As May marks both Melanoma Awareness Month and the beginning of summer, it is imperative that we be reminded of the importance of sun safety at this time of year. When selecting sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens. Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and wear protective clothing (long sleeves, hats and sunglasses). Be sure to get regular skin cancer screenings.

One of the best ways to manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol is to make sure you’re taking your medications properly. SIMPL™ is a collection of services to help you manage your medications effectively and help you reach your health goals. Through SIMPL™ we can: Synchronize your prescriptions to be filled on the same day, provide blister packaging to ensure you never miss a dose, set medication reminders and provide medication reviews. Make your medications work for you with the SIMPL™ program. To find out more, speak to your Pharmasave Pharmacist today or visit SimplCare.com for more information about this program.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Income Tax Time is Here. Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. is here to assist you with doing your taxes. CALL 204-571-2052 to make your appointment. Volunteers are ready to assist you.

When is the last time you went bowling? Let’s leave it no longer. T-Birds’ Food-Fun-Games” invites you to come and Bowl. 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bowling doesn’t require any previous experience and it gives you the chance to socialize with new or current friends. Give Laura a call at 204-727-2695 ext .229 for more details. Discount available for seniors.

The Book Shelf
A little bit of history. “A History of the Brandon General Hospital from 1883-1983” This is a great book of pictures and facts. Perhaps you will see someone you know. A Note to Our Readers. Our library is now open so please drop by and pick and choose. No membership, No Late Fees.

Baked Apricot Chicken – Julia Hamel
12 chicken thighs. 1 c. French dressing. 1 c. apricot preserves. 1 pkg. dry onion soup mix. In a medium bowl, combine the jam, dressing and soup mix. Blend together. Place chicken pieces in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Pour apricot mixture over chicken and bake, uncovered at 350F for 50 to 60 minutes.
More great recipes are found in Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc.’s cook book “Cooking Through the COVID 19 Pandemic”. for just $10.00 Call 204-571-2050.

Cut the Clutter
If you are sixty, seventy or even eighty you most likely have a houseful of memories. Birthday cards you have received over the years, a brochure from a play you saw fifteen years ago and what about that favorite sweater with the holes in the elbows. Everything is piling up, but you do not want to part with any of it. You need help as your treasures are taking over. CUT THE CLUTTER meets every Tuesday from 2 – 3. Call Marion Goldstone 204-725-1232 for more information.

Share Special Occasions
Looking for a more meaningful way to celebrate? On special occasions we often see the notice “No Gifts Please”– why not remember the special someone by giving a gift to Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. that will keep on giving in the heart and lives of seniors in our community. Make your gift a gift to be remembered.

Will or No Will
Most Canadians do not have a Will, and of those that do, most say that it is not up to date. Once you have a Will in place, it is important to review it every 4 – 5 years, or anytime there is a major event in your family (marriage, divorce, grandchildren born) Most lawyers will review your will with you free of charge (contact them to confirm) and only charge if there are changes that need to be completed. Stacy Senkbeil, Meighen Haddad LLP, MHlaw.ca 204.727.8461

Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, including patients themselves! Getting involved improves your care. This is why MIPS offers free patient safety presentations to the public, providing information, resources, and tools that people can use to learn how to: 1) engage with their healthcare team 2) ask questions 3) be informed 4) take part in decision-making, and 5) advocate for themselves & others. If you are looking for valuable education for your community group or organization, and are interested in booking a virtual presentation, visit MIPS.ca/presentations.html for more details.

Health First’s Multi-First One Daily. Taking a daily multivitamin is an important step in maintaining your health and wellbeing, as it can help to significantly reduce the risk of illness and infection. Health First’s Multi-First vitamin is a professional brand with premium ingredients to help restore nutrients in your body. The formula contains a unique marine multi-mineral complex for better absorption, providing bio-active calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace minerals for better absorption. It also contains 50 mg/mcg of B vitamins to support energy and nerve health, and is rich in antioxidants to boost your immunity and overall health.

The Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation has launched a major fundraising campaign “Pumps for Life”, to raise funds to replace all the infusion pumps at Brandon Regional Health Center. We have 360 of these pumps which are reaching the end of their lifespan. A total of $900,000 is needed to fund this campaign. Infusion pumps are used in every department of the hospital to deliver intravenous medications, blood transfusions and fluid replacement. For more information and to make a donation please visit our website at brhcfoundation.ca or call the office at (204) 578-4226.

Tips for success with tropical house plants. 1) Choose the right pot – similar in size to it’s current size or one size larger. 2) Your pot must have drainage holes and a tray underneath to collect excess water. 3) Use the plant appropriate soil – sand, bark, or peat – always a porous texture. Do not use outdoor garden soil. 4) Place in the plant appropriate location – either full sun or indirect sunlight. 5) Watering is critical – too much or too little can cause mortality. Make a watering schedule and stick to it. 6) Fertilize once or twice a month with a 20-20-20 house plant fertilizer or a species-specific formulation Bernie Whetter,

Stepping outside into the warmth of a spring day is one of the best moments of the year. Research has shown a strong connection between human health and nature, with a focus on ‘green exercise’. Green exercise is physical activity that takes place in a natural setting. Exercising outdoors helps improve mental and physical health – if you add in some sunlight and a little Vitamin D, you’ll find your mood improving with every step! To feel safe and confident while staying active outdoors, Victoria Lifeline’s GoSafe mobile pendant goes wherever you do and is designed to quickly find you if you need help.

Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, including patients themselves! Getting involved improves your care. This is why MIPS offers free patient safety presentations to the public, providing information, resources, and tools that people can use to learn how to: 1) engage with their healthcare team 2) ask questions 3) be informed 4) take part in decision-making, and 5) advocate for themselves & others. If you are looking for valuable education for your community group or organization, and are interested in booking a virtual presentation, visit MIPS.ca/presentations.html for more details.