Keeping your pet in good physical shape is an important part of their wellness, but it’s crucial to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for them as well. Depending on the breed and personality of your dog, a walk doesn’t always provide enough stimulation. Drop-in visits from a pet sitter give your dog the opportunity for an extra play session during the day. For high energy dogs, or those needing more socialization, daycare is a great option. Even if it’s not every day, it gives your dog something to look forward to during the week. There are also many cognitive enrichment toys and puzzles you can purchase for your dogs, cats and birds to keep their minds sharp.
Community News
Minds in Motion
Register today for our Minds in Motion sessions this spring – a weekly program for those living with early to moderate signs of dementia and a care partner to connect with others through fitness, fun and friendship! During Minds in Motion, you’ll take part in a gentle 45-minute chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation.
Join Minds in Motion today to interact with your community and engage in gentle movement!
To learn more and how to register, please visit Alzheimer.mb.ca/mindsinmotion.
Claiming Care Medical Expenses
Navigating the financial challenges of supporting aging parents, special needs children, or spouses with severe illnesses often involves significant attendant care expenses. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) allows individuals to claim annually for attendant care fees incurred in Canada. Eligible expenses include nursing home or full-time care, group homes, in-home attendant care, retirement homes, special schools, or training institutions. Other eligible disabilities span vision, mobility, hearing, feeding, dressing, elimination functions, and mental capacities crucial for daily life. Approval for the (DTC) is necessary to claim these expenses.
Denture Health and Nutrition
Compromised oral health affects nutrition, influencing food choices and leading to potential health issues. Painful or loose teeth limit the consumption of fibrous foods, resulting in a diet high in cholesterol but low in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This imbalance may cause malnutrition, with deficiencies in essential nutrients like B12 and iron. Iron deficiency can manifest as a swollen tongue, cracked lips, ulcers, diarrhea, and weakness. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to inflamed mouth, burning tongue, and altered taste sensation. Even losing one tooth can disrupt bite and chewing efficiency, while multiple losses exacerbate malnutrition risks. Consider dentures to address these challenges.
The Obstacle is the Way
How many times have we avoided doing something because someone or something placed an obstacle in our path? Likely more times than you want to admit. Here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter whether the obstacle is mental, physical, lacking a particular skill, or a limiting belief. None of these is true. How is it that a mountain can be moved with a belief the size of a mustard seed? That mountain IS the limiting belief we have about ourselves and the purpose of the obstacle. When we encounter obstacles we allow ourselves to discover what we are made of. To reveal and break free of self-sabotaging behaviours. This month we take on the obstacles in our lives as we develop tactics to overcome them.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain struggles to accurately interpret and respond to information received through the senses. Children with SPD may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to stimuli, resulting in behavioral issues, social difficulties, and academic challenges that are often misunderstood. Common symptoms include hypersensitivity to noise, aversion to certain textures, or difficulties with motor skills. Early identification and intervention, often through occupational therapy, can significantly improve a child’s ability to navigate their sensory environment and enhance overall well-being. Understanding and supporting children with SPD is crucial for fostering their development and integration into daily life.
PEMF: A Powerful Anti-Aging Therapy
Humans are biological, chemical, and electrical beings. As such the health of our 100 trillions cells are constantly being challenged through the natural aging process and environmental factors such as Wi-Fi, cell phones, power transmissions, and food additives. This takes a significant toll on our cellular health. Enter PEMP (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), the sole proven technology for enhancing our health on a cellular level through the increased flow of electrons. This powerful therapy reduces chronic pain and inflammation, eliminates toxins, increases bone density, improves brain function (FDA approved for Alzheimer/Parkinson’s) and more. PEMF regenerates all cells and accelerates the healing process.
Nourishing Seniors, Building Communities
In retirement communities, mealtimes are vital for seniors, fostering socialization and delivering essential nutrients. To ensure a wholesome diet, communities prioritize well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seniors, prone to health risks, must maintain good nutrition to avoid weight loss, depression, and weakened immune systems. The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging reports over 5.5 million seniors facing food insecurity. Retirement communities address nutritional challenges by providing chef-prepared communal meals. This approach ensures proper nutrition, fosters a social atmosphere, and creates a well-rounded dining experience for residents.
Good Nutrition & Digestion = Good Health
No matter how clean, organic, and healthy you eat, if your body isn’t able to digest, absorb, and process essential nutrients properly, you are not benefitting from your efforts.
To do this, your stomach needs to fully digest, your intestines need to completely absorb, and your liver needs to properly process the food you eat.
One of the simplest ways to correct and improve any issue you may have with the digestive process is through nutritional testing.
If a weakness is found in a specific organ, nutritional supplementation can be added to your diet to improve the digestive process and in turn, help you benefit from your wise choices.
The Role of Healthy Fats in Brain Health
Healthy fats play a crucial role in supporting brain health and cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and walnuts, contribute to the structural integrity of brain cell membranes, aiding in efficient communication between neurons. These fats also possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, monounsaturated fats, present in olive oil and avocados, support blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive performance. Incorporating these nutrient-rich fats into one’s diet fosters optimal brain function, improves memory, and may even help prevent age-related cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of a balanced and diverse approach to nutrition.
Disability Support Unveiled
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) stands as a non-refundable tax credit with the power to significantly reduce income tax payments, subject to approval from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It caters to individuals grappling with physical and mental disabilities, alleviating the financial burdens associated with their impairments. Eligible disabilities span vision, mobility, hearing, feeding, dressing, elimination functions, and mental capacities crucial for daily life. For a list of eligible medical conditions, refer to official resources for comprehensive information.
