One of the most common postural issues we see in the office is forward head carriage (FHC). You may have also heard it referred to as text neck, tech neck, iHunch, forward head posture, or dowager’s hump. This nasty habitual neck posture has been steadily rising due to our smartphone addiction and computer use. It is a postural issue that many people do not know that they have! Over time, this condition can lead to muscle imbalances as the body adapts to hold the head up straight. Every inch your head goes forward adds 10lbs of stress and pressure to your spine.
Community News
Foods Affect Feelings
What we eat can impact our mood, memory, and mental wellness. Our brains are filled with a variety of chemicals, hormones, and receptors that all react to the food we eat. In fact, serotonin is actually produced in our guts, and is directly impacted by what we eat. For example, the grumpiness we feel when we are very hungry can be combated by eating foods high in protein and fibre to keep us feeling full. Omega-3s and other brain-boosting amino acids can help with depression and improve mental wellness, while B vitamins can help us feel more energized.
Cannabis for a Better Sleep
If you’re one of the millions of people who have trouble sleeping, you may have considered trying cannabis. The cannabis plant has been used for centuries as a sleep aid, as it helps to regulate systemic bodily functions and biorhythms, including the sleep cycle. One recent study found that cannabis shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, both for people with sleep problems and people who fall asleep without trouble. Among people with active difficulty falling asleep, cannabis use resulted in an average of 30 minutes less time in falling asleep. Among the group of already strong-sleepers, cannabis helped them fall asleep even faster, by 15 minutes.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age and in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.
Local Community Spotlight
An important part of the community, Lions Housing Centres was established 55 years ago, and boasts over 540 rental suites in two of their properties. Lions Place, at 610 Portage Avenue and Lions Manor located at 320 Sherbrook with both offering independent living. Lions Place is their largest building which encompasses full amenities for the 280-plus residents. In there you’ll find a community hall, pool tables, shuffle boards, fitness centre, newly renovated greenhouse, hair salon, large library, mini-mart, and restaurant. Both buildings are easily accessible to Winnipeg transit, close to hospitals and have 24-hour security on site seven days a week. Check out their new website – LHC.ca
People in Our Lives are a Mirror
The people we encounter in our lives inform and teach us what to hold onto and what to let go of. Some people mirror and show us what we desire and long for, others show us the places that need freeing where we get triggered and stuck within ourselves. Our reactions towards others shed light on the values we have and what’s important to us. It’s easy to blame and make others wrong. The more we can take ownership and communicate our needs, feelings, boundaries and desires the less our mirrors run our lives and the more we can take in their gifts.
Local Spotlight: Re-New Mobility
Re-New Mobility is an Accredited BOSS (Business Owners Supporting Seniors) business that has been helping people gain more mobility for more than 25 years. Eve, Grace, James, Todd, and the loyal staff are dedicated to working together with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to attend to your needs and make you feel safe and independent. Re-New Mobility offers a great variety of products such as power chairs, scooters, grab bars, security poles, stair lifts, and much more. Services, equipment rentals, in-home installation, and modification of products are also available. Shop online or in person and regain your independence with increased mobility!
Osteoarthritis & Exercise
1 in 6 Canadian adults has arthritis, the majority being osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a disease of the joint cartilage with multiple contributing factors including genetics, previous joint injury, body weight and muscle weakness. Pain associated with OA may cause individuals to avoid physical activity which can lead to secondary complications and worsening of symptoms. Physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription for conditions such as OA and can help you safely engage in exercise in a way that can decrease pain, increase strength, allow continued participation in activity and possibly prolong the life of your joint.
Brain Teasers
.1 I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I? 2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? 3. What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand? 4. What has to be broken before you can use it? 5. What did the doctor say to the patient when he finished removing his appendix?
Book Club
“Choosing Hope: One Woman. Three Cancers,” is the story of how Munira Premji battled three advanced cancers: Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Stage 3 multiple myeloma, and Stage 3 breast cancer. Written as a series of anecdotes from a blog the author started shortly after her first diagnosis, it tells an inspirational story about resilience, courage, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Choosing Hope captures the psychological, physical, and emotional trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is easy to read and will have special appeal to recently diagnosed cancer patients, survivors and their families, to caregivers, and to many others facing health challenges.
Prepare & Strengthen Your Immune System
Do you have an underlying health condition that stops your immune system from protecting you the way it should? In today’s world you need a healthy body and immune system to protect yourself. Now is the perfect time to strengthen your immune system and increase your body’s ability to fight off infection. Your body needs to stock up on the immune boosting essentials it requires to fight the flu virus and Covid-19. Specific nutrients for the adrenals, spleen, lungs and lymph nodes are vital to boost your immunity. Now is the time to give your body what it needs to prepare for the months ahead.
