Community News
Documents You Need When a Loved One Dies

When a loved one dies, what responsibilities will you face? There is much to do, which is why our no-cost Estate Settlement Service is a relief to many families. This service assists with many government forms, checklists and organizational tools to assist an executor or next of kin in handling things “after the funeral”. Some examples of required documents to collect and process legal and financial responsibilities include: death certificate and/or Funeral Director Statement of Death, final income tax return and advise CRA and Service Canada; list of assets and beneficiaries; and Last Will and Testament, including codicils and probate documents. Communication, especially before the need arises, will help immensely, speak with your family, executor and our funeral professionals.

Treatment Centres and Winter Blues

Treatment centres can be vital during the winter months as winter depression can set in, causing struggles and/or relapse. Thus therapy, medication, light therapy, vitamin supplements (such as Vitamin D), along with emphasizing outdoor activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, combined with family involvement (if possible) can be preventative measures to avoid decline. It is necessary to provide ongoing support and education, teaching coping skills to get through the Winter Blues in a healthy, non-destructive manner.

Hope’s Home Fundraiser

Hope’s Home provides inclusive care where kids with complex medical and typical needs learn, grow and thrive. Fundraised dollars from events are vital to the operation of our charitable organization and ensure that all locations get proper resources. It helps improve our programming and allows us to provide an inclusive environment. From Early Learning & Childcare services to Supportive Living homes, these inclusive services allow kids to grow and be kids regardless of any medical needs.

Support Hope’s Home by voting for your favorite dancers participating in Swinging With the Stars taking place March 23, 2024. To vote scan the QR code or visit hopeshome.org.

Words to Live By

“Life is a journey, and self-care is the map that guides you to the most beautiful destinations within yourself. Prioritize your well-being and enjoy the scenic route.” – Keith Macpherson

Love Your Lungs!

February is the month of St. Valentine, cupid, and love. Here are some ways to show love for your lungs. 1) Ask your prescribing health provider about a spirometry test if you experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. 2) Protect yourself against the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and RSV by staying up to date on your vaccines. 3) Manage your lung disease or quit smoking with the support of a community. Join any of Lung Saskatchewan’s online support groups at www.LungSask.ca

Heart Health: Integrative Care Program

Embark on a transformative journey to optimal heart health with Choice Nutrition’s Integrative Cardiovascular Care program. Our unique program seamlessly integrates traditional medicine and alternative therapies, delivering unparalleled results while minimizing side effects. Take control of your well-being and rejuvenate your quality of life through a holistic approach that prioritizes cardiovascular health. Our comprehensive strategy ensures a harmonious blend of conventional and alternative methods, fostering overall wellness. Book a consultation today to experience the benefits of this integrative approach, empowering you to regain and maintain a healthier heart and a revitalized life. Choice Nutrition is your pathway to optimizing your health and well-being.

Treatment Centers after the holidays

Post-holiday, treatment centers become crucial as the holiday rush can lead to awareness of substance abuse issues that become exacerbated during the holidays, or perhaps someone who was lead astray from their treatment plan. As much as the holidays can be a time of loneliness for some, others it can bring realization of issues that are amplified during the holidays. Additionally, detoxification and treatment centers help individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms after the holiday season and gain control with the proper guidance and support. At Valley Hill, “Every youth deserves a second opportunity”.

Role of a Funeral Director

In winter, especially in Saskatchewan, funeral directors play a crucial role, ensuring dedication and commitment to families despite weather challenges. They navigate cold temperatures, snow, and ice, coordinating logistics for transportation and graveside services, frozen ground complicates burials, requiring special equipment or waiting for thawing grounds. Effective communication with all involved parties is paramount to manage expectations and address weather-related concerns to ensure they maintain the dignity of the farewell. Funeral directors provide essential support, combining compassion for grieving families with the practical considerations required to navigate winter conditions successfully.

Hearing Loss and Balance

Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spacial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.

Breakfast: Balancing Nutrition

Breakfast is ‘the most important meal of the day’, for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period, replenishes your supply of glucose, boosts energy and alertness, while providing essential nutrients. If you’re a breakfast fast food person, look for options that offer healthier choices. Healthy eating focuses on nutrient-dense foods, while fast food offers convenience but is high in calories, low in nutrition, thus may contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems.

Suicide Prevention – Where to Begin?

Navigating the struggle of suicide prevention involves seeking
support from friends, family, and professionals. Finding
helpful tools such as the Embracing Life App (Scan the
QR code in our Ad) or finding other immediate assistance
sources are key to prevention, along with therapy which
provides coping strategies, and staying connected to help
combat isolation. Educate yourself about warning signs,
whether it be for yourself, a loved one, a child in need, create
a safety plan, encourage professional help. Remember, you are
NOT alone— reach out. Prioritize safety, seek help, and work