Community News
Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

With the New Year comes New Year’s Resolutions! The best way to make, and keep, New Year’s Resolutions is by making SMART goals: Specific, Measureable, Agreed upon, Realistic and Time-based. Decide what you want to do or accomplish, and then break it down into smaller portions that are more easily attained. Write them down, put them somewhere visible and then get to work. The resolutions can be for health, work, family or for all the above. Pick one or two and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish when you break it down into smaller steps.

Are Hearing Aids for Me?

A friend got hearing aids and never wore them, so why should I get hearing aids? Many things affect the success of using hearing aid: realistic expectations, motivation, consistent use, type, configuration and degree of hearing loss, and how active the person is. Every person has a different life style, different hearing loss, and different expectations from their hearing aids. It is important to convey your expectations to your hearing care provider. Hearing aid technology is continuously improving and current technology is drastically better than technology five years ago. The best way to find out if hearing aids are right for you is to give them a try.

How to Write a Condolence Note

Finding the words to write a note of comfort to friends and family who have lost a loved one can be difficult. It does not need to be a lengthy message. Generally, a few heartfelt sentences are enough. Simply express your sympathy and let the recipients know that your thoughts are with them during this difficult time. Acknowledge the loss and refer to the deceased by name. Sharing a fond memory of the deceased is a wonderful addition to the message. End the note with a kind word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy.

Sticking with Your Weight Loss Resolution

The number one resolution made in January is the one to lose weight. The whole process can feel like an impossible task; here are a few tips to help:
· GET MOVING: you don’t have to run marathons. Just getting out for a brisk, 30-minute daily walk burns calories and decreases appetite.
· DITCH the ADDED SUGAR: Although it tastes yummy, excessive sugar consumption is one of the major reasons people become overweight. Conquer that sweet tooth with fruit instead.
· BUDDY UP – invite a friend to join in on the weight loss journey. It provides support and accountability.

Words to Live By

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

Laughter is the Best Medicine

My Doctor told me I should cut more carbs. So, I bought a new pizza knife. FUN FACT: Cutting carbs from your diet may help improve or even prevent serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Clean Eating: Eatmore Sprouts Mixed-Bean Salsa

Ingredients: 6 small-medium ripe tomatoes, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, 1 ripe yet firm Avocado, 1 small red onion, 225g package of Eatmore Mixed Bean Sprouts, 1 jalapeno pepper, 2 cloves of garlic (crushed) handful of chopped fresh cilantro, Juice of one lime. Dice all ingredients and combine in a bowl with Eatmore Mixed Bean Sprouts. This recipe is best prepared a couple of hours in advance to allow the flavours to mingle. Remove from fridge before serving at room temperature. Serve with organic tortilla chips or Belgium Endive leaves for dipping.

Book Club: The Year of Less

The Year of Less: In her late twenties, author Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Blending Cait’s compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you’re holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.

Grandma’s Home Remedy

Chicken Noodle Soup for Colds. This well-loved, homemade comfort food is perfect for any chilly day when your cold won’t go away. The carrots, celery, parsley, onions and chicken are loaded with nutrients to boost your family’s immune system and have you back on your feet in no time. A bowl of soup is packed with electrolytes that will hydrate you and your loved ones throughout the day. Delicious steam clears runny noses and sore throats and brings warm sensations to your skin. It’s no wonder this has been a family staple for generations.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Every human possesses this advanced physiological system that is already making cannabinoid-like structures that foster cellular balance throughout nearly every biological system in the body. Research seems to indicate that the ECS might function more properly and efficiently through the introduction of hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD. The ECS is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The endocannabinoid system acts as a bridge between the body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that explains how states of consciousness can promote health or disease.