A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Don't let her size fool you—when it comes to boxing, 17-year-old Talia Birch is all power.
The Quebec teenager recently notched her sixth win in the boxing ring. Not bad considering she had never set foot in one until two years ago.
“I became obsessed, I am obsessed with it, so that's how it happened,” Birch told CTV National News.
“While you're fighting, there is honestly nothing going through your head, it's instinct, you just act on it.”
She threw her first punch in her basement as a way to stay active during the pandemic. Nine months later, she was lacing up her gloves for her first fight.
Birch was so nervous about competing for the first time that it felt like her legs gave out before the fight.
“I couldn't even warm up because all of my air was sucked out from my body from the stress,” she said. “But then as soon as the bell rang, it was smooth, it was a fun fight.”
The undefeated boxer is now gearing up for the Canada Games in Prince Edward Island later this month, where female boxers will square off for the very first time.
“It's crazy,” Birch said. “I'm so excited to be a part of those girls.”
The Canada Games is a multi-sport event with a winter sports and a summer sports version that alternate every two years. It’s the highest level of national competition for Canadian athletes in sports such as boxing, alpine ski, karate, archery and fencing, among others.
“To think that I've already made it this far already is crazy to me,” Birch said.
Her coach, Jamaal Garner, isn’t as surprised. He said he saw his protege's potential the second time they met.
What Birch has is “natural power,” he told CTV National News.
“Natural ability to throw the punch with power, with ease, (and) not be as fatigued doing it.”
But her quick rise in the sport is still exceptional, he added.
“It's her work ethic,” Garner said. “Her work ethic and willingness and obsession with the sport that sets her apart. I've never seen anyone else as dedicated.”
Birch says she dreams of turning pro and one day donning the maple leaf at another high-profile tournament—the Olympics.
With files from Alexandra Mae Jones
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Two daughters and a mother were reunited online 40 years later thanks to a DNA kit and a Zoom connection despite living on three separate continents and speaking different languages.
Mother's Day can be a difficult occasion for those who have lost or are estranged from their mom.
YES Theatre Young Company opened its acclaimed kids’ show, One Small Step, at Sudbury Theatre Centre on Saturday.
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A new exhibition opens at the Ottawa museum on Friday called, 'Oh Crap! Rethinking human waste.'