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In Focus | Dr. Hilary Hart, DC

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Dr. Hilary Hart, DC

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up on an island in Northern Ontario and then I’ve lived in Toronto, Iowa and Portland over the last eight years. I finally decided to put some roots down and I’ve been here since March!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend from chiropractic school who is back in Wisconsin. This is the longest we’ve ever been apart from each other since we met; we can do everything and nothing together. Whether we’re going on a road trip, or spending the night drinking wine and watching YouTube videos, we always have the most fun.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to Manitoulin Island where I grew up, it’s so fun in the summer. We spend most of our time outside swimming, BBQ-ing, fishing, biking and sitting around bonfires with friends and family.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Do coffee shops count? I love Bliss and Bean Scene. They are always super friendly and keep me caffeinated.

What is your favourite activity?
That’s an impossible question! Between hiking, exploring with my dog, CrossFit, yoga and cycling, I keep pretty busy. I’m also a compulsive baker, so I pretend that everything else I do balances it out.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos or burgers?
Pizza! It’s bread and cheese, two of my favourite food groups, put together in the best way possible.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably so many things, but I’m pretty desensitized by now. I’ve embraced my clumsiness and quirks.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Driving from Iowa to Oregon. Travelling over 3000 km in a car alone is a very enlightening experience.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
All of it. I grew up in the middle of nowhere (we lived 10km outside of a town of less than 400 people, so the literal boonies) and I was constantly getting into everything with my brother, sister and our neighbours who lived past a creek and a forest that I’ve probably almost died in on more than one occasion. I was really lucky to get to grow up where I did!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As a clinic, we volunteer at sporting events and competitions around the Okanagan, offering free care to the athletes. It gives us a chance to do what we love and to keep everyone competing at his or her best. I also volunteer at The Hot Box Yoga (THBY) as karma exchange staff! I’m an avid yogi, and just being in a space like THBY is such a reset for me, so I feel like I’m getting the better half of the deal!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Renewable energy would be our primary energy source. I can understand that it’s not as profitable as the oil industry, but we all live here and taking care of our planet should be a priority for everyone.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking with my dog, Walter! There’s so much to see here and there’s nothing better than getting out into nature with my best bud.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. I leave my phone and can wander around there for hours with my puppy. It’s a really nice way to disconnect.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
In Iowa I was spoiled with over 150 miles of paved paths separate from the roads and I’d love to have that here for cycling.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
This city has such a great energy about it, it’s hard to put my finger on it. I love that I can walk for 15 minutes and I’m downtown on the water or I can drive for the same amount of time and be in the middle of nowhere. It’s the best of both urban and rural worlds.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Learn how to SCUBA dive
2) Travel around Southeast Asia
3) Get 17 more dogs (just kidding, but I do want to get another one soon)

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I LOVE sharks. Also, I get lost a lot.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Instagram

What is the name of your business/organization?
Valeo Health Clinic.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve always loved health care and I knew I wanted to be involved in some capacity. As a chiropractor, my focus is on sports injury, rehabilitation and functional movement. I love treating everyone, from professional athletes to grandparents to weekend warriors, really anyone who wants to work towards a healthier lifestyle is someone I want to work with. By becoming a chiropractor, I get the unique opportunity to focus on quality of life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see patients feel better, move better and live better because of it.

What is the goal of your business?
In the simplest terms, to help people. At Valeo, we’re concerned with function and performance whether you’re lifting 500lbs or chasing your kids around. Our goals are your goals. We want you to be able to enjoy life, especially with everything the Okanagan has to offer.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Moving across the country to Kelowna, where I knew no one and starting a practice from scratch. It continues to be a fun challenge though and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I’d have eaten more carrots so I wouldn’t need glasses.

What do you always find yourself saying?
True to Canadian fashion, 'sorry.' I once apologized to someone who opened a door into me. I also once said sorry to someone who hit me in the face with his bag when he swung it onto his back.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
David Attenborough or Michelle Obama.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
My mom owns a pharmacy back home and growing up it was always great to see a small town support local businesses. Shopping local is a win-win for everyone involved.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finally graduating from school after eight years, but now I have to pay back student loans, which is not as exciting.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
TJ, Gui, Meg and everyone else at CrossFit Okanagan. They’ve been so welcoming since I’ve moved here, it's really been a home away from home. It’s such a wonderful, encouraging community. They make fitness and health accessible to everyone.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Victoria Clayton, our fantastic new RMT at Valeo Health Clinic!

Some general comments I would like to share are
If you have any aches, pains or are just looking to improve athletic performance, come see me! I love helping people reach goals that they have and work towards a happier, healthier lifestyle.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.



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