Community News
Take Care of Your Heart

Every year, more than 60,000 Canadians suffer a heart attack. A healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk. If you have cardiovascular disease, follow your treatment carefully and take medicine as prescribed. Common signs of a heart attack include *chest pain; *discomfort or pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm; *shortness of breath; and *dizziness. If you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately, follow operator instructions, stop all activity, stay calm, and rest in a comfortable position while waiting for help. Ask our pharmacist for more information about heart health.

Tips to Stay Healthy

With the change in weather comes the potential for colds, flu, and COVID! Everyone is encouraged to get their flu and COVID booster shots. Remember to sanitize regularly out in the community, especially if you are in the grocery store (the handles of the carts) and when you get back into the car. Comfort Keepers can help by doing your shopping for you, or if you get sick, we can help by just giving the care needed as you convalesce. Contact us today to set up a meeting and get a regular schedule in place for times like this. Let’s stay well this winter.

Eating Healthy at Holiday Meals

Holiday and special celebration meals are amazing. The endless array of baking, casseroles, and other rich foods can make your mouth water long before the meal. Sometimes “too much of a good thing is—too much!” To stay on track with healthy eating during celebrations, plan ahead of time. Decide what you cannot live without and plan to enjoy it without guilt. Allow yourself to indulge in small portions and savour them. Be sure to include fresh vegetables and drink plenty of water during the celebration to keep hydrated. Water helps flush out the extra salt and fat that you consume.

Is Your Back Sore?

Here is a simple “exercise” you can do to help relieve back pain. All you need is a *floor, *a yoga mat or rug, and *a coffee table or couch to put your legs up on. Lie down on the mat with your calves up on the table or couch. Your knees and hips should be at a 90-degree angle; knees stacked over hips. Lie there for two to 15 minutes and let gravity do the work of putting your spine, hips, and pelvis back into a neutral position. If necessary, keep your knees stacked by using pillows to support them.

Meet the Practitioner: Chrissandra Unger

A few years ago, I was feeling burnt out, processing some past traumas, and had low energy. A lot of self-care and energy adjustments were deeply needed. I read about Biofield Tuning, which made me curious to see what it could do for me. I found an amazing practitioner, and the results were remarkable—my energy returned, and I was able to set more heart desires in motion. I self-cared and studied this method and became a Biofield Tuning practitioner. I now help people with anxiety and depression, energy renewal, fear and grief, adrenal fatigue, and more. Contact me for a free consultation.

Maintain Your Pearly Whites

We get asked this question all the time: “How often should I brush and floss my teeth?” We recommend that you brush your teeth in the morning before eating. It is best to floss and rinse after every meal to help maintain the enamel (whiteness) of the teeth. After drinking or eating acidic foods, always wait 45 minutes to brush your teeth. Acidic foods soften enamel, and if you brush too soon, it thins your enamel prematurely. Follow these tips and visit your dental hygienist regularly to help keep your teeth healthy and white.

Prevent Trips and Falls

When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but any time of year can be risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should take caution. Outdoor rugs, uneven sidewalks, unpaved roads, and even uneven patio stones can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.

Autumn: Time to Reflect

Summer has now passed and winter is fast approaching. The transition of seasons is a great time to slow down and reflect on how our goals are going, what needs to be worked on, and how the changing seasons will impact our goals. This is particularly important for health goals. The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is changing, which can prevent us from being as active. These changes don’t mean you have to put your goals on hold until after the holidays; we can make small changes to keep working towards our goals.

Senior’s Job Search Testimonial

When I was job searching recently, I found that no matter how many applications I sent out, there was no response from employers. What was I doing wrong? I’d worked in employment services years ago but wondered if I needed a new approach. When I joined Gray Skills, I learned how to target my resume, how to conquer my interview butterflies, and even how to use ChatGPT. The 6-week program boosted my confidence, connected me to a group of committed job coaches, and supported me in finding a job that I love. Register today; you may just find your perfect job!

Get Your House “Sale Ready”

“How much preparation is needed to sell?” You will want to minimize clutter, so now’s the time to start giving away unused items or selling or donating them to charities. Determine if any repairs are needed around your property, especially if there are any safety hazards needing attention. We can help with that. Ensure the house is tidy, so consider hiring a professional cleaner. Some rooms may need to be “staged” for maximum presentation in order to achieve top dollar.

Benefits of Counselling in Senior Years

Many seniors are now recognizing the importance of mental health and seeking support with the emotional challenges that often come with aging. Concerns such as changes in living arrangements, financial stability, health issues, and loss of loved ones can trigger feelings of grief, regret, depression, or anxiety. Counselling can offer a safe space to express emotions, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies. Through therapy, seniors can also explore ways to create a sense of purpose, find meaning in their experiences, and redefine what quality of life means to them now.