Community News
Finding Joy

What does “Joy” mean to you? The dictionary defines it as a noun, “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are. Joy means something different to each person. Author Robert Holden suggests affirming every day: “Today I will follow my joy”. Spiritual Teacher Eckhart Tolle teaches that Joy can flow from deep within us out to the world. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more JOY in your life.

SOS Supports the Community

Did you know that District 69 reports higher unemployment than other BC region? Single parent families in our region have lower incomes than other BC regions. Nearly half of renters in our region spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, if they can even find housing. SOS is committed to supporting families and individuals experiencing hardship. We provide food vouchers and advocacy support, deliver healthy meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and help connect people with professional counsellors, and much more. We have a plan to reach more and do more to help lift our residents out of poverty.

Sugar in Your Diet Affects Your Teeth

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums. Acid that attacks the teeth is produced when bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth. This can eventually result in tooth decay which is why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks takes a toll on teeth. Even foods such as milk and vegetables that have important nutrients that are important in our diet, contain sugar. To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars.

Nutritional Insecurity

I always find that as the weather changes, I move from eating lots of soups and winter roots to lighter fruit and vegetables. However, sometimes it is hard to get my hands on my favourite healthy foods and I wind up eating the stuff that is easier at hand and faster to prepare. Does this sound familiar? For approximately one third of seniors in Canada, factors including ease of access, cooking time, mobility, loneliness and more, contribute to nutritional insecurity. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help you shop, prepare and enjoy healthy home-cooked meals! Give us a call:

Retirement Community Living

With all of the fears about Covid-19, people are struggling to make a decision about moving into a retirement community. It is reassuring to know about the extra cleaning, extra staff, adherence to wearing masks and social distancing rules. Yet it is the fear of the unknown that makes it hard to make a decision. What will happen when I move in? Can I leave? Can I see loved ones? May I have visitors? How are concerns handled? Reach out to the communities, ask your questions so that you can rest assured that you have all the facts to able to make an informed decision.

Final Wishes – Cremation

Today, many Canadians are choosing cremation as an alternative to traditional burial. Although cremation may seem like the simpler choice, selecting cremation is just the first step in deciding how best to celebrate a life well lived. Just like burial, choosing cremation allows you to have a funeral or memorial service. Most people choose a cemetery setting for the final disposition of cremated remains. Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens offers nature walks, which provide memorials in a peaceful natural setting. You can choose from a selection of keepsake urns, jewelry and memorial record packages, ensuring your loved one’s memory is with you forever.

Nourish Your Workout

Active people know the importance of feeding their bodies and staying hydrated. Protein helps build the muscles so you can recover and get the most out of your workout. Water regulates your body temperature and lubricates the joints so you can perform your best. It helps transport nutrients that give you energy and keep you healthy. Protein bars, powders, premix drinks and other healthy snack options are easily available and the best nutrition on the go! A high protein/low carb diet may aid in weight loss and keep your body energy and strength go longer.

You Are Not Alone

According to Statistics Canada, in 2019 an estimated 19% of Canadian adults had at least mild hearing loss in the speech-frequency and 35% had some degree of hearing loss in the high-frequency range. This is where age-related hearing loss typically begins. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from some hearing loss: *You struggle to hear when there is background noise, *People around you sound like they are whispering or mumbling, *People ask you to turn down the TV or radio, *Conversations in a group setting are becoming frustrating. Book a hearing test and we will come to you!

Profile: The Gardens at Qualicum Beach

The Gardens at Qualicum Beach offers boutique retirement living in the picturesque beauty of Qualicum Beach in the heart of town with shopping, golfing, dining and beaches nearby. Unlimited access to scheduled life enrichment programs in recreation, leisure, social arts, entertainment and fitness allows you to participate in as much as you want or to take quiet time for yourself. Their resident-focused philosophy and personalized care and support, provides a loving, caring environment that helps you feel at home. With three levels of care to choose from including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Residential Care, they can help you live a life of choice.

Strategies to Manage Stress

Awareness and management of personal stress is very important as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the symptoms and tips to help reduce your stress level for two common stresses. Physical Stress -Symptoms may include feeling tired, headache, neck & shoulder tightness and stomach pain. Exercising at home 3–5 times per week for at least 30 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our mood and overall health. Mental Stress – symptoms may include decrease in concentration and in short-term trouble making decisions, overthinking or going blank. Prioritizing ‘timeout’ breaks can help with maintaining mental function balance.

June 15 Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15 Elder Abuse Awareness Day INSERT LOGO ATTACHED
We all deserve to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse as we age, yet older people are often mistreated. Take action to raise awareness and grow the conversation about this important social justice issue! #ABGrowTheConversation #WEAADJune15. Elder Abuse is under reported but very real in our communities. Elder Abuse falls into many categories:
Financial: Misuse of funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft or force.
Emotional: verbal aggression, humiliation, control of activities, removal of decision-making power while individual is still competent, refusing access to grandchildren.
Sexual: all unwanted sexual activity.
Physical: any form of physical assault such as slapping, pushing, kicking, punching.
Medical: Misuse of medications and prescriptions. Withholding medication or over medicating, theft for purpose of resale.
Neglect: The intentional or unintentional failure to provide the necessities of life.

As seniors we have rights. The right to be treated with dignity and respect and without fear. So please if you know someone who is being taken advantage of support them as they find help.
With the help of Red Deer’s, Royal Lepage Network Realty the Golden Circle was able to open a two room Safe House for people who need to flee intergenerational elder abuse. Royal Lepage fundraised over $45 thousand dollars to operate the shelter and where instrumental in activating the community home repairs businesses to give of their time and products to renovate this safe house. We would not have been able to do this without Royal Lepage. If you wish to continue the legacy that Royal Lepage started, you can call 403-343-6074 and make a designated donation to the Golden Circle Safe House or to get more information and support on Elder Abuse.