Community News
Journeying through Grief

Grief and loss are often top reasons why individuals seek help from mental health counsellors. Red Deer Primary Care Network developed a group program for anyone experiencing the loss, whether it be from the loss of a loved one, pet, employment, divorce or other life changing event. Participants learn ways to explore grief needs, deepen their emotional healing, and reinvest in life. Recent evaluation results from the 8-week “Journeying through Grief” program show participants report the intensity of grief decreased by 40%, while their confidence in their ability to cope increased by 68%. Call 403-343-9100 to register.

Benefits of Bracing

There are many populations who can prosper while using a brace. Some functional uses for bracing include: preventing injuries, managing ligament injuries and dislocations, managing swelling related to injuries and reducing the painful effects of injuries. They are often used by people after injuries or during risky or painful activities. Braces also help to mitigate the chance of re-injury when we are attempting to heal and regain strength and stability in an area. Often braces are covered by your extended health benefits with a prescription from your Doctor. Stride Physiotherapy & Wellness, StridePhysiotherapy.ca

Fall Prevention Month Tips

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
• Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Connection

• An estimated 40% of men who have type II diabetes have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 50% of long-term OSA sufferers have high blood pressure. • Studies show that depressed people are five times more likely to have OSA than non-depressed people. • Sleep apnea is strongly associated with obesity (even moderate obesity). • In the US, an estimated 40,000 cardiovascular deaths are thought to be related to OSA each year. Ask your Doctor about getting a sleep study done to see if Obstructive Sleep Apnea might be affecting your health.

What Clients are Saying

“I suffer from chronic back issues. Divine Spine treatments have made my pain manageable to a point where I am able to live without having my back be my focus. Pain is not the center of my day anymore. It’s a great relief,” Another client shares, “I’d recommend Divine Spine to anyone with minor or major back problems. I was unable to lean back even the slightest, making my gymnastics career incredibly difficult. After my first full month of sessions, I was able to get into a back bridge with no pain!”

Product Review: Foot Rescue

Cold weather brings less humidity. When your skin dries out, painful fissures can result, bringing increased pain and chances of infection. This is particularly troublesome for people dealing with diabetes or impaired circulation. Remember to apply moisturizer, like a product we carry called Foot Rescue by The Fresh Wife Soap Company, shortly after a bath or shower. It will then soak in and have a more significant overall effect. Formulated with the healing power of beeswax and jojoba oil, it works great to moisturize the feet and heals cracks in the skin within days.

Navigating the Health System

It sounds intimidating but the “system” represents a group of services that work cooperatively together towards the same outcome. Since Bayshore Home Health offers a variety of home health care services, all your needs can be met. And should more care be required, you can stay with the same care team. Bayshore not only helps you by creating a customized care plan but investigates ALL funding options for you. Prior to booking any service, you receive a free in-home consultation to identify immediate needs and gather an understanding of your current health situation.

Head Lice Recommendations

Head lice are insects found close to the scalp, behind the ears and on the eyebrows and eyelashes. After using a removal kit, vacuum the rugs and furniture, and wash your child’s clothes, hats, bedding, and towels in hot water. Dry-clean items you can’t wash or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Continue to check the hair for two to three weeks to make sure all the lice and nits (eggs) are gone. Use another lice kit after 10 days. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about treating these pesky parasites!

Craft & Market Sales

Saturdays, November 9-30, 10-4 p.m. The Christmas Craft and Market Sales let local craftspeople showcase their handmade crafts, art and foods. It’s a fantastic time to come out and purchase that unique, handmade gift you’re looking for this season. Admission is free, but a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank is appreciated.

Meet the Professional

Graham Haraldson, DD, has been in the denture industry and helping people in Red Deer and area smile confidently and chew with comfort for 30 years. He started locally at the age of 17 as a lab assistant and in 1994 he graduated from the Denturist Technology Program from NAIT. He is a registered member of the College of Alberta Denturists and of the Denturist Association of Alberta. Graham’s confidence in his work is grounded in patient satisfaction through continual learning and skillfully responding to every patient’s wants and needs.

Book Club

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones.

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.