As the New Year begins, so does income tax season. We are pleased to offer income tax filing assistance for seniors and disabled individuals in our community. Our dedicated volunteers manage this program, providing free income tax filing services for our clients. It’s important to note that our volunteers specialize in processing simple tax returns only. Unfortunately, we are unable to handle business taxes, capital gains, rental property income, or estate taxes. In consideration of the health and safety of our volunteers and clients, tax filing will be conducted remotely via telephone. If you require assistance, please contact our office to be added to the list. The program is scheduled to commence in early March.
Community News
Help Support Seniors in Our Community Today!
Now, more than ever, your support is of immense value. It propels the advancement of our services, playing a crucial role in maintaining seniors’ independence. The contributions from our generous supporters not only supplement costs for low-income seniors in the community but also fund essential programs like our free tax assistance program for any senior. Every dollar of support remains within Saskatoon, directly impacting the lives of our community’s lower-income seniors. Your generosity enables us to extend vital assistance to those in need. For those willing to contribute, please refer to our contact information at the end of this article to make a positive impact on the lives of our seniors today.
New Year, New You!
Invest in yourself this year with a Personalized Plan to support your health! Choice Nutrition’s expertise in leveraging alternative and holistic treatment approaches, proven effective for over three decades, aims to enhance, restore, or sustain good health. They’ll identify your unique needs and merge the best of natural and conventional healthcare to maximize your health using: 1) Professional-grade custom formula nutritional supplements. 2) Therapies and Services – Naturopathic Consultations, Integrative Microscopy & Cancer Care, Acupuncture, IV Therapy, Sensitivity Testing, Low Intensity Laser, Heavy Metal Testing, Custom Orthotics, Wellness Detox Room, along with Massage, Reflexology, and Reiki being offered.
A New Year of Care
Has your aging loved one had: a minor or major fall, noticeable weight loss, clutter accumulation in the home, missed appointments or overdue bills? Now is the time to discuss plans and consult with professionals. Being a family caregiver can be stressful. Often, we are balancing care for an aging loved one with the needs of our own children, grandchildren, work, or other commitments. Care needs can be relentless. As you begin a new year, consider how professional in-home care for an aging loved one will improve their quality of life and support you as well.
Fun Hearing Facts!
Here are some fun facts about how other species hear. *Snakes hear through their jaw bone as well as through a traditional inner ear. In essence, snakes have two distinct hearing mechanisms, which helps them hear and catch prey. *In the hopes of attracting a mate, mice serenade each other with sounds inaudible to humans. *Male mosquitoes hear with thousands of tiny hairs growing on their antennae. Humans can rely on technology to improve their hearing. If you are wondering about your own hearing ability, the first thing to do is to book a hearing test.
Breathe in the New Year!
Let 2024 be the year you live your best lung life with these lung health resolutions: 1) Are you or a loved one thinking about quitting or cutting back on smoking? Join the Saskatchewan Quits community at www.SaskQuits.ca for education, peer support, resources, and the chance to win prizes! 2) Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Protect yourself against influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and RSV. 3) Check your breathing. If you cough, wheeze, experience shortness of breath, or feel chest tightness, ask your healthcare provider about having a spirometry breathing test. 4) Tune in to Lung Saskatchewan’s live and on-demand Lung Life Webinar Series to learn from leading experts at www.LungSask.ca.
Suicide Prevention – Where to Begin?
Navigating the struggle of suicide prevention involves seeking
support from friends, family, and professionals. Finding
helpful tools such as the Embracing Life App (Scan the QR
code in our Ad) or finding other immediate assistance sources
are key to prevention, along with therapy which provides
coping strategies, and staying connected to help combat
isolation. Educate yourself about warning signs, whether it be
for yourself, a loved one, a child in need, create a safety plan,
encourage professional help. Remember, you are NOT alone—
reach out. Prioritize safety, seek help, and work towards a
healthier, more hopeful tomorrow. Embrace life!
Prince Albert Grand Council, www.pagc.sk.ca
Roles of a Funeral Director
Funeral directors operate year-round, but the winter months present specific challenges. Severe weather, such as snow and ice, can hinder transportation and service coordination. Frozen ground complicates burials, requiring special equipment or waiting for thawing. Emotional support becomes more crucial during the winter as the season can amplify grief and isolation. Funeral homes may adapt services and decor to the season. Holiday disruptions and travel issues can affect planning and scheduling. Despite these obstacles, funeral directors are trained to provide compassionate services, offering support to grieving families throughout the winter months.
Holistic Wellness Program
Youth Engagement & Empowerment program is available for
youth and operates five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday)
and is free to register. Transportation and food are provided.
Participation is required, and our goal is to provide a safe space
where youth can develop self-esteem, leadership skills, and
healthy relationships. We offer evening, summer, and Saturday
day programs, including cultural activities and on-the-land
camps. We aim to reduce illegal behaviors and drug use among
indigenous youth and address their mental health concerns. Our
team includes Elders, youth workers, and various facilitators.
We care about urban Indigenous youth and are here to help
and support them and their families.
PAGC Holistic Wellness Centre, pagc.sk.
Breakfast: Vital Morning Fuel
A healthy breakfast offers numerous benefits, including improved energy levels, weight management support, enhanced concentration, and better mood. Consuming a balanced morning meal jumpstarts metabolism, aiding in efficient calorie burning. It also provides an opportunity to intake essential vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Regular breakfast consumption is associated with stabilized blood sugar levels and the promotion of feel-good neurotransmitters, positively impacting cognitive function. Additionally, it establishes healthy habits, setting a positive tone for the day and encouraging the maintenance of an overall healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically.
Death & Taxes
You know the saying: The only two things that are guaranteed in life are death and taxes. So why is it that we only plan for one of them? Do we really need to ‘deal with this’ now? It is not that we never think about what we would want, but it is also not the most comfortable or cheerful topic to bring up. Being prepared helps ease the burden at a difficult time. You also have the opportunity to know what the different options are, like guaranteeing your choices in advance, so you nor your estate will ever have to pay more. So, this year talk about taxes but also talk about pre-planning your funeral arrangements.
