Lack of sleep can seriously affect your hunger and weight. When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more ghrelin—the hormone that makes you feel hungry—and less leptin, which signals fullness. This imbalance can lead to increased cravings, especially for high-calorie, sugary foods. Sleep deprivation also affects how your brain makes decisions, making it harder to resist unhealthy snacks. Over time, poor sleep can slow your metabolism and lead to weight gain. Getting consistent, quality sleep helps regulate appetite, supports better food choices, and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight.

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live more independently and improve their quality of life. Therapists work closely with clients to build skills needed for daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, or working. They may also recommend adaptive tools, modify home or work environments, and teach strategies to manage physical or cognitive challenges. The goal is to promote independence, boost confidence, and support participation in meaningful activities. Whether recovering from an injury or living with a lifelong condition, occupational therapy offers personalized solutions that empower individuals to navigate life with greater ease and success.

Lana became a Friendly Visitor with Brella out of a deep sense of care for older adults — especially those facing loneliness or isolation. Older adults “often feel invisible,” she says. “I want to help them feel seen and heard.” Raised in the Maritimes, where elders were respected and community ties ran deep, Lana grew up surrounded by the idea that lending a hand to someone older was just what you did. That early value stayed with her and eventually inspired her to step into a volunteer role with Brella.

Her match through the program was a woman named Lorraine, and their connection quickly became something special. Lana describes their visits as filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and small adventures. “We had lots of fun together — little walks, sharing stories, and being creative,” she says. “I also enjoyed helping her with practical things when I could.” Their time together was easy and full of warmth — a reminder of how powerful simple companionship can be.

One particularly fond memory for Lana was decorating for the holidays. “I helped her put up a little Christmas tree and bought a gold sparkly star for the top,” she remembers. “I didn’t know she loved sparkly things, but it made perfect sense — Lorraine was a sparkly girl at heart.” That moment, like so many of their visits, reflected the quiet joy that can come from paying attention and sharing in someone else’s world.

Lana’s experience as a Friendly Visitor didn’t just make a difference in Lorraine’s life — it had a lasting impact on her own as well. “It was incredibly rewarding and inspiring,” she says. “When I think back on our time together, I feel grateful. She reminded me to stay strong, to find joy in small things, and to always approach life with positivity.”

To anyone considering becoming a Friendly Visitor, Lana wholeheartedly encourages it. “It’s such a meaningful way to give back,” she says. “You learn so much about yourself, and you gain a new perspective. Building a connection with an older adult, sharing time and kindness — it enriches your life more than you might expect.”

The Friendly Visitor program is more than just regular check-ins — it’s about building friendships, creating community, and making people feel valued. Lana’s story is a beautiful example of how a volunteer experience can turn into something truly memorable. “I feel honoured to have had the opportunity,” she says. “It’s something I’ll always carry with me.”