Did you know that in 2018, 929,000 Albertans (26% of the population) provided care to at least one family member or friend with chronic illness, disabilities, or aging-related conditions? One third of Canada’s labour force also has a care responsibility. Summer is seen as a time for relaxation and taking vacation, but many caregivers don’t get that break. Family caregivers are the shadow workforce of our society, and many of them need support as caregiving can come at great cost to their social relationships, health, finances and employment.

The Golden Circle has programs that can support caregivers as well as older adults in our community. Our various programs and activities are a great way to get older adults AND caregivers involved in social activities. You don’t have to be a member to participate in our activities, and all ages are welcome.

Our frozen meal program is also a great way to help ensure folks are getting nutritious, homestyle meals. This program gives caregivers a break from cooking while giving peace of mind that the people they care for are getting well fed. All meals are produced here at the Golden Circle in our AHS Inspected Commercial Kitchen!

Dehydration is a real risk in the summer months so staying hydrated is important – especially for older adults aged 65+. Staying hydrated means that you are drinking enough fluids to make up for the fluid you lose (through sweat and urine for example) and helps you to feel alert and well. Drinking enough fluids also helps with digestion, regulation of body temperature and function as well as supporting organ function and preventing constipation. Some easy tips to ensure you are staying hydrated are:
• Sip on fluids throughout the day;
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge or on your table to remind you to drink;
• Drink fluids at and between meals;
• Carry a water bottle with you;
• Include foods in your diet with higher fluid contents, like fruits and vegetables; and
• Take medications with a full glass of water instead of just a few sips. While the amount of fluid you need to drink per day depends on many factors, most older adults need at least six cups and up to ten cups of fluid each day!

1. Knowledge & Health literacy – to obtain health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. 2. Mental wellbeing & Self-awareness – knowing your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure; engaging in health screening. 3. Physical activity – practicing intensity at a desirable frequency. 4. Healthy eating – having a nutritious, balanced diet with appropriate levels of calorie intake. 5 Risk avoidance – quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol use. 6 Good hygiene – washing hands regularly, brushing teeth, washing food. 7 Rational use of products and medicines – being aware of dangers, using responsibly when necessary.

Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.

Stay cool this summer with our exclusive Seniors Discount Program! Mortar and Pesto is dedicated to looking out for our seniors, offering a fantastic 10% off on vitamins, health food, self-care, and natural cleaning products for those aged 60 and above. Beat the heat with daily savings on refreshing drinks and soothing aloe gel for sunburns. Our range of affordable sunscreens and natural bug sprays provide protection without harmful chemicals. We prioritize seniors amidst rising inflation, while also celebrating all customers on our monthly Customer Appreciation Day with a 15% discount on front store products. Experience affordable, high-quality natural living at our store today.

Thyroid health affects all aspects of wellbeing, both genders, all ages. It is estimated that 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease. In Canada there is a staggering number of people affected. Recent studies indicate that 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from a thyroid condition of one type or another! Of those, as many as 50% are undiagnosed! The thyroid plays a key role maintaining healthy weight, energy, and mood. If you are experiencing weight gain (or loss), hair loss, abnormal menstrual cycles or changes in energy and mood, consider having your thyroid evaluated.

Make the most out of the outdoors while you relax in the sun, free of buzzing and biting bugs (& the diseases they carry), and concerns of regrettable-scorched skin. Research revealed an incredible 84% of sunscreen products are harmful to consumers. Choose biodegradable sunscreens with natural minerals like zinc and avoid synthetic chemicals that can cause health concerns. Too much sun? Aloe vera & lavender can soothe & accelerate healing. Studies found that lemon eucalyptus essential oil, used in natural outdoor sprays, can be more effective at warding off mosquitoes than DEET. Prepared, you can have the best summer ever!