Music is one of the best motivators you can use to focus your attention, enhance your mood, or to get your mind and body moving. Research has shown that music can stimulate your brain and release more dopamine, the feel-good hormone, into your body. So whether you’re swamped with work, studying for an exam, or trying to get the house clean, music can be one of your greatest allies. Your own favourite upbeat playlist can not only lift your spirits, but it can enhance your senses so that your recall for facts, figures and important detail is engaged.
Community News
Are You Having Fun?
As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!
Eye Care for Teens
Teens are still developing so it’s very important that they receive proper eye care to ensure the best possible vision heading into adulthood. Unfortunately, many don’t. The behavioural problems experienced by “troubled” teens may sometimes be due to undiagnosed vision issues that aren’t identified during the school years. Teens should have proper vision testing to catch potential issues such as astigmatism, convergence insufficiency, and poor tracking that may cause more problems as they get older. As well as making sure that they have a balanced diet and are getting exercise, encourage your teens to wear sunglasses with UV protection and to protect their eyes when playing sports or using tools and equipment.
Finding Joy
Everyone wants to be happy — but sometimes it can seem so out-of-reach! Happiness is not always an easy target. Maybe you are carrying around a sense of dissatisfaction, irritation, or disappointment that does not go away. Where does this come from? Is it how you are living now, or is it an old experience? Other people say “let it go” – but how do you do that?! How can you change the story? Counselling provides a safe, encouraging place to explore your options, including how to start connecting with what makes you feel satisfied and joyful.
Win a SPA-Cation in Tofino
A beachfront haven on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Sands Beach Resort takes tranquility to the next level. Imagine a morning beach walk followed by a relaxing spa treatment. Then spend your evening cozy and fireside in the comfort of your oceanside suite. Includes: Two Nights in a One Bedroom Oceanside Suite. Your choice of a 60-minute Signature Massage or Facial at for Sacred Stone Spa 2ppl. Value $765.00. Simply subscribe for free to the online Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® edition to enter to win. Wellnessnews.ca
Anxiety to Calm Workshop
Anxiety can stop people from living their best life. It is a common reason for seeing a health care profession. Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) offers an 8 week group program to help people learn skills to manage and reduce anxiety, and experience more calmness. Participants have experienced about a 50% decrease in their distress over the 8 weeks. “A group setting was good; you realize you are not alone with anxiety.” “The atmosphere was amazing. I felt safe and supported to share, but not pressured. Great environment!” To register, call 403.343.9100 or talk to your health care professional.
Meet the Professional
Ever since local mixed media artist Sally Towers-Sybblis was a child, she had a passion for creating. She believes her process is simple: start and the painting will evolve and finish itself. Sally loves to use colour in her work; the more colour, the happier the work becomes. “I want my work to reflect a sense of fun and spontaneity!” she says. It’s important to Sally to include the community in her work, so she teaches classes on a regular basis. “Sharing my techniques gives others that same sense of gratification and expression that I receive from creating!”
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Scheduling regular get-togethers with friends give us something to look forward. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
Response to Trauma
When trauma is experienced, we naturally react by going to the following 3 states. Flight – tuning out, scattered attention, running away from situations, unable to look at what is going on inside. Fight – turning to defensiveness or argumentative behavior. Freeze – avoiding engagement or confrontation, turning away, or becoming passive.
With trauma, there is often a disconnection from self or the present moment. These behaviors may continue if the emotions attached to the events and experiences are not released. EFT, or Tapping, is a gentle way to release the emotions, conscious or sub-conscious, to improve your emotional wellness.
Experience Matters with Botox
Your face has more than 40 muscles and each plays a role in creating facial expression. Practitioners with minimal knowledge may perform Botox injections. An inexperienced provider will be less familiar with the anatomy of the face, leading to possible complications and poor results. In fact, less experienced providers may end up using more volume of Botox (costing you more) to achieve the same result, simply because their application is less precise. Make sure the person is an expert in facial anatomy and aesthetic procedures, such as a MD with special interest in dermatology/aesthetic medicine or board-certified dermatologist.
Computerized Spine and Joint Therapy
Divine Spine provides computerized adjustments, most commonly used to provide neck pain, back pain, headache, and sciatica relief, through state-of-the-art technology. Divine Spine’s computerized treatment system is designed to gently, precisely, and effectively restore motion to your joints to help get you moving, feeling and functioning better. Treatment is performed through EVA – the Electronic Vertebral Alignment system. Adjustment is a non-invasive procedure consisting of a precisely directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort and restore range of motion in the spine.
