Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water, get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up, drink plenty of water.
Community News
What is Your Mouth Telling You?
The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Here are some things to watch for: 1) Bleeding when you brush your gums could be a sign of gum disease. 2) Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity, but cold sensitivity might just indicate that a change of toothpaste is needed. Heat sensitivity could be more serious. 3) Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but sometimes by a throat infection. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help, and be sure to see your dentist regularly!
Boosting Your Brainpower
Brain function is vital to your quality of life. Whether you have an injured brain, an aging brain, or a perfectly healthy brain that you want to make even better, there are numerous tools available to help boost your brainpower. The interdisciplinary team at Broken Squirrel Wellness is passionate about brain health and can prescribe a variety of options to suit your needs. We have everything from mindfulness and meditation to somatics and yoga classes supplemented by mental health therapies and nutritional practices to support happy, healthy neurons (and a happy, healthy YOU). Come check us out at the Collective Building at 445 10th Street or at BrokenSquirrel.ca
Wealth & Well-Being
“The Living Market” Podcast.
Inflation. Volatility. Bears and Bulls. There’s a lot to unpack in the markets – especially right now. IG Wealth Management presents its new “The Living Market” podcast, where host Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, brings clarity to the markets by sharing his views on the trends dominating the investment landscape and how they impact your financial life. Each week, join Philip for a five-minute episode as he breaks down current market trends and navigates “The Living Market”. Subscribe to “The Living Market” through your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or visit the IG website.
Impact of Gambling Advertising
According to a recent study* in the National Library of Medicine, people with gambling problems report more exposure to and impact from gambling advertising. The study revealed that problem gambling was associated with increased perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and awareness of gambling. It also revealed that internet advertising was the strongest predictor of perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and TV advertising was the strongest predictor of advertising impact on knowledge of gambling forms, operators and awareness of gambling. If you need support, we are here. (* “Relationships Between Exposure to Different Gambling Advertising Types, Advertising Impact and Problem Gambling”)
Karen Hlady, VI Gaming Support, VIGamingSupport.ca
Caring for the Dying
Janet O’Dell is an End of Life Practitioner, or Death Doula, who is highly trained in skills that involve providing practical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for the dying, and their loved ones and caregivers. Janet works to advocate for and provide guidance and support to those who are facing the end of their life, and their families. Discussions may include end of life documents, options and preferences for end of life medical choices, and how to create a sacred space and peaceful setting wherever someone may want to be at the end of their life and with whom.
Low-Fee Counselling Without the Waitlist!
If you need counselling support now but are unable to pay a private rate, why not consider an intern counselling service? Intern counsellors have completed their graduate studies and can work with clients on a wide variety of challenges including burnout, stress/anger management, anxiety, and depression. For a rate of $40/hr, our intern counsellor can see children, youth, adults, and couples. Whether online, in person, or any day/time that works for you, our intern counsellor is available.
Ask The Expert
Q: The lenses in my glasses used to get dark in the sunlight but they don’t seem to work any longer, what’s going on?
A: It’s very rare, but sometimes photochromic lenses degrade over time and can’t be fixed. If you bought them in the last couple of years they might still be under warranty for replacement.
Community Announcement
Golden Circle Seniors’ Outreach
A large part of what we do here at the Golden Circle involves Seniors’ outreach. Our Outreach Department is composed of a team of dedicated Coordinators, trained volunteers and brokered workers who assist and encourage older adults with aging in place, maintaining their independence, and promote positive quality of life.
Outreach Services available to clients include: Alberta Senior Benefits. Assistance with various government forms. Referrals for Tax Assistance. Home Maintenance Services. Homestyle Frozen Meal Program. Housing Resource List. Information and Referral Services. Supportive Medical Transportation. Community Dining Program. Friendly Visiting Program. Assisted Grocery Shopping. Grocery Delivery Program. Social Engagement Groups. Telephone Reassurance Program. Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm Toll Free Elder Abuse Line 1-877-454-2580
Referrals* can be received from individuals needing assistance, their family, friends, neighbours, caregivers, other agencies or medical professionals.
Clients are paired with an Outreach Coordinator who completes an intake appointment to assess the individual’s situation and a care plan is designed which can involve referrals to Golden Circle programs or to external agencies. *all referrals are confidential.
The Golden Circle has a Home Maintenance program where light Housekeeping, lawn and yard care and snow removal are provided by screened Brokered Workers who are paid directly by the client at a rate of $20.00/hour* *a minimum 2-hour commitment for housekeeping
We also have a Homestyle Frozen Meal Program which makes it easy to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without having to cook or clean up the dishes. Pick up is available Monday through Friday with delivery available on certain days. The full menu is available on our website or at the front desk; please call or stop by to order!
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water, get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up, drink plenty of water.
Medication and Nutrient Depletion
Did you know that certain medications can deplete vitamins and minerals in your body? Supplementing can help! CoEnzyme Q10 is a helpful supplement for those taking blood pressure, cholesterol and mood-related medications. Watch for a lowering of blood pressure and take these in the evening! Probiotic support is useful for those taking antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and birth control. Most Albertans benefit from regular vitamin D3 intake but those on mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder should speak with their practitioner first. Calcium and magnesium are commonly taken minerals to help with bones and muscles but the formulation really counts – citrates may be a necessary form if taking acid suppressing medications (proton pump inhibitors) but generally, magnesium glycinate is better absorbed.
