Community News
Effects of Social Isolation

Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.

Dementia-Friendly Technology

Dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for language, learning, and memory. Those living with dementia can find it scary and overwhelming, but there are some devices that can help make them feel safe and secure. An easy-to-read clock placed in clear view can help with daily routines and reduce anxiety. A wearable GPS tracker device can help locate someone with dementia in cases of emergency. Automated pill dispensers open automatically with an alert sound when it’s time to take medication. Finally, a wearable monitoring device can detect falls and alert medical responders to ensure those with dementia are safe.

Made in Manitoba

The Muscle and Body Rub by Pure Joy Naturals is great for backs, shoulders and necks on a daily basis or for sore, tired feet. With 100% natural ingredients like mint, camphor oil, Eucalyptus Radiate Essential Oil, black pepper, and arnica essential oil, this product provides icy hot relief – cold for inflammation and hot to increase circulation. The perfect combination! To use, simply rub a small amount (about the size of a quarter) onto the affected area after working out or before doing physical work, lifting, walking or jogging. This all-natural product can be used three or four times a day.

Relax, Already!

Stress is a commonality we all share. Interestingly, a lot of people are so stressed that they don’t know what the absence of stress, or a calm mind feels like. Take a moment and check yourself. Are your fists clenched? Shoulders riding high? Teeth clenched? Tongue touching the roof of your mouth? These are but a few stress-hold positions to take note of. Your body is communicating. Making self-care a priority, and getting proper sleep and nutrition, practicing meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and systematic muscle relaxation, you will find your body relaxing, and foster a better response to future stressors

Improve Workplace Wellness with Gratitude

At work, it is easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed or confused during times of uncertainty. However, research has shown that when meetings start with intentional gratitude and a short debrief at the end, collective intelligence and productivity increase substantially. How does it work? Put a standing item of reflection/gratitude/quick win in the agenda template and assign someone to share a positive note. When the meeting is over, check-in to ensure you met your objectives, everyone was heard, and everyone is ready to move upwards and onwards. For resources to support workplace health and performance visit WellnessWorksCanada.ca.

Acupuncture and the Aging Process

Although aging is an unavoidable part of life, aging well is something we can all strive for. The risk of disease and disability often increases as we age, but taking steps to protect our health can help limit some of the common ailments that we expect to face as seniors. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture in particular, can help with symptoms of aging from an energy perspective, rather than just the typical hormonal perspective. This holistic approach can help treat inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions like hypertension, fibromyalgia, and arthritis safely and effectively, even alongside Western Medicine treatments.

Community Spotlight: Millennium Medical

Millennium Medical is a Pharmacy and Walk-In Clinic conveniently located right across the street from the University of Winnipeg, at the southeast corner of Balmoral Street and Portage Avenue. We offer many convenient services for the Downtown Winnipeg community, including extended clinic hours, free prescription delivery, easy prescription transfer, prescription compounding services, and even medication counseling. We are also home to some of Winnipeg’s most experienced physicians, including our clinic’s Staff Physician, our Family Practitioners, our on-site Surgeon, and our OB/GYN Specialists. We speak many languages to better serve the Downtown Winnipeg community, including Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Cantonese, Spanish, Gujarati, Tagalog, Pampango, Ilokano, and Pangalatok.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss can often sneak up on you, as it tends to present differently from hearing loss related to other causes. Rather than making noises seem quieter, it instead causes a distortion in hearing, making it difficult to pick up certain frequency ranges. This is caused by the degradation of the Cochlea, which occurs from repeated, long-term exposure to loud noises. Things like using a lawnmower, listening to loud music, or using noisy equipment at work can all lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Avoiding noisy environments and using hearing protection can help prevent this issue.

Yearly Eye Exams Make all the Difference

Most people take their vision for granted, incorrectly assuming all is well because they can see “OK.” Trouble seeing in the distance or up close are signs of vision problems. But headaches, difficulty doing paperwork or trouble reading at any distance are also signs. If you have MS, Parkinson’s or had a stroke, a correctable eye coordination and/or eye movement problem could be contributing to low energy, double or blurry vision. Eye exams monitor your health, detect high blood pressure, diabetes and eye diseases which don’t have obvious signs. Yearly eye exams are vital to the quality of your life.

Wellness Tea of the Month

Appledream Goji Chokecherry Strawberry.
Don’t let the name fool you, this tea is sweet, smooth and delicious! With a medley of berries and citrus fruits, this tea both appeals to both the sweet and tangy flavour lovers. An explosion of fresh fruit and high in vitamin C! Enjoy this tea iced on a hot summer day! This fruit infusion contains apple bits, dragon fruit bits, sea buckthorn berries, chokeberries, goji berries, kiwi bits, pineapple bits, papaya bits, cranberry bits, blueberries, flavor, and added vitamin C.