The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit aiding individuals with physical or mental impairments in reducing income tax. It extends to those supporting disabled individuals or their spouses. Applicable at federal and provincial levels, the DTC aims to level the tax playing field between those with and without disabilities. Individuals facing additional costs related to medical care, food, housing, transportation, and personal assistance services can find financial relief by claiming the DTC on their tax return. Moreover, DTC eligibility opens doors to complementary government programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, Child Disability Benefit, Canada Worker’s Benefit Disability Supplement, and Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Community News
Music and Dementia
The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.
Grass-Fed Beef Benefits
Understanding grass-fed, grass-finished, and grain-fed beef reveals significant advantages. Grass-fed and grass-finished beef offer numerous benefits: 1: Fewer Calories: Switching to grass-fed beef can save calories yearly due to lower fat content. 2: Supports Healthy Blood Sugar: CLA in grass-fed beef aids insulin sensitivity, promoting better blood sugar control. 3: Electrolytes: Grass-fed beef replenishes essential electrolytes, crucial during dietary changes. 4. Healthy Fats: Grass-fed beef offers six times more omega–3 fatty acids than grain-fed, reducing inflammation and improving mental health.
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.
Spirit Connection Workshop
Canadian Psychic Medium Kristel Kernaghan offers individual, group, and online Medium Readings worldwide. As well as travels and offers Gallery Medium Readings. Join her workshop The Mechanics of Mediumship (Mediumship Level 1) in person or online on June 1st & 2nd to understand the fundamentals of evidential mediumship readings, including ethics, boundaries, and the difference between Intuitives, Psychics and Mediums. Learn to safely activate your connection to the Spirit world and discern Spirit communication from imagination. This beginner-friendly course suits the curious and those with a connection to spirits, welcoming developing Mediums to deepen their foundational understanding.
Practice Positivity to Increase Happiness
The magic ratio of positive to negative thoughts and/or interactions for maximum well-being is 5:1. Unfortunately, we naturally have a negativity bias and are nowhere near this ideal number. This built-in bias is normal, but not always helpful. Some simple ways to increase our positive thoughts include reframing (for example – instead of thinking it’s raining today, so it will be miserable, think – it’s raining, the perfect opportunity to spend more time indoors and do XYZ). Other ways to increase positivity include connecting with others to hear different perspectives, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, and finally, practicing gratitude daily. What will you do to increase your happiness?
Walking for Memories
The 2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is now open for registration! With walks taking place across the province in May and June, you can take part in your community as we come together to raise awareness and funds for families affected by dementia in Manitoba. Join the Alzheimer Society in Winnipeg on May 25th, Steinbach on May 29th, Brandon on June 6th and Selkirk on June 13th. To learn how to get involved in your community, plus locations, dates, times and how to donate for your local walk, visit Alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2024
PEMF for Sleep & Insomnia
Sleep disturbances result from various factors such as stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol. Normal healthy sleep has well-defined brainwave frequency patterns which include theta (4-7hz when you first fall asleep) and delta (1-4hz about an hour into sleep- the deepest, most restorative sleep). PEMF therapy uses delta settings, before sleep to calm the brain and regulate circadian rhythms. By addressing underlying causes and harnessing innovative therapies, better sleep can be significantly achieved, fostering overall well-being and vitality. FDA has also approved PEMF for depression.
Feeling Sleepy During the Day?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is defined as episodes of apneas (not breathing) which last more than 10 seconds and that occur during sleep. These episodes may occur hundreds of times per night and can lead to fragmented sleep. During these events, the individual’s oxygen level can fall to dangerously low levels (hypoxemia) and may result in cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which can be very dangerous. If you think you or a loved one has sleep apnea, talk to your trusted health professional today.
Spirit Connection Workshop
Canadian Psychic Medium Kristel Kernaghan offers individual, group, and online Medium Readings worldwide. As well as travels and offers Gallery Medium Readings. Join her workshop The Mechanics of Mediumship (Mediumship Level 1) in person or online on June 1st & 2nd to understand the fundamentals of evidential mediumship readings, including ethics, boundaries, and the difference between Intuitives, Psychics and Mediums. Learn to safely activate your connection to the Spirit world and discern Spirit communication from imagination. This beginner-friendly course suits the curious and those with a connection to spirits, welcoming developing Mediums to deepen their foundational understanding.
Look for Local
Gunn’s Bakery, a Manitoba tradition since 1937, offers authentic old-country kosher baking. Renowned for their Diplomat cookies and Apple Jacks, Gunn’s has become a cherished institution in Winnipeg. The Diplomat Cookies, reminiscent of imperial cookies, are homemade sugar cookies filled with raspberry jam and topped with white icing. Apple Jacks, a top seller, feature a delectable blend of apples and cinnamon encased in puff pastry dough, also available in a no-sugar-added version. Whether shopping for family, friends, or an event, or simply grabbing a snack on the go, look for local at Sobeys Brandon South.
