As you age, your sense of thirst diminishes. So even when your body needs to be replenished with water, you might not realize it. Because of that, many seniors do not drink enough liquids. By the time they are thirsty, it is already an indication of early dehydration. The consequences of dehydration are well known. Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among elderly people that can have serious health consequences. Water can get boring but don’t limit yourself – supplement with juices, milk and summer fruits containing high water content! Stay hydrated in the summer heat and drink up!

Seniors for Seniors offer a variety of meals such as Breaded Chicken Legs, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Roast Beef, Mashed Potato & Carrots and Cold Plates at an affordable cost of $10.00 per meal (includes all courses). Orders to be placed on Fridays for delivery the following Friday. For more information or to order, call: 204-571-2050 Go to BrandonS4S.ca to see the complete menu.

Craving change is an educational program led by trained facilitators in the Prairie Mountain Health area. This program will help participants develop a healthier relationship with food. Craving Change will help you to understand why it’s hard to change your eating and identify your personal triggers for problematic eating. This program is available at no cost and is 3 weeks long with 1 session a week. Space is limited so pre-registering is a must. To register for one in your area call 1-877-509-7852 or visit cravingchange.ca

It is important for your body to maintain consistent levels of potassium in the blood. If potassium levels become too low or too high, serious problems with heart rhythms can result. Older adults can be at risk of low levels of potassium in the blood because of medications, diarrhea or vomiting, or inadequate diet among other reasons. Laxatives and some diuretics (water pills) are the most common medication causes. Besides prescription supplements, you can get potassium from eating bananas, oranges, and cucumbers. Your pharmacist can give you advice to help you keep potassium levels within range. Mark Mercure, Geriatric Pharmacist

Pumps for Life Campaign
The Pumps for Life campaign to replace all infusion pumps in BRHC has raised $600,641.54 of the targeted $900,000 so far! Thank you to the individual donors, community business partners, estates and RMs in PMH who have supported us. Thank you also to everyone who purchased tickets in our Chase the Ace raffle, which is now closed. If you’d like to donate to the campaign, you can do so by visiting www.brhcfoundation.ca or contacting our office at (204)578-4226 or info@brhcfoundation.ca. Donations over $1,000 will receive permanent recognition on our campaign wall and those over $15 will receive tax receipts.

Health First® JOINTS FIRST Double Glucosamine Complex. Did you know that the majority of Canadians over age 55 suffer with some sort of joint pain? Prevention is key, though, so keeping inflammation at bay and cartilage in good shape is the best thing you can do to keep moving well into your golden years! Health First® Joints First can do just that! It offers a complete blend of nutrients, including collagen and two forms of glucosamine that help to maintain healthy cartilage, as well as herbs like boswellia, sarsaparilla, white willow, and devil’s claw to help prevent inflammation and relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

What to make a difference in the lives of Seniors in Brandon? Support your local Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. Donations (brandons4s.ca) or call Margaret at 204-571-2052 for more information.

In the province of Manitoba, you qualify for disability credits if: You have severe impairment in mental of physical functions. Your impairment is prolonged; it has lasted or is expected to last for a period of 12 consecutive months. And a certified practitioner declares that your impairment meets the above conditions. In addition to the disability requirements applicants must also: Live in the province of Manitoba. Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian Citizen. Have paid taxes in the past or have a spouse or primary care giver that has paid taxes in the past. See your physician for more information.

Do you suffer from pain, stiffness, and discomfort in your major joints like knees and hips? You may have osteoarthritis. In addition, to many non-drug therapies such as losing weight, exercise, and supports, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help. These include topical anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and oral anti-inflammatories such ibuprofen or naproxen. If a trail of over-the counter medications is not successful, there are prescription medications that could tried. While each of these options has some risks of side effects or drug interactions, your pharmacist can help you determine what option is best for you.