Something about leaving an old year behind and looking ahead at the clean slate of a new one inspires most of us to try our best to reach our goals. We think about making lasting positive changes in our lives, and we do it with hope and enthusiasm. If you’re planning to start the new year without a cigarette in your hand, but have had no luck sticking with past New Year’s resolutions, consider laser therapy. Laser therapy can help to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In clinical studies, patients report a noticeable reduction in cravings, and have a higher chance of success in quitting.
Community News
Are Your Dentures Loose?
Dentures often become loose because the ridge(gum) naturally shrinks over time after tooth loss. Without tooth roots to stimulate it, the bone gradually resorbs, changing the shape of the gums and reducing the denture’s original fit. Daily wear, weight changes, and normal aging can also play a role. When dentures loosen, they may slip, cause sore spots, or make chewing difficult. To fix this, a denturist can reline the denture to fit your current gum contours, adjust pressure points, or replace the denture entirely if tooth anatomy is worn out. Adhesives can offer temporary stability, but a professional evaluation gives the best long-term solution.
The Power of Flowers for Dementia
Flowers can offer meaningful benefits for people living with dementia. Their colors, shapes, and scents stimulate the senses, which can help evoke memories and improve mood. Engaging with flowers—whether arranging them, touching petals, or tending a small garden—supports cognitive activity and encourages gentle movement. Floral scents like lavender may promote relaxation, while bright blossoms can provide visual cues that reduce confusion in indoor spaces. Even simple exposure to nature, such as viewing blooming plants, can lower stress and enhance emotional well-being. While flowers cannot treat dementia, they can enrich daily life and create calming, joyful moments for those affected.
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
The Power of saying NO!
The ability to say NO is an integral part of our wellness and self-care. Many of us have learned that saying no is “wrong” and worry it leads to criticism and people not liking us. When we feel compelled to say yes, even when it’s not in our best or highest interest out of duty, approval, niceness or fear of rejection, we dis-honor and rob ourselves of being fully authentic and begin building up resentments. When we dare to speak our truth and say NO we choose YES sincerely from an open heart and enthusiasm. People learn to trust exactly where they stand with you… both in your no’s and yes’s.
Handling Holiday Stress
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, even if you’re surrounded by family and friends, it can be stressful. Making sure that your body and mind can handle stress is the best gift that you can give yourself. One of the best ways to improve your overall health and stress-handling ability is through Bioenergetics. Bioenergetics uses computerized testing and treatment to effectively determine and treat any imbalance or weakness in the body that is preventing you from achieving both optimal stress management and improved health. This holiday season, make sure that stress isn’t an unwanted gift that you can’t give back.
Giving Accessibility This Christmas
This Christmas, consider giving the gift of safety, comfort, and independence with an accessible bathtub or shower conversion. Total Tub, a Manitoba-based company, specializes in high-quality Canadian-made bathroom accessibility solutions, including Quick Tub® shower conversions, grab bars, railings, and wall-mounted benches. These upgrades promote independent living and help reduce the risk of slips and falls as 80% of which occur in the bathroom. As licensed installers and authorized dealers, Total Tub provides OBC/AODA-compliant products for both homes and businesses. Locally owned and operated, they’re small enough to listen, big enough to deliver – making accessibility the perfect gift that truly lasts.
Nutrient Therapy for Mental Wellness
At Uptown Integrative Health, we take an individualized approach to mental wellness that recognizes the strong connection between nutrient biochemistry and brain function. The Walsh Protocol, developed by Dr. William Walsh, is one evidence-informed framework we may use to identify biochemical imbalances contributing to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood dysregulation. This method includes targeted nutrient testing to assess methylation, zinc–copper balance, B6 levels, and oxidative stress—key factors influencing neurotransmitters. Treatment is personalized and may include specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combined with counseling, lifestyle support, and mind-body therapies, this integrative approach aims to promote stable mood, focus, and long-term resilience.
You’re Not Alone This Holiday Season
While many of us look forward to spending quality time with family and friends during the holidays, it can also be an overwhelming time – especially for people living with dementia and their care partners.
This holiday season, the Alzheimer Society wants to remind you that you are not alone. If you need guidance, reassurance or a listening ear, the Society is here for you and can help you navigate any challenges you’re facing.
Connect anytime by emailing [email protected] or calling 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699. For more helpful information, visit alzheimer.mb.ca.
Staying Healthy Through the Holidays
Christmas is a time of joy and indulgence, but it can also be an opportunity to focus on health and well-being. Start by choosing nutritious versions of festive favorites—add more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to meals while reducing sugar and salt. Stay active by taking winter walks or dancing to holiday music. Manage stress by planning ahead and setting realistic expectations. Remember to get enough sleep and drink plenty of water, even amid celebrations. Most importantly, enjoy treats in moderation. A balanced approach allows you to savor the season while keeping your body and mind healthy.
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
