Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. Older adults can also benefit from having a pet. Dogs, in particular, can open seniors up to new activities and interests.
Community News
4 Tips to Sleep Like a Baby!
Diffuse essential oils in your bedroom like Lavender, Cedarwood, and Bergamot. These have well-known relaxing properties. Shut off screens at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed (including iPads and phones). The blue light that is emitted from our screens can actually disrupt sleep! Invest in a sleep mask, blackout blinds and a pair of ear plugs. Imagine how deep your sleep will become when the world is silent & there is no light sneaking in. And lastly, avoid sugars, alcohol, chocolate and candy 2 hours before bed, since these spike our insulin. Ready, set, ZZZ!
Community Profile: Kelburn Estates
Kelburn Estates Mental Health & Addictions Recovery Centre is a private residential wellness centre on 45 beautiful acres along the red river, here in Manitoba. We pride ourselves in providing confidential and multi-disciplinary expertise for our guests to reclaim, develop, and sustain a meaningful life. A life free from the destructive mental health disease and related substance abuse. Our mission is to create and maintain a lasting relationship with our guests, families, and community service providers. At Kelburn Estates, we will walk with you on your journey to recovery.
Need Some Quiet Time?
Studies show that noise has a powerful physical effect on our brains, causing elevated levels of stress hormones. Noise has also been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, tinnitus, and loss of sleep.
But now science has proof that not only noise HURTS, but that silence HEALS. Silence relieves stress and tension in our bodies, is replenishing, and nourishes our cognitive resources. Noise makes us lose our concentration, cognitive powers, and causes decreased motivation and brain functioning.
Perhaps the ancient masters had it right. Spending time in silence can immediately relax us, promote healing, and balance the body and mind.
Gut Feeling
Poor gut health has been linked to fatigue, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and a variety of conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia. Fibre is a great way to keep things regular and increase the elimination of toxins and waste from your digestive tract. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and grasses. If reaching the recommended 10 servings of vegetables per day seems unattainable, consider adding a greens powder to your daily routine to make things easier. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is cold-pressed, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
4 Tips to Sleep Like a Baby!
Did you know that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping? It’s an integral body process that helps heal, restore and protect our many intricate systems and vital organ functions. When we sleep, our body is able to repair and recharge itself, leaving us with energy for the following day (and who doesn’t want more of that!?)
Take note of all of the following 4 behaviors that are proven to enhance sleep, and many of which are simple to incorporate starting tonight!
Tip # 1 There are various essential oil combinations that can promote restful sleep! Essential oils like Lavender and Bergamot are rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have well-known relaxing properties. These oils can be diffused aromatically in the bedroom to create a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. You could also try Vetiver, Roman Chamomile or Cedarwood.
Tip # 2 Shut off screens at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed (including iPads, phones, computers, TV)
The blue light that is emitted from our screens can actually disrupt sleep! Either shut down all devices or buy a pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses. This will help to your body regulate its preferred sleep cycle.
Tip # 3 Invest in a sleep mask and a pair of ear plugs.
Though it may not be the most attractive way to sleep, imagine how deep your sleep will become when the world is silent & there is no light being emitted from your alarm clock, street lights or the stars. You could also invest in a pair of Blackout Blinds, which hide any light from outdoors, and make your bedroom a dark cave!
Tip # 4 Avoid sugars, alcohol, chocolate and candy 2 hours before bed.
Our body is sensitive to sugar, stimulates and simple carbohydrates (it gives us an insulin spike). In order to optimize the quality of your sleep, stop eating all food 2 hours before bed, and be especially conscious of the foods listed above in the 2 hour window before sleeping, as they can disrupt a good nights rest.
Ready, set, ZZZ!
Book Club: Hack Your Anxiety
How to Make Anxiety Work for You in Life, Love, and All That You Do. What if anxiety is not a monster to be tamed, but a resource to be tapped? In this revolutionary book, Dr. Alicia Clark recognizes anxiety as the unsung hero in the path to success and happiness. It can become the motivating force that will lead to a better you, and The Anxiety Advantage aims to restore anxiety to its rightful place as a positive resource. Reclaim your anxiety as a powerful energy source, and bring yourself peace, growth and success.
Words to Live By
“There are only two ways to live your life, one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle.”
-Author unknown
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: Matcha Green Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients: 2 frozen ripe bananas, 1/4 cup chopped ripe pineapple, 3/4 – 1 cup light coconut milk, 2 tsp matcha green tea powder, 1 heaping cup organic spinach or kale. Topping ideas: Fresh berries, coconut flakes, banana slices, chia Seeds, slivered roasted almonds. Instructions: Add frozen banana slices, pineapple, coconut milk, matcha powder, and spinach to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Add only as much coconut milk as you need to help it blend. You want this smoothie somewhere between scoopable and drinkable. Divide between two serving bowls and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil
Black seed (Nigella sativa) is the new preferred therapeutic oil prized for its immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits to reduce respiratory, viral, and digestive ailments. This oil has been used medicinally in Middle Eastern cultures for millennia. Anecdotally, it’s been said to “cure everything except for death!” And the research is starting to back that up. Studies show that this versatile oil can regulate the immune system, benefit blood sugar, and has anti-cancer activity (Butt et al, 2010). Even though it’s known for its medicinal power, it can be used in cooking and food preparation. Look for a coldpressed black seed oil and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together. Look for a combination with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!
