Ingredients: 1 cup plain greek yogurt; 4 cups frozen strawberries (or other fruit); 3-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract. Directions: Add ingredients to your food processor. Pulse and blend until a thick “froyo” texture is formed. Serve and enjoy right away, or freeze for a firmer texture. Happy Summer!
Community News
Wildfire Smoke Health Risks
Wildfire smoke, a blend of PM2.5 and gases like carbon monoxide, poses severe health risks in Western Canada. It obstructs oxygen intake, irritates the respiratory system, and triggers inflammation, manifesting in eye irritation, coughing, or headaches. While most symptoms are manageable, severe cases require medical attention, especially if experiencing breathlessness or chest pain. Minimizing exposure is crucial. HEPA air filters and sealed environments help indoors. While driving, maintain closed windows and recirculated air. During smoky periods, reduce exertion, exercise indoors, and stay hydrated. Prioritize health amidst wildfires. Source: (bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke)
Be Safe in the Sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50—every two to four hours you are outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke – so make sure to keep hydrated!
Living Without Regret
Holding onto regret is like dragging around the weight of the past wherever you go. It drains our energy and makes us less available for living life tin the present because we are constantly looking behind us to the past. When we continue to feed this endless pattern, it weighs us down. When we can choose to move into applying what we have learned instead of becoming stuck, we transfer our energy into something constructive and creative that gives us back our life force and sets us free. Regret when released becomes a learning that allows us to grow.
June is Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Month encourages men to focus on physical, mental, and social well-being. Throughout June, men are urged to set health goals and create a plan to achieve them. Men aged 15–65 are less likely than women to seek preventive care or have a primary care provider. Taking the first step—scheduling a visit with your primary care doctor—can help identify needed screenings and build a foundation for long-term health. Prioritize mental health, manage stress, stay socially connected, and listen to your body. Men’s Health Month is a great time to take charge and commit to a healthier future.
Send Him Some Local Love
With Men’s Mental Health and Father’s Day both in the month of June, this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the significant men in our lives with nature’s timeless beauty. The variety of floral arrangements and lush plants mirrors the diverse personalities of men. From the classic elegance of roses to the cheerful vibrancy of sunflowers and the tranquility of green plants, each choice is crafted to uniquely honor them. This year, opt for a bouquet and a fruit gift basket, that not only shows appreciation but also symbolically enriches the enduring bond.
Starting the Conversation
We all expect certain changes as we age, but when does a small change become something worth paying attention to? The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s First Link® Client Support team connects with people every day who aren’t sure if it’s the right time for them to call and get support. The answer is always the same: it’s never too early to start the conversation.
“Anytime someone is concerned about the signs and symptoms of dementia, we can be their link to a community of support,” says Jessica Harper, First Link Senior Manager. “Our programs are geared to people living with any type of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease, though a formal diagnosis is not required.”
To learn more about the Alzheimer Society and the services they provide, visit alzheimer.mb.ca.
Men’s Health Month
This Father’s Day and for Men’s Health Month, honour the legacy of the fathers and father figures who’ve shaped our lives by supporting the Brandon Regional Hospital Foundation. Leaving a legacy is about more than achievements—it’s about the lasting impact we make. Legacy gifts to the Foundation help advance healthcare, fund innovative equipment, and improve patient care for future generations. By giving, you ensure a healthier tomorrow for our community. Celebrate this special day by contributing to a cause that strengthens lives and builds a lasting tribute to those who’ve cared, guided, and inspired. Leave a legacy of love, care, and commitment.
Sleep Apnea and Stroke Risk
Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition can lead to reduced oxygen levels, high blood pressure, and poor cardiovascular health,
all of which contribute to an increased risk of stroke. Studies show that untreated sleep apnea can make individuals more susceptible to ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Blocking 2 Wellness Classes
Block Therapy is a revolutionary practice combining physiotherapy, meditation, exercise, deep tissue release, and breathwork to target and decompress the fascia. I teach these classes to help people relieve hip and knee pain, back and sciatic pain, headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, neck pain, and even weight gain. This powerful method supports healing, mobility, and overall wellness. New classes are now available in Brandon at the Travelodge Banquet Room. Try the Sampler Program for just $9 and scan the QR code for the full schedule and to receive your FREE Ultimate Fascia Decompression Starter Kit. Call or text Bo Valentina – Registered Instructor 403-399-0111.
Book Club:
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health – distills 25 years of research on men’s health into a comprehensive resource. It covers diet, exercise, supplements, and diseases like prostate cancer. The guide also offers advice on alcohol consumption, stress control, and navigating the healthcare system, making it an essential reference for men’s health. Ask at your local bookstore.
