Community News
The Impact of Diet and Stress Reduction

Let’s explore the impact diet, activity, and stress reduction can have on our wellbeing! We already know that chronic stress impacts hormones and causes imbalances within the body; elevated stress causes a weakened immune system and poor digestion. When eating a diet high in processed carbohydrates, the body is being flooded with sugar causing further hormone imbalances, leading to body wide inflammation. Inflammation in the gut causes inflammation in the brain; research is now showing that cases of depression and anxiety are linked to brain inflammation based on the foods we eat! Take control of your health.

Gut Health

Food and beverages are the determinants of our health and the health of our gut. Human microbiome (bacteria and other micro-organisms living in our gut), probiotics and prebiotics are relatively new terms in our everyday vocabulary but their importance on human health cannot be underestimated. With microbiome status being linked to several symptoms and health conditions including mental health, practical knowledge of the management of the microbiome in our gut, gives a promise of improvement of the health of our bodies and how we feel. Our dietary choices should include prebiotics and probiotics and foods to support the microbiome.

Coldest Night of the Year

The Coldest Night of the Year is Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness. Since 2011, it has raised more than $56 million in 166 communities across Canada. The Coldest Night of the year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. Team up, walk, and fundraise! It’s cold out there… but there’s no place like home. The event takes place on February 25th. The event features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved with the Victoria event that raises funds for Our Place Society.

Strengthening Bones and Muscles

Our bones play vital roles in the body, providing structural support, protecting organs, and storing calcium. It’s important to build strong and healthy bones during adolescence and imperative to take steps to protect bone health as adults and seniors. Eating certain foods high in calcium, vitamin D, protein and magnesium can strengthen both your bones and muscles. Getting these necessary nutrients can help seniors improve their physical health and mobility. Some foods that are rich in these nutrients include low-fat dairy, fortified plant milk products, nuts, leafy greens, winter squash, fish, liver, egg yolks, whole grains, beans and seeds.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

I feel as if my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my pants on, the class was over.

Coldest Night of the Year

The Coldest Night of the Year is Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness. Since 2011, it has raised more than $56 million in 166 communities. The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. Team up, walk, and fundraise! It’s cold out there. The event takes place on February 25th featuring family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved with the Victoria Westshore event that raises funds for Our Place Society and Pacific Centre Family Services Association.

Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a Seniors Community Connector. Seniors Community Connectors give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community resources and services for practical and emotional support. Your Community Connector will work with you to develop wellness goals and will provide ongoing support that meets your individual needs and enables you to achieve your goals. Your Community Connector can support you to gain information, advice, guidance, support, as well as assisting you to access a range of services that meet your needs. For more information, contact our Seniors Community Connector, Janice, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 204.

Caregiver Support Groups

Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.

Better at Home Services

Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures seniors continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following:
• Friendly Visiting
• Transportation
• Light Housekeeping
• Grocery Shopping
To find out more about the services, please contact Elizabeth at 604-536-9348.

January Events

Kent Street Lunch and Learn – Jan 20. Fit 55+ Online Fitness Class– Jan 4, 11, 18, (may be subject to change). Virtual Caregiver Support Group – Jan 4, 18. In-Person Caregiver Support Group – Jan, 5, 10, 19, 24. Please Visit Online to see any upcoming events at [brellasociety.ca/online-events]