Why double Olympic silver may not feel like a win

close up of a hockey player and hockey stick and portrait of Craig GreenhamHuman Kinetics professor Dr. Craig Greenham explains why some fans may feel disappointed in silver (CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor; C. THERASANATHAN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With the Milano-Cortina Winter Games officially wrapped and Canadian athletes beginning to arrive home, the support for Team Canada continues at airports across the country. 

Winning 21 medals total — five gold, seven silver and nine bronze, Team Canada took home medals across seven different sports. 

Sidewalk skating: Preventing falls and injuries in winter weather

students walk across the UWindsor campus on a snowy wet dayWinter weather can increase the risks of falls and injuries. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While we’ve had a brief respite from frigid polar vortex temperatures, snowy conditions — and with them an increased risk of falls and injuries — may still return this season. 

At particular risk of injury from icy sidewalks and driveways are older adults; however, anyone can fall prey to a sneaky patch of unseen ice. 

Small daily movement changes can help older adults stay strong and independent

three older men do chair stretches across from a UWindsor student with another student observing with a clipboardPhysical activity is key for everyone, including older adults. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can be the start many people need to get moving, according to Dr. Paula van Wyk, professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics. 

Physical activity is especially important for older adults as the aging process can lead to loss of strength and function. 

“In general, people are aware of the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity,” she says. 

Lifting, law and lifelong learning: World record holder studies women’s strength athletes

Jeanine Watt next to a statue of a bodybuilderJeanine Watt is a graduate student, two-time UWindsor alumna and world record-holding powerlifter (PROVIDED BY J. WATT/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Jeanine Watt (BSc ’78, LLB ’88) joined a gym in 2018 to stay active as a semi-retired lawyer. 

“I knew that if I retired, the only thing that would get any exercise was my thumb on the remote control,” she jokes. 

This March, she will take the main stage at the Arnold Sports Festival as a pro competitor in the Arnold Armlifting Championships. 

Cold-weather cardio: HK and Lancers track alumna shares tips for winter running

Brittany Bellemore runs in the snowBrittany Bellemore is an HK and Lancer track alumna now coaching a winter marathon clinic (PROVIDED BY B. BELLEMORE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

With snow-covered sidewalks and plummeting temperatures, lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the pavement may seem daunting.

However, with tips from UWindsor alum Brittany Bellemore (BHK ’21, MHK ’23), runners can feel more confident taking on wintry conditions.

Neuroscience research and voice-controlled drums: Rock drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi to deliver public lecture

Satoshi Yamaguchi at his VXD drum kitDrummer and researcher Satoshi Yamaguchi will present a public lecture at SoCA Feb. 23 (PROVIDED BY S. YAMAGUCHI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

For any musician, losing the ability to play their instrument sounds like a nightmare.

For Satoshi Yamaguchi, drummer for the Japanese rock band RADWIMPS, this became a reality while on a national concert tour in 2009.

Having developed musician’s dystonia, a rare neurological condition impacting his motor control, Yamaguchi continued to perform until 2015 when he made the decision to step away from drumming due to progressing symptoms.

Education and early intervention critical to eating disorder prevention

apple on a scaleEating disorder awareness week runs Feb. 1 to 7 each year (stock: Microsoft SharePoint/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Education and awareness are key when it comes to preventing eating disorders. 

Each Feb. 1 to 7, eating disorder awareness week encourages Canadians to learn more about eating disorders, challenge weight and body stigma and become familiar with resources and services that can help those who are struggling. 

This year’s theme is “health doesn’t have a look,” challenging harmful beliefs that suggest being healthy means being thin. 

From UWindsor to the Olympics: Anthony Pollock’s Journey to Milan with Team Canada

Anthony Pollock stands beside the Olympic rings statue in Milan.Anthony Pollock pauses beside the iconic Olympic rings in Milan, as the Winter Games are set to begin later this week. (SUBMITTED BY ANTHONY POLLOCK/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

For many sports fans, the Olympic Games unfold over two thrilling weeks.

But for Anthony Pollock, a University of Windsor Human Kinetics alumnus working with the Canadian Olympic Committee, the journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games has been years in the making.

Solcz Family Foundation supports UWindsor’s Lancers Recover campus addiction recovery program

Image of Jason Parete (left), Dr. Onawa LaBelle (centre) and Mack Park (right)Dr. Onawa LaBelle (centre) receives the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) Recovery Advocate of the Year award which honours individuals who promote the advancement, implementation and sustainability of recovery in local and national academic institutions. (JACKSON SPENSER/University of Windsor)

Solcz Family Foundation supports UWindsor’s Lancers Recover campus addiction recovery program

The University of Windsor’s Lancers Recover program has received a $10,000 grant from the Solcz Family Foundation to expand outreach, training and partnership-building efforts that support students affected by substance use and behavioural addictions.