Plantar warts appear on the soles of your feet and toes and are spread by contact with moist, well-traveled surfaces like public showers and washrooms. Caused by HPV (type 1), the skin around the wart forms and thickens so it feels like a marble in your shoe. Prevention is key. I tell my patients to always wear flip flops in public change rooms and at the pool. Treatment varies depending on the physician, but it usually requires several visits two weeks apart. A wart can get better on its own after 2 years, but it can feel like a lot longer!

Caring for an aging parent can be both stressful and challenging. You want what’s best for them, but if you have concerns about the circumstances leading up to the preparation of their will, now is the time to deal with it while they have the capacity to effectively participate in the review and discussion with a lawyer. Often, the reluctance to have these discussions means that they are put off until the parent has lost capacity. At that point, it may be too late to ensure their actual wishes are carried out.

Did you know that falls are the most common cause of injury in Canada? According to a recent Canadian study, exercise can cut your chance of falling in half. If you are unsteady on your feet due to age or other health challenges, the Red Deer Primary Care Network’s Strong & Steady four-week program can help you. Learn exercises in a group setting to increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. Call 403-343-9100 to register. You can also ask your family doctor or PCN health care professional for a referral.

Modern living has many of us sitting for several hours a day, often staring down at a screen leading to sore necks and backs. Slumping prevents us from taking nice, deep breaths into the lungs, which scientists believe affects our heart health. In yoga classes, students are asked to have an “open–hearted” posture with the spine in its neutral, natural position, and the shoulders rolled down and back. Try a posture realignment right now – inhale and roll the shoulders forward and up towards the ears, then exhale and roll them down the back. Repeat 3 times and see how you feel!

How can you tell whether a retirement living community fosters a sense of belonging? The feeling a welcoming and inclusive environment creates sounds like this:
● Millie shares, “I am grateful for my home at the Hamlets; I feel valued and cared for.”
● Jeanette reveals, “I love our Knit Wit Club; volunteers Bonnie and Shirley are wonderful. I love all the outings on our bus and the smiling staff.”
● Dell declares, “I love how the staff are so friendly. I also love the full kitchens in the suites; the dishwasher and full-size fridge are a huge bonus! Really feels like home here.”

Nov. 19-24. Mall hours. Bower Place – The Great Indoors Market, Old SEARS location. Visit with LOCAL health professionals, businesses and groups. See their displays, demos and presentations promoting all aspects of wellness – mind, body and soul! It’s an excellent chance to find a Christmas gift for others or for yourself…the gift of health. Be sure to drop by the Wellnessnews booth to say “hi” and enter to win some amazing draw prizes.

Several Fall classes to choose from such as Zen Inspired Landscape Cards, Watercolor Class and Lettering Art Guild led by Sally Towers-Sybblis. No experience necessary. Visit ‘Events’ section of SallyTowersSybblis.com or call 403-597-1594 to register.

Sugar Plum Fair
Nov. 18. 1:30-3:30 pm.
6 Daykin St.
All are welcome to a fun-filled afternoon at The Hamlets at Deer Park. There is something special for everyone in your family! Visits with Santa, FREE horse & carriage rides, shop local vendors for festive gifts, hot cocoa, snacks and more! Bring your winter spirit and cheer to this festive event. Donations to the Food Bank appreciated. For more information call 403-309-6333.

Several Fall classes to choose from such as Zen Inspired Landscape Cards, Watercolor Class and Lettering Art Guild led by Sally Towers-Sybblis. No experience necessary. Visit ‘Events’ section of SallyTowersSybblis.com or call 403-597-1594 to register.

Final race in the series. Explore the city of Red Deer one pathway at a time! There is still one event that is open to all ages and abilities on October 27 – see ad for details. Chip timing and low fees, a great way to stay motivated all year long. Register today! Series.RunRedDeer.com

An online nutrition coach specializing in helping men and women over 30 who have 30-80 lbs of fat to lose, Coach Jon has real-world experience, having lost and kept off over 80 lbs. Coach Jon works with clients to create an optimal plan for their body, so they can spend more time focusing on the fun stuff being healthy enables. His formal education is in chemistry and marketing from the University of Victoria. Currently a Precision Nutrition certified coach, Coach Jon has an extensive background in nutritional supplements and sports nutrition, having operated a retail supplement store for three years.