Spring has sprung, the snow has melted, birds are returning, everything is waking up and becoming alive once again. How about you? Now is the time for healthy change, time to renew and start fresh. Start by ditching the old unhealthy habits and trying something different, like getting outside and moving towards a positive goal and away from the dead weight of your addiction. You are greater than your addiction and can change if you are willing to put in the work. Reach out for support and come alive in news ways this season! Healthy change starts now.
Community News
Nutritional Needs for Seniors
As you age, your nutritional needs change, which is why it’s important to adjust your diet accordingly to improve the way you think and feel. Eating a diet that is high in fiber and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes promotes a healthy digestive tract, prevents constipation, and maintains a healthy body weight. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, cabbage, beans, and spinach help to fight against free radicals and boost immune function. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts and flaxseeds help improve cognitive function. Following a well-balanced diet every day is crucial in leading a long, happy, and healthy life.
Look for Local at Sobeys
Nature’s Farm is a family-owned egg farm, artisanal pasta shop, and fine food retail establishment, based in Steinbach, Manitoba. Hermann and Sheryl Grauer have been producing eggs since 1987, working tirelessly to pioneer sustainable farming practices, ensure humane animal treatment, and deliver quality food products. Since their founding, they have built loyal and lasting relationships with customers, here in Manitoba, and established a reputation for excellence in food production. Nature’s Farm is thrilled to team up with Sobeys to offer the people of Manitoba taste of what they do.
Tick and Heartworm Season is Here
There are several kinds of ticks crawling around Manitoba, including the Deer Tick which is responsible for transmitting Lyme Disease. Symptoms of Lyme Disease include fever, sore joints, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Ticks tend to latch on in areas with less fur such as ears, eyes, groin, underbelly and paw pads. Make sure you are performing thorough full body checks for ticks on a regular basis. Heartworm is transmitted by infected mosquitos. Symptoms may include mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, and weight loss. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative measures and medications for your pets.
Clean Eating Recipe
Sunflower Seed Hummus. Ingredients: 1 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds. 1 cup unsweetened almond beverage. 2 tsp
lemon zest. 1/4 cup lemon juice. 3 tbsp olive oil. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp ground cumin. pinch each of salt and pepper. Soak sunflower seeds in almond beverage 2 hr. (or overnight). Reserve 1/2 cup (125 mL) soaking liquid (discard the rest) and drain the seeds. In blender or food processor, place soaked seeds, reserved soaking liquid, almond beverage, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
Look for this and more recipes at Sobeys.com
Community Announcement
Income Tax
The Senior Information and Access Support Team is once again offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.
Board Members
Comox Valley Senior Support Society, dedicated to helping seniors, is seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors. The Board provides governance, leadership, fudariaing, and finacial oversight to staff and the Society’s opertaions. Meetings are held once per month, with additional support required on an as needed basis. If you have have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] or Jenny at [email protected] for more information.
Do You Need Dentures?
Did you know the need for dentures isn’t only determined by your age? You could benefit from dentures if you have: 1) Missing teeth – fewer teeth doing all of the work can weaken or damage them. 2) Shifting teeth – can indicate potential gum disease, and unstable teeth may eventually need to be extracted, leading to a need for dentures. 3) Poor oral hygiene – not taking care of your teeth can lead to health issues beyond your mouth. 4) Gum problems – sensitive and bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss over time.
Related Fall Risks
In addition to mobility, there are other risk factors that can lead to falling: Sensory Deficits; problems with sensation, whether it be with the eyes, ears or feeling in the feet, can increase your risk of falling. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Low Blood Pressure; when we quickly go from lying or sitting to standing, our blood pressure drops, this can interfere with balance, vision and coordination. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly and ensure you have good footing before taking a step.
Social Activity & Aging Well
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
Keep Gambling in Check
Have you heard of Canada’s Low Risk Gambling Guidelines? They recommend keeping it under 1% of gross household income, 4 days/month or less and only 2 types of gambling. Also consider the following which can increase your risk of developing a gambling problem: 1) If you struggle with mental health and addictions issues, or have experienced gambling problems in your family, 2) If you are drawn to fast-paced games that involve frequent betting like slot machines, in-game sports betting, or many online forms of gambling, and/or 3) you’re playing for escapism or to make money. Check out GamblingGuidelines.ca #LRGG.
Karen Hlady, VI Gaming Support
