Community News
Winter Wellness Game-Changers

During the upcoming winter months, the importance of magnesium and vitamin D becomes particularly evident for maintaining overall health. Magnesium plays a crucial role in supporting our immune system, helping combat seasonal illnesses. It also aids in muscle function, reducing the risk of winter-related injuries and cramps. Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” becomes essential as sunlight exposure dwindles. It helps regulate mood and energy levels, combating the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Moreover, vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption, ensuring strong bones and teeth when outdoor activities are limited. Ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients can be a winter wellness game-changer.

Words To Live By

“There are some things one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction.” – Franz Kafk

Words To Live By

“The world is a mirror reflecting back at you. If you are judgemental, prepare to be judged back. If you are loving, then love will reflect back at you. It is your choice.” Keith Macpherson

Arthritis: Active Living Strategies

Managing arthritis means optimizing mobility and slowing disease progression with medications. Consult your pharmacist for pain relief and joint stiffness remedies. Patience is key, as medication effects might take weeks. Adaptation is crucial – shorten walks, take a chair yoga class, or explore gentler hobbies. Occupational therapists offer aids for pursuits you cherish. Exercise is vital, especially swimming and walking, which boost joint movement and muscle strength. Stay socially active through activities like swimming and exercise programs. Maintain joint health through exercise, a balanced diet, and supplements. Combat interference with daily life using anti-inflammatories, hot/cold therapy, and aids. Prioritize self-care for a fulfilling life despite arthritis challenges.

Brokered Workers Needed!

The Golden Circle has a Brokered Worker program through the Outreach Department which involves housekeeping, maintenance and yard care services to support and encourage clients to age in place. Brokered Workers are needed for Red Deer and surrounding communities; some of the services provided are*:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One time cleaning. *Brokered Workers are not able to perform any personal care or provide any medical assistance, nor provide any type of rides or transportation services for clients.
Reimbursement is $20.00/hr with a two (2) hour minimum charge for housekeeping, and a one (1) hour minimum for snow shoveling. The client pays the Brokered Worker directly! We are recruiting for all positions but as we head into the winter season, we are looking to recruit more Brokered Workers for snow shovelling especially in Red Deer and surrounding communities. Are you interested in becoming a Brokered Worker through the Golden Circle? Connect with us for an Application Package. You will need to include a copy of your resume and three (3) references.
Phone: 403-343-6074
Email: iskolibab@goldencircle.ca
Website: www.goldencircle.ca
Social Media @GoldenCircleRD

Sun Safety – Did You Know?

Summer may be winding to a close, but it’s still really important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A & B rays! You might think the chance of getting a sunburn on cloudy days is less, but the sun’s damaging UV light can pass through clouds.

Not only are we at risk of sunburns, which are uncomfortable, other problems can occur along with sunburn, such as heatstroke or other heat related illnesses from too much sun exposure, allergic reactions to the sun, sunscreens products or certain medications, vision problems such as eye dryness and burning, decreased vision or even partial vision loss. Not to mention the possibility of long-term issues such as skin changes or skin cancer.

Did you know that you are more likely to get a sunburn between 11 a.m. in the morning and 3 p.m.? That is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Did you know that it’s easier to get sunburned at higher altitudes? That’s because there’s less of the earth’s atmosphere to block the sunlight. UV exposure increases in elevation.

Did you know that the closer you are to the equator, the more direct sunlight passes through the atmosphere?

People with lighter skin are generally prone to sunburns, but darker skinned people can also burn so it is important to always protect your skin and eyes from the sun, don’t stay in the sun too long and use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your skin whenever possible!

September Days of Recognition

The long summer days are winding down, students have or will soon be headed back to school, and the leaves are soon going to start to change colour as we welcome September. A month that starts and ends with important days of recognition! Labour Day on September 4th is a Federal Statutory Holiday which officially celebrates workers and the labour union movement. And the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th which honours the children who never returned home from, as well as the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

At the Golden Circle we acknowledge the Indigenous traditional territories represented by Treaty 6 and 7 as the land the Golden Circle is situated on and pay tribute to the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries. A goal of the Golden Circle is to respect and work together with Indigenous and Métis peoples in building a welcoming and inclusive community and we want to especially highlight the importance of September 30th.

Disability Tax Credit Eligibility

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) eligibility hinges on three primary impairment categories, each with its own criteria: Physical Impairments. Mental Illness and Psychological Impairments. Neurological Impairments. Simply having a certified medical condition within these categories doesn’t guarantee DTC eligibility. Qualification depends on impairment severity and its impact on “Activities of Daily Living.”

Learn a New Skill this Fall

This fall, seniors have a golden opportunity to embrace the joy of learning new skills. Whether it’s mastering digital photography, delving into creative writing, or exploring the intricacies of gardening, the season offers a perfect backdrop for growth. With a wealth of online resources and community classes, seniors can engage their minds and passions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection. Learning not only enhances cognitive function but also brings fulfillment and a renewed sense of purpose. Embracing the vibrant hues of autumn, seniors can embark on a rewarding journey, proving that it’s never too late to acquire fresh skills and enrich their lives.

Nutrition for School-Aged Children

As summer ends, school resumes adding stress & responsibilities that tax the body’s nutrient reserves. Make the most out of the school year by setting your family up for success with vital nutrients. Omega fatty acids, like from fish oil, can help improve brain function, focus, learning, memory, and behavior. Vitamin C can help fight inflammation & pathogens, keeping the immune system at top notch. Probiotics can help strengthen the immune system, improve brain function, behavior, and digestion. The great thing about using nutrition to get your family to be their best self, is it is all so versatile and can help with so much!

Wellness Trivia Questions

1. Humans share 98.8% of their DNA with which animal? 2. Which muscle of the human body can exert the most pressure? 3. More than half of your bones are located in which two parts of the body? 4. Which cetacean has the largest brain of any mammal?