Many people believe that the water coming out of our taps is safe. This may not be true. Whether it’s contaminants from the reservoir or the pipes or the addition of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) used by the local governments, most tap water contains things that are bad for the biology of our cells. DBPs can be endocrine disruptors. An additional concern is the concentration of fluoride in tap water, which is of particular concern to the thyroid hormone system. Too much fluoride can be toxic to the body and its cells. There is a huge benefit to drinking some form of filtered water.
Community News
Aronia Berries and the Liver
The liver is vital for digestion and detoxification. It can suffer from inflammation, scarring or fibrosis due to various stressors. Scientists working to address liver problems recently made three exciting discoveries involving Aronia melanocarpa, a super-berry now growing in BC: 1) Certain components of Aronia berries may inhibit the secretion of inflammatory compounds in the liver; 2) Extracts from Aronia improved liver function in mice that were fed a high-fat diet; and 3) Aronia berry components significantly reduced signs of liver injury, and helped to restore a balanced microbial ecosystem in the gut. See our website for more information.
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
Stay Connected to Family and Friends
It is important for seniors to maintain strong connections with family and friends. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and make life more enjoyable. Regular activities, such as having coffee with friends or going for a walk, can help. Friends and family can also offer emotional and practical support. If you are taking care of someone with dementia, or other ongoing health issues, it is important to make sure you have time for yourself. Maintain a balanced schedule and take time to do activities that make you happy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
Float Therapy for Overall Well-being
Floatation therapy is known to induce the theta state; a state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation, meditation and enhanced creativity. The theta state is associated with a range of benefits, including *reduced stress and anxiety levels, *improved creativity and *enhanced mental clarity. During floatation therapy, the brain waves slow down to theta frequency, allowing individuals to access this state and experience its benefits. Individuals can connect with their subconscious mind, which can lead to deeper insights and self-awareness. This can help identify and address sources of stress and anxiety, leading to greater overall well-being.
Smart Eating Tips
Eating right plays a major part in a senior’s quality of life. Some important dietary factors that should be considered include: Sodium – OK in moderation, as long as the foods are high-quality. Fats – Monitor saturated and trans fatty acids, and lean more towards monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (like omega-3s). Carbohydrates – Spread carbohydrates throughout the day to manage blood sugar. Protein – Increase protein intake to maintain muscle mass. Fibre – Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of water. Sugar – Consume in moderation. Vitamin D – Consider taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement if sun exposure and dairy intake are limited.
Join Today!
Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Please visit our website for more information and events.
Caregiver Support Groups
Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.
Healing with Salt Therapy
Salt therapy offers many benefits and is safe and effective for everyone, including children, older adults, and the immunocompromised. Salt therapy’s antimicrobial effect helps kill bacteria and fungi in the respiratory system and on the skin. The magnesium content in salt therapy offers relaxation, calming, and pain-relieving effects, and can assist with handling spring allergies and boosting immunity. Salt therapy’s natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for breathing easier, combatting allergies, and boosting immunity, while also reducing the severity and symptoms of asthma, chronic cough, sinusitis, smoker’s cough, and throat irritations. For more information and March specials, visit www.HealingSalts.ca.
Physiotherapy after Spinal Surgery
Persistent low back pain and sciatica can be disabling, and sometimes surgery is necessary. When physiotherapy accompanies your surgery (before and after), the outcome can be much better. Your surgeon can’t access the spinal surgery site without impacting the small stabilizing muscle called multifidus. If you’ve had back surgery and have never had an assessment of this muscle’s function, it may be a game-changer for your recovery. Physiotherapists who know how to ‘wake up’ this muscle after surgery and help you build segmental strength again can help you get back to the gym, the trail, the pool…your desired life!
For more information check out the following webpages.
Spinal surgery: www.dianeleephysio.com/services/rehab-after-surgery/pre-post-spinal-surgery. Multifidus: www.dianeleephysio.com/education/core-training-vs-strengthening.
Underlying Health Issues?
Beta Wellness Centre is an innovative naturopathic clinic in Surrey that strives to merge the best of natural and conventional healthcare in a warm and welcoming environment. The Beta team offers comprehensive and specialized lab tests such as Food Sensitivity, Hormone Balance, GI Effects, and Metabolomix+ to help determine if you might have underlying health issues that can cause a range of symptoms. Armed with detailed information about your underlying health issues, the team can work with you and create a personalized plan to help address them, including using customized supplements, IV Therapy as well as Low Dose Allergy Immunotherapy (LDA).
