Behind the coloured iris of the eye and in line with the pupil is a lens which helps the eye focus light to process an image. In much of the population, this lens is transparent. However, aging, disease, trauma, and environmental factors such as UV light can cause this lens to develop opacities. These changes are called cataracts and they affect the ability of the eye to focus light, much like a fingerprint on glasses or dirt on a window, along with symptoms of glare, halos and colour changes. Once the vision loss is affecting daily activities, cataract surgery may be considered, which has become a highly successful surgical procedure.
Community News
Pets and Bee Stings
Hot weather, blooming plants and buzzing insects can all spell trouble for your pets. If your curious pooch or pouncing feline gets stung by a bee, here’s what you can do: Scrape away the stinger if you can find it. Pulling the stinger with fingers or tweezers could rupture the poison sac allowing toxin to enter the bloodstream. If no medical history or treatments contraindicate, administer 1 mg Benadryl® per pound of your pet’s body weight and apply a cold pack for short periods at a time. If swelling is severe or if ANY breathing difficulties develop, do not delay—seek veterinary attention immediately.
Stroke Awareness & Men’s Health Month
June is the perfect time to focus on prevention and early awareness. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Canada, and men are at a higher risk—especially over age 55. Know the signs: sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of balance. Healthy lifestyle choices like eating well, staying active, and managing blood pressure can greatly reduce risk. Men’s Health Month also encourages regular checkups and open conversations about physical and mental health. Taking small steps today can lead to stronger tomorrows. For more tips on staying well at any age, visit us at:
Is Sugar Harmful for Denture Wearers?
Sugar can significantly impact the oral health of denture wearers. Though dentures aren’t susceptible to cavities, sugars in the diet still encourage bacterial growth in the mouth. Bacteria feed on sugars, which leads to plaque buildup on dentures and gums, potentially causing bad breath, gum irritation, and infections. If dentures aren’t cleaned thoroughly, sugar residue can create a sticky environment for bacteria to thrive. High sugar intake also increases the risk of oral thrush, a common fungal infection for denture wearers. Limiting sugary foods and drinks, maintaining proper denture hygiene, and rinsing after meals help keep the mouth healthy.
Stroke Awareness & Men’s Health Month
June is the perfect time to focus on prevention and early awareness. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Canada, and men are at a higher risk—especially over age 55. Know the signs: sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of balance. Healthy lifestyle choices like eating well, staying active, and managing blood pressure can greatly reduce risk. Men’s Health Month also encourages regular checkups and open conversations about physical and mental health. Taking small steps today can lead to stronger tomorrows. For more tips on staying well at any age, visit us at:
Fun in the Sun
There’s something special about summer — longer days, open windows, and a healthy dose of sunshine. Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” supports bone health, mood, and immunity — and getting it naturally is one more reason to step outside this season.
Reliable Home Care offers flexible, compassionate support — whether it’s a walk around the block, a trip to the park, help preparing a refreshing summer meal, or your personal care needs, from foot care to prenatal and postpartum support — all tailored to your needs and budget; giving you peace of mind — so summer can feel a little brighter for everyone.
Which Sunscreen is Best?
Summer is here! Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.
Hearing Aids & Summer
As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.
Stroke Awareness & Men’s Health Month
June is the perfect time to focus on prevention and early awareness. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Canada, and men are at a higher risk—especially over age 55. Know the signs: sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of balance. Healthy lifestyle choices like eating well, staying active, and managing blood pressure can greatly reduce risk. Men’s Health Month also encourages regular checkups and open conversations about physical and mental health. Taking small steps today can lead to stronger tomorrows. For more tips on staying well at any age, visit us at:
New Natural Health Spotlight
White Horse Family Wellness, founded in early 2025 by Dr. Kristen Mitteness and Dr. Caitlin Reimer, brings family-centered chiropractic care to Headingley. Located at 5423B Portage Avenue, the clinic offers a welcoming space where individuals and families can pursue better health and well-being. As both chiropractors and mothers, Dr. Kristen and Dr. Caitlin are passionate about helping families create a legacy of generational health. Their mission is to inspire families to prioritize wellness through personalized chiropractic care. To learn more or book an appointment, visit WhiteHorseFamilyWellness.com or call 204-889-5520.
A Father’s Day Tribute
Father’s Day is a time to remember and honor the man who shaped our lives with love, strength, and wisdom. Whether he’s still with us or lives on in memory, we celebrate his sacrifices, guidance, and quiet presence. We reflect on shared moments—laughter, lessons, and life milestones—that continue to inspire us. Honoring our father means carrying his values forward and speaking his name with pride. It’s a day to pause, to feel grateful, and to cherish the bond that time cannot break. Through remembrance, we keep his spirit alive and remind ourselves of the deep roots from which we grow.
