Learn 10 exercises you can do to increase your strength, mobility and flexibility plus tips to avoid falling during this 6-week exercise and education group called “Strong and Steady.” It’s for anyone who wants to become stronger and steadier on their feet. The class will visit 3 community sites where you can continue to be active on your own for low/no cost. Have a friend or family member register with you to provide support for positive change! Call 403.343.9100 to self-refer OR obtain a referral from your RDPCN family doctor.

The stress over holiday travel, preparations, gifts, finances, and for some having to be with relatives that we are holding ill feelings towards can make what should be a festive, joyous time of year, a time of tension, overwhelm, guilt, financial stress and for some sadness. We can get stuck in the routines of what we have always done instead of adopting ways to support ourselves over the season. Emotional Wellness coaching and EFT/Tapping are great ways to let go of non-serving beliefs, embrace new perspectives, and forgive so that you can have peace.

Someone who is fearful of falls may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.

• If the shoe fits, wear it. During the holiday season, don’t compromise comfort and safety when picking the right shoes to wear. Be proactive, protective and preventive with your selection of appropriate shoes for the occasion.
• Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer. Your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer – overindulging in certain foods high in uric acid can cause painful gout attacks in your feet.
• Listen to your feet. Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday fun; inspect your feet regularly for any evidence of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin or calluses.

“You should have your hearing tested every two years,” says Sherry Garjado. “Regardless of your perception of your hearing, monitoring your hearing will give you a solid understanding of the changes that will inevitably occur and you will be able to address those changes before they become problems.” Sherry explains that hearing loss can be directly linked to many health issues since your brain will compensate for the hearing loss by allocating more of its resources to hearing which in turn means there are less resources for other functions like memory and may lead to cognitive decline.

Whether you’re struggling with a disc bulge, stenosis, muscle strain, or even leg pain associated with a herniated disc, there are several ways you can wind down your discomfort and match your unique symptoms with the approach that is right for you. A good back specialist will ask very specific questions to interpret the triggers to zero in on a specific mechanism of pain. Once triggers are understood, the objective is to avoid them and adapt new ways to move – to sit, tie your shoes, sleep, brush your teeth, lift your children, walk, etc.

Despite the name, when you get painful blisters called cold sores they are caused by a virus, but not the kind that makes you sniffle and sneeze. They happen because of an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). You can’t cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Talk to your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacist if you have questions.