Community News
What is Adaptive Clothing?

One of the many challenges for many individuals who suffer from disability, and for those who care for them, is the difficulty of getting dressed and undressed. The design of regular clothing can make it very difficult, and in some cases impossible, for those with certain disabilities to dress themselves. Adaptive clothes are garments specially designed to be easy to wear. Features such as side-opening elastic waist pants, Velcro closures, and open-back tops and blouses make them easy to take on and off. We carry premium quality brands for both men and women.

Community Event

Self-Love & Acceptance Group. Eight sessions (once/week), dates and times will be based on registrants’ interest and availability. Sparham Counselling 204-806-9777

Natural Product Review: Cardioflex Q10

Cardioflex Q10 is a Manitoba-made nutritional supplement designed for cardiovascular health. With a unique blend of vitamins and amino proteins, Cardioflex Q10 is a supportive natural therapy that enriches cardiovascular health, establishes cholesterol balance and reduces CRP (C-reactive protein). With this product you can expect some amazing results: Strengthen your cardiovascular system, dissolve atherosclerotic plaque, lessen the pain of angina pectoris, reduce the likelihood of heart attack or stroke, increase heart and other muscle strength and stamina, lower blood and tissue lipids (fats), and increase antioxidant intake. Give yourself natural immunity against viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Reduce hypertension and improve overall health!

Maintaining Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by weakened bones with an increased risk of fracture. In Canada, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Osteoporotic fragility fractures are more common than heart attacks, stroke, and breast cancer combined. Medication, nutrition/diet, and exercise are forms of treatment. Physiotherapy is focused on specific exercise, which includes resistance training, balance training, aerobic exercise, and spine sparing strategies. All of these exercises are geared towards preventing falls and fractures, and maintaining strong bone health. Contact a physiotherapist for more information and for a specific home exercise program tailored to your individual needs.

Lavender for Your Home

Lavender is one of the most aromatic and highly versatile plants in the world. Known for its sweet-floral aroma and calming properties, lavender is a popular component used in many personal care products, aromatherapy, and even in the culinary world. The Black Sea climate zone of Bulgaria produces some of the world’s best lavender. How can you use pure tested grade Lavender in your home? Add a flavourful twist to marinades, baked goods and desserts, add a few drops to pillow, bedding or bottoms of your feet as part of your nightly routine.

Organic vs. Conventional Produce

Did you know that a healthy diet need not be comprised of organic food only? In fact, some organically grown and produced foods confer no greater health benefits than conventionally grown options. How do you decide? A general rule of thumb is to choose organic when it comes to soft or thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and meats. Good conventional choices consist of most thick-skinned foods, and exceptions like kiwi, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, and asparagus. In all cases, frozen and fresh contain comparable nutrient content. When buying organic, look for the “certified organic” seal to ensure authenticity. Sean Miller, CMHA MB and Winnipeg, MBWPG.CMHA.ca

Get a Better Sleep with Ganban-Yoku

For most people who are suffering from insomnia, the sympathetic nervous system is overly active when the body is trying to fall asleep at night – making it hard to fall asleep or resulting in poor sleep. Ganban-yoku (Japanese thermal therapy) can help improve quality of sleep by tuning the nervous system. The deep, gentle warmth during the session, uniquely keeps the body in the active state while relaxing the mind. This equally engages both sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system instead of one of the two overly being active for over one hour. Having the nervous system function at this sweet spot for a prolonged time helps to ease the symptoms of insomnia. Some users were able to achieve good quality sleep for up to five days post session. Mieko Morisawa, Pocca Poca Spa, PoccaPocaSpa.com

Communication Tips for Dementia

1. Set a positive mood. Use warm facial expressions and tone of voice to help convey your message and show your feelings of affection.
2. Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart. Be patient in waiting for your loved one’s reply. Watch for nonverbal cues and respond appropriately.
3. Remember the good ol’ days. Reminiscing is a soothing activity. Many people with dementia may not remember what happened 30 minutes ago, but they can clearly recall their lives 30 years earlier.
4. Laugh a little or a lot! Use humour whenever possible. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you.
Alevtina (Alia) Tuhari, Reliable Home Care Agency Inc., ReliableHomeCare.ca

Matchmaking Testimonial

“I joined Camelot Introductions and found the love of my life! If it wasn’t for Lianne’s persistence, and her innate ability for matching people, then I would still be floundering. On-line dating was a waste of my time. Camelot was exactly what I was looking for – a professional service dedicated to matching people with similar interests and dreams. Getting married in November – I’ve never been happier! Thanks Lianne!”
~Brian. Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

Get More From New Year’s Resolutions

If you’re planning to adopt a healthier lifestyle this year, know that no matter what type of stress-handling techniques you use, how well you eat, or how much exercise and sleep you get, to achieve your goals and get the most out of your efforts, your body must be functioning optimally. You could be eating healthy and exercising, but if your thyroid, adrenals, or digestive system are not working efficiently, you are not going to burn calories or build muscle. Options like specialized nutritional testing, biofeedback, and digital pulsewave analysis can help you get the information you need. Centre for Alternative Healing, AltHealing.ca

Medication-Related Falls among Seniors

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among Canadian seniors. Between 20% and 30% of adults 65 and older have at least one fall per year. Medications are increasingly being recognized as contributors to falls, and common problematic medications include opioids, sedatives, anti-depressants, cardiac medications, and hypoglycemic agents such as insulin. It is important that seniors and their caregivers are aware of possible side effects of medications, and that correct dosages are given and any negative drug interactions are avoided. A pharmacist can assist in determining how and when to use medications to help avoid injury from falls.Source used: https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/safetyBulletins/2015/ISMPCSB2015-12_Falls.pdf. Care at Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca