INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups roasted or mashed squash; 2 tbsp light cream cheese; 1/2 tsp roasted garlic seasoning paste; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/8 tsp salt; 2 tsp finely chopped chives; 1 tsp olive oil; 2 tbsp slivered almonds, toasted. DIRECTIONS: In a blender or food processor, purée squash, cream cheese, garlic paste, cayenne, lemon juice and salt on medium-high until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Transfer purée to a small bowl and garnish with chives, olive oil and almonds. Try this dip spread on a turkey sandwich or serve it with pita wedges and raw vegetables.
Community News
Living Sustainably: But There’s More…
For decades we have been warned that not changing our wasteful ways to be better stewards of our planet would lead to dire consequences. So, we compost, recycle, lower our thermostats, buy local and more. But there’s one more thing. Your environmental stewardship does not stop when your heart does. Reconsider your end of life plans to include sustainable funeral alternatives. No embalming; local, earth-friendly caskets; no concrete grave boxes are a few examples. Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd., your Green Funeral provider, helps guide you in creating a funeral event that is kinder and gentler to our planet.
Time for In-Home Care
Spending quality time with a senior loved one is a good opportunity to look for signs that they may need in-home help from you or a caregiver with things like cleaning and personal hygiene. Some things to look for include: 1) Housekeeping – old food in the refrigerator, no clean dishes, an unclean bathroom. 2) Dexterity and balance – being unable to grasp handrails, step over small obstacles, or keep their balance. 3) Hygiene – disheveled appearance, stained clothing. 4) Socializing – not being able to go out, few or no friends. 5) Memory – repeatedly forgetting the same things or asking the same questions.
Foods Affect Feelings
What we eat can impact our mood, memory, and mental wellness. Our brains are filled with a variety of chemicals, hormones, and receptors that all react to the food we eat. In fact, serotonin is actually produced in our guts, and is directly impacted by what we eat. For example, the grumpiness we feel when we are very hungry can be combated by eating foods high in protein and fibre to keep us feeling full. Omega-3s and other brain-boosting amino acids can help with depression and improve mental wellness, while B vitamins can help us feel more energized.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age and in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.
Local Community Spotlight
An important part of the community, Lions Housing Centres was established 55 years ago, and boasts over 540 rental suites in two of their properties. Lions Place, at 610 Portage Avenue and Lions Manor located at 320 Sherbrook with both offering independent living. Lions Place is their largest building which encompasses full amenities for the 280-plus residents. In there you’ll find a community hall, pool tables, shuffle boards, fitness centre, newly renovated greenhouse, hair salon, large library, mini-mart, and restaurant. Both buildings are easily accessible to Winnipeg transit, close to hospitals and have 24-hour security on site seven days a week. Check out their new website – LHC.ca
The Role of Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who assess, monitor, and treat individuals with respiratory and cardio-respiratory disorders. Respiratory therapists are important team members that provide care in hospitals, clinics, the community, and in patients’ homes. RTs provide healthcare to people at all stages of life, from newborns who are having difficulty breathing, to those who are critically ill. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. They handle breathing problems that can stem from conditions including COPD, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis. You’ll find them in neonatal nurseries, operating rooms, intensive care units, general wards, and emergency departments. Many RT’s work in chronic care facility, or home care environments.
Senior Moving Tips Pt. 2
You have moved and are happily settled into your new home. Now to deal with the remaining contents of your former home. We call this Phase 2 or more specifically, the disbursement phase. In order of priority: Gifting to family or friends, is first and often these are the sentimental or heirloom items such as china, photos, antique and quality furniture or artwork. Next, there may be the possibility of selling, auctioning or consigning items of value. Donation of quality household items and furniture to a reputable charity is the next step, finishing off with taking items to the dump or recycling.
Book Review: Your Digital Undertaker
Exploring Death in the Digital Age in Canada. Get ready for the biggest launch of the decade! Your Digital Undertaker – the book that moves the needle on the number of Canadians with a will. The world has gone digital, and so have our estates. Everyone needs a will, and in the information age your estate now includes your entire digital life and footprint. This is the first book of its kind that draws the reader into the world of estate planning with a digital twist, bringing the two worlds together. Available now in e-book formats. Ask for it now at your local bookstore. YourDigitalUnderTaker.ca
Clean Homes and Safe Gatherings
Autumn is a busy time for everyone, with school and holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Hosting family gatherings requires a lot of work and preparation, and cleaning is a big part of getting things ready for those events. Having cleaning professionals take care of getting your home sparkling clean and ready for your guests can help take some of the pressure off, so you can focus on other things. Keeping your guests safe and healthy is also important and high-touch disinfectant services can help keep your home bacteria and virus free so you can relax and enjoy the day!
Quit Smoking with Laser Therapy
Is quitting smoking on your ‘To-Do List’ year after year? Have you tried just about everything, with little success? Laser Therapy is clinically proven to help to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms, with a 95-98% success rate! In clinical studies, patients report a noticeable reduction in cravings, and have a higher chance of success in quitting. The benefits of quitting smoking with laser over other interventions include no medications with unpleasant side effects, no unhealthy nicotine in your system in the form of patches, and pleasant side effects of relaxation which are a result of the endorphins released in response to the laser.
