Thanks to the web and social media today, we’re exposed to more than most grandparents were exposed to in a lifetime. It’s no wonder we get overwhelmed at times. The best way to manage a full mind, is to practice mindfulness. Being mindful allows our brains to process information, be present, and enjoy the moment. Here are three tips. One: take five minutes before getting out of the car before or after work to just BE. Two: practice the 5/5 rule by noticing five things about each of your senses once a day. Three: Stop multi-tasking at least once a day.
Community News
Foot Facts: Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are growths that usually appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of your feet. This pressure may also cause plantar warts to grow inward beneath a hard, thick callus. Plantar warts are caused by HPV. The virus enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks or other weak spots on the bottom of your feet. Plantar warts can be treated with over the counter treatments but if these are not effective, there are several other options available, including laser treatment. If you need help with a plantar wart contact your Podiatrist today.
What’s Keeping You Up?
Restorative sleep brings optimal health. Does your mind run all night? Does the need to urinate keep you up? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are three types of insomnia. The first relates to the heart where your mind can’t turn off at night, the second is due to liver yang rising and not properly shunting the blood. The third relates to the kidney in which one wakes several times in the night and feels unrested when morning comes. A customized treatment plan is created in TCM depending on your symptoms and situation.
Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline
Researchers have found that even the earliest stage of hearing loss – when hearing is still considered normal (0-25dB) – is linked to cognitive decline. Most people with hearing loss believe they can go about their lives just fine without treatment, and maybe some can, but hearing loss is not benign. It has been linked to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, diabetes, dementia, and other health problems. Hearing loss should be treated, and the earlier, the better. Studies show hearing aids can slow cognitive decline in older people with age-related hearing loss.
Let’s Talk & Take Action
Our harsh Alberta winters takes its toll on us. Frigid weather combined with reduced sunshine can create a depressing environment that limits our physical and mental potential. Physical and mental health are very interconnected, with each aspect suffering when the other is out of sync. Embrace Bell’s Let’s Talk principles in your life – language matters, educate yourself, be kind, listen and ask and simply talk about it. We believe in an integrated approach to health and wellness by providing resources and practitioners that can help your journey towards physical and mental wellness.
Importance of a Medication Review
Are you managing several prescriptions? Do you know how they interact with each other? Are they providing you with the maximum benefit? These are a few questions that can be answered through a personalized medication review with your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacist. They will review your medical and health history, explain the importance of each medication, and answer any questions you may have. They are your wellness resource and advocate, if you have ANY questions or concerns with your medications, connect with your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacy and schedule a medical review today.
Stop the Emotional Spin Cycle
Do you feel like you are in an emotional spin cycle? This emotional spin cycle can occur when we get caught up in never-ending fears and worries, or get stuck going over and over problems, or issues without being able to clearly think it through or resolve it. All of this causes stress. You can let go of fear and worry and be peaceful and calm. You can regain your clarity and confidence, see other options and perspectives, enabling you to resolve problems and issues. It is possible to stop the spin cycle, with emotional wellness and Tapping.
Practice Makes Perfect
When adjusting to new dentures you may notice minor differences in your speech. Lisping or whistling is not unusual. It may take a week or two to adjust, but natural speech will return with practice. Speaking in front of a mirror and reading aloud are excellent exercises to speed up progress. Swallowing before speaking will help to secure the denture in place. Staying hydrated is important as you may experience a dry mouth, which can inhibit proper suction and your denture may drop when speaking. If the problem is chronic, your denturist may be able to make other recommendations.
Study In Your Community
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when extra fat builds up in the liver. NAFLD has become the most common liver disease in Canada (estimated 30%), with an increased risk for persons with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension. NAFLD has serious implications for liver, heart, brain and kidney health. The University of Manitoba is conducting a study to determine how common NAFLD is and this condition’s long-term outcomes. At NAFLD clinics, ultrasound is used to detect fat in the liver. If there is fat, another ultrasound determines liver damage. For more information call C.W. Wiebe Centre 204-325-4312.
In Your Neighborhood
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre (720 Henderson Highway) is holding a series of presentations:
Israel: Land of Faith, Land of Conflict – Feb. 6 2:00 pm – No charge
Executors & Funerals – Feb. 12 1:30 pm – no charge
The Upside of Downsizing – Feb. 19 at 1:00 pm – no charge
The Mystery of Life and Death – Feb. 24 at 10:00 am – $5.00
Discovering Africa, Part 1 – Feb. 20 at 2:00 pm – no charge
Sore, Itchy, Burning Eyes?
It could be “Dry Eye”. This is a medical condition that occurs when the eye does not produce the correct volume of tears, when tear chemistry changes, or when tears disappear too quickly. Dry eye can be a temporary or chronic condition caused by risk factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, diseases, ageing, and laser eye surgery. Dry eyes are not vision threatening but can affect everyday life in doing things comfortably like computer use and reading. It should be managed to avoid future potential problems such as corneal scars. See your Optometrist, as they will assist in prescribing proper relief of symptoms.
