Basil is more than just a flavorful herb—it’s packed with health benefits! Here are 5 key benefits of basil: Rich in Antioxidants – Contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. Supports Heart Health – The herb may help lower blood pressure. Boosts Immunity – Basil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aids Digestion – It promotes healthy digestion by reducing bloating and gas.
Reduces Stress – Has adaptogenic properties that help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
The Hearing Loss/Alzheimer’s Connection
Recent research suggests that improving hearing loss with hearing aids reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In 2011, a team of Johns Hopkins medical school researchers discovered a significant association between hearing loss and the risk of developing these unwanted cognitive conditions. The worse someone’s hearing gets, the greater their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. The researchers believe their findings could have substantial implications for individuals and public health because hearing loss is treatable with hearing instruments. These findings underscore how important regular hearing tests are as part of preventative health care.
Searching for Your Retirement Haven?
Today’s active seniors are looking to get the most out of their retirement. When weighing the options for senior living, consider how much the senior living industry has grown in the last five years. Independent living has become a retirement haven for seniors who want flexibility and peace of mind. It is designed for the independent senior with an active lifestyle who wants to simplify their worries of home maintenance, commuting, safety, social isolation, and health. Senior living in an independent living community is designed to streamline your life to give you the time to do the things you want to do.
March Events for Seniors at RDPL
Red Deer Cancer Connect (March 4 & 18)
Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (March 8)
Symphony at the Snell with Red Deer Symphony Orchestra (March 15)
Readers’ Theatre (March 20)
Sip n’ Stitch (March 20)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month)
First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
Red Deer Reads 2025 (details at rdpl.org/reddeerreads)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
March Trivia
1. True or False? Brown sugar is better for blood glucose levels than white sugar. 2. What vitamin is known to help maintain healthy eyesight? 3. Which mineral is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system?
Food for a Healthy Brain
Good nutrition plays a key role in brain health for seniors. A balanced diet rich in nutrients helps protect cognitive function, memory, and mood. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, combat oxidative stress, while omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish reduce inflammation linked to cognitive decline. Whole grains provide steady energy, and nuts, seeds, and avocados supply healthy fats essential for brain health. Seniors should also aim to reduce refined sugars and saturated fats, which can negatively impact cognition. Staying hydrated and limiting processed foods also helps. Prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet supports overall brain vitality and mental sharpness.
5-Ingredient Date Snickers
20 dates – pitted; 1/2 c peanut butter; 3 tbsp peanuts; 1 1/4 c dark chocolate chips; 1/2 tsp coconut oil. Line a plate with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about halfway down. Fill each date with peanut butter & sprinkle peanuts on top. Place dates in the freezer to firm up until completely solid- approximately one hour. Add chocolate chips into a double boiler over medium low heat, stirring as the chocolate melts. Add oil if desired to make the chocolate thinner. Drop the dates one by one into the melted chocolate, flipping to get it entirely coated. Let cool in fridge & enjoy!
Sound Healing for Wellness
Sound Baths are incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly healing! Sound healing is an ancient practice that uses vibrations, frequencies, and rhythmic sounds to promote deep physical and mental relaxation. A full body listening experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by instruments of specific frequencies – such as gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, chimes and other resonant instruments that calm the nervous system and ignite the natural healing systems of the mind and body! Research suggests physical, mental and emotional benefits of mindfulness, mental clarity, the release of tension and lowering of cortisol levels, reduced pain and anxiety, enhanced mood and improved sleep quality. Tranquility Sound Baths & More.
Local Health Spotlight
Discover NESTERRA Massage Therapy Clinic, located near Costco in South End, where we focus on pain relief, stress management and injury recovery. Our luxurious clinic offers more than 15 types of massage designed to address your unique needs. Our Registered Massage Therapists work with you to ensure your wellness goals are met. In addition, we offer student massages at a reduced price (not insurable). We work with over 30 insurance companies, making your wellness journey even more convenient with direct billing. Your well-being is our top priority—book a session with us today and feel the difference!
Mindful Eating & Food Freedom
Mindful and intuitive eating is about more than eating slowly. We’re born intuitive eaters, but dieting, distraction, and food rules disconnect us from our body’s cues. Ever seen a child leave half a cookie and walk away? That’s natural intuition. For chronic dieters, food becomes emotional, and “forbidden foods” feel uncontrollable—cookies often topping the list! A food freedom coach helps you reconnect with your natural hunger and fullness signals, giving you the tools to feel safe around food. The goal? Eating to feel better, not worse—both physically and emotionally.
Good Nutrition & Digestion = Good Health
No matter how clean, organic, and healthy you eat, if your body isn’t able to digest, absorb, and process essential nutrients properly, you are not benefitting from your efforts.
To do this, your stomach needs to fully digest, your intestines need to completely absorb, and your liver needs to properly process the food you eat.
One of the simplest ways to correct and improve any issue you may have with the digestive process is through nutritional testing.
If a weakness is found in a specific organ, nutritional supplementation can be added to your diet to improve the digestive process and in turn, help you benefit from your wise choices.


