One of the biggest issues for seniors is that their social circles begin to shrink as the years go by. Friends, significant others and family members move or pass away. Even those who still live close may be inaccessible due to limited mobility, especially once a senior can no longer drive safely. Age-related changes in one’s physical condition, such as hearing loss, can make it so difficult to communicate that it doesn’t seem worth the effort anymore. Local senior centers or agencies are great resources providing home-visitation services as well as community transportation and outings. Do you have a loved one who may be lonely? Try to put in more effort to spend time with them.
Community News
Practice Makes Perfect
When adjusting to new dentures you may notice minor differences in your speech. Lisping or whistling is not unusual. It may take a week or two to adjust, but natural speech will return with practice. Speaking in front of a mirror and reading aloud are excellent exercises to speed up progress. Swallowing before speaking will help to secure the denture in place. Staying hydrated is important as you may experience a dry mouth, which can inhibit proper suction and your denture may drop when speaking. If the problem is chronic, your denturist may be able to make other recommendations.
Study In Your Community
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when extra fat builds up in the liver. NAFLD has become the most common liver disease in Canada (estimated 30%), with an increased risk for persons with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension. NAFLD has serious implications for liver, heart, brain and kidney health. The University of Manitoba is conducting a study to determine how common NAFLD is and this condition’s long-term outcomes. At NAFLD clinics, ultrasound is used to detect fat in the liver. If there is fat, another ultrasound determines liver damage. For more information call C.W. Wiebe Centre 204-325-4312.
Manage Your Healthcare
Managing your healthcare has never been easier. eCare@Pharmasave is a suite of digital tools that provides you with online access to manage your health in ways that are simple to set up and easy to maintain. With your account you can view your prescription history, order refills at your convenience and see details such as a picture of your medication and important label information. Visit Pharmasave.com or download Pharmasave’s free eCare app to set up your personal account. Then, visit the pharmacy to complete the registration process. Manage your medications as part of your healthy routine with eCare@Pharmasave. To find out more, speak to your Pharmasave Pharmacist today.
4 Actions for Mental Wellbeing
There are some surprisingly simple things we can do each day to improve our mental wellbeing. Some great examples include: 1) Practice gratitude: Make a list of everything you are grateful for, and tell those closest to you how much you appreciate them. 2) Be organized: Tidiness and organization can help you feel in control of your life and your wellbeing. Why not start by making your bed each day? 3) Get active. Physical activity can help improve your mood and focus. 4) Strive for mindfulness. Immerse yourself in each moment and let go of past and/or future concerns.
Words to Live By
“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Heart Health Recipe
Crispy Chickpeas & Pumpkin Seeds. 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and well drained, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, grated zest 1 lime. Preheat oven to 425 °F. Combine chickpeas, oil, paprika, cumin and garlic powder. Toss until well coated. Spread mixture on large baking sheet in single layer. Bake 30 min. Stir every 10 minutes. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, stir and bake 5 minutes more or until chickpeas are crispy. Remove from oven and toss with lime zest. Let stand 30 minutes for crisp texture and peak flavours.
9 Reasons to Try ASEA
ASEA, a perfectly balanced mixture of Redox Signaling Molecules, may be the single most significant health breakthrough of the twenty-first century. 1. The first and only source of balanced, stabilized Redox Signaling molecules outside the body. 2.Supports the vital activity of cellular communication. 3.Promotes enhanced immune function. 4. Protects against free radical damage. 5. Boosts efficiency of the body’s own antioxidants by up to 500%. 6. Provides superior support to athletes. 7. Supported by research and clinical results. 8. Completely native to the body. 9. Proven to be completely safe, with absolutely zero toxicity.
What Defines Addiction?
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
Dementia-Friendly Technology
Dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for language, learning, and memory. Those living with dementia can find it scary and overwhelming, but there are some devices that can help make them feel safe and secure. An easy-to-read clock placed in clear view can help with daily routines and reduce anxiety. A wearable GPS tracker device can help locate someone with dementia in cases of emergency. Automated pill dispensers open automatically with an alert sound when it’s time to take medication. Finally, a wearable monitoring device can detect falls and alert medical responders to ensure those with dementia are safe.
My husband is in the early stages of Alzheimers. He continues to enjoy riding his bike and I used to get very worried as he would sometimes have difficulty finding his way home. Getting him a Live Life mobile alert was the best thing we have done as now I can readily find out quickly where he is. He recently went out cycling and was gone for some time so I called him on his alert pendant. Not only could I talk with him but the Mobile Alert sent me an automatic return text showing his exact location on Google Maps. This has given me so much confidence now and allows him to continue doing what he loves.
Your Yearly Denture Check-Up
Natural teeth wear down and stain over the years, and dentures will, too. Your mouth and jaw also change over time so your dentures may require adjusting or rebasing periodically. It is wise to see your denturist at least once a year to ensure your dentures continue to fit well, and to have any necessary adjustments made. In most cases and with optimum care, your dentures should last between 5 and 10 years. Being proactive with denture care is always more effective than waiting until you have a major problem and trying to back track.
