Spring is finally here, and that means seasonal allergies will be on the rise. Seasonal allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment, like mold spores or pollen. For people struggling with seasonal allergies, this is a difficult time of the year. Luckily, in the past few years, pharmacists have been granted the ability to prescribe a number of over-the-counter and prescription products to minimize the severity of your symptoms. Talk to a pharmacist today to learn about non-drug, and prescription products to help combat your seasonal allergies. Spring is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t let allergies bring you down.

Combat histamine reactions naturally during allergy season by incorporating quercetin-rich foods like apples, onions, and berries into your diet. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, alleviating symptoms such as sneezing and congestion. Additionally, consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce overall allergic responses. Embrace local honey to build pollen tolerance, easing hay fever symptoms. Hydrate with herbal teas like chamomile or nettle, known for their anti-allergenic effects. These holistic approaches provide comprehensive defense against seasonal discomfort, fostering a healthier, allergy-resistant lifestyle. Natural health products like Natural D-Hist works great for additional support. Reach out to our integrative medicine pharmacists’ to discuss which product is right for you!

Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15)
First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
Beginner Adult Yoga (online every Wednesday at 7 p.m.)
Gardening for Beginners (April 11)
Get Money Smart! Making Cent$ of Money: Budgeting 101 (online on April 16)
Meet & Mingle: 50+ (April 16)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (April 2 & 16)
Readers’ Theatre (April 18)
Sip n’ Stitch (April 18)
Crib, Cards, Coffee and Conversation (April 21)

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig.
The Comfort Book is a collection of little islands of hope, a gathering of consolations, and stories that give us new ways of seeing ourselves and the world. Matt Haig’s mix of philosophy, memoir and self-reflection builds on the wisdom of philosophers and survivors through the ages. This is the book to pick up when you need the wisdom of a friend or the comfort of a hug, or just want to celebrate the messy miracle of being alive.
Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library.

In retirement communities, mealtimes are vital for seniors, fostering socialization and delivering essential nutrients. To ensure a wholesome diet, communities prioritize well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seniors, prone to health risks, must maintain good nutrition to avoid weight loss, depression, and weakened immune systems. The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging reports over 5.5 million seniors facing food insecurity. Retirement communities address nutritional challenges by providing chef-prepared communal meals. This approach ensures proper nutrition, fosters a social atmosphere, and creates a well-rounded dining experience for residents.

The Golden Circle is your one-stop shop for nutritious meals! We currently offer in-house dining Mondays for Soup & Sandwich lunch, Wednesdays for Hot Lunch, and Fridays for breakfast, every week. But have no fear the rest of the days of the week as we have a Homestyle Frozen Meals program accessible to all. Offering beef, pork, chicken, fish and omelette options, all meals are made fresh in our commercial kitchen and frozen in individual portions for your convenience. We also have Pot Pies and soups, as well. Check the website for the menu www.goldencircle.ca

Membership is not required for either in-house dining or to purchase the frozen meals, but Golden Circle members get a $2.00 discount on every in-house meal as well as many other benefits. Call 1-403-343-6074 or email [email protected] for more information on our meals and the benefits of membership!

The prevention of malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults requires a solid partnership between healthcare and community-based organizations. Over the last few years, the Golden Circle has taken part in a project with the Primary Care Network to screening for nutrition risk and make appropriate referrals for follow-up care. All of our Outreach Client intakes provide the opportunity to go over this optional SCREEN-8 nutrition risk screening tool.

For more information on this tool, connect with one of our Outreach Team members by calling 1-403-343-6074 or emailing [email protected]

According to research, poor nutrition is a highly prevalent issue among older adults. The consequences of increased nutrition risk include malnutrition, frailty, decreased quality of life, hospitalization, and higher mortality rates. In Canada, approximately one-third of adults aged 50 and older are at nutrition risk.

Did you know:
• Not getting enough nutrition puts someone at nutrition risk.
• Nutrition risk means there is a chance of developing health issues or diseases that may affect physical functioning due to muscle loss, bone loss, and malnutrition.
• These complications can lead to serious health problems that can affect the ability to be independent.
• Asking specific questions about nutrition can find people who are at low, medium, or high risk of developing health problems. This is called nutrition screening.
• The Golden Circle’s Outreach program does nutrition screening for all their clients!

What are you doing to up your nutrition in March, after all it’s Nutrition Month! A great way is to eat more veggies especially leafy greens. One way of getting your greens in is by taking greens powders. Indigo Greens and Green Up are 2 exceptional greens powders. Added to a smoothie or consumed every morning with water will make a huge difference in your day. A great source of prebiotic fibre, folate and so much more, these powders improve energy, immunity, and even dental health.
Try one today!!