For those interested in skiing or snowboarding, eye protection can make a great thoughtful gift! Consider protection from ultraviolet rays, glare, and wind. Special filters and anti-glare coatings in a wraparound design with specific venting to prevent fogging are all great options. Cross country skiers, outdoor family leisure activities and dedicated outdoor walkers can choose from a variety of brand names and styles. Some even have interchangeable lenses designed for different altitudes, terrain, and light conditions to protect the cornea, intraocular lens and retina. In many cases, prescription lenses are available. Check with your Optometrist for that special Christmas eyewear gift!
Community News
To Love & Serve
We are living in great change, where our planet is evolving at a heightened pace and needs our help. Each of our souls have chosen to be here at this time. We can choose how we put our love into action. December 21st the darkest day of the year, a wonderful opportunity to plant seeds for what we desire. A time to reflect on our own lives and make the necessary changes to support humanity and our planet in loving ways. When we open our hearts in love, share our skills, talents and kindness, we give to others, and we serve. When we stay calm and loving with our children and parents, we actively build community full of love and gratitude.
Living With Dementia?
People living with dementia can feel isolated and unsure of where to go for support. You are not alone. The Alzheimer Society is here to help. Our offices across the province can provide you with the information, education and support. Plus, with our virtual and in-person programming, you can join our education sessions, Minds in Motion® program and support groups from wherever works best for you.
Contact us today to reach a reassuring ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Visit our website to find an office near you at alzheimer.mb.ca.
Men’s Health
Although November is a great yearly reminder to think about prostate, testicular and mental health, men should be focusing on their physical and mental well-being every month. It’s important for men to take charge of their own health. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through nutritional testing and supplementation. If an area is found to be weak or underperforming, specific, natural formulations can be taken to boost and maximize your body’s ability to function optimally, so you can have a better quality of life every month.
The Many Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used to help with symptom relief from a variety of health conditions. Some examples include: 1) Musculoskeletal pain – acupuncture can help with all kinds of musculoskeletal pain, including spastic or painful muscle from trauma, as well as joint pain, sciatica, and tendonitis. 2) Hormone imbalance – acupuncture may decrease symptoms related to infertility, menstruation, and menopause by assisting with hormone balance restoration. 3) Mood disorders – acupuncture can be an effective way to cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. 4) Sleep disorders – acupuncture can help with insomnia, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Scents and Our Brain
Almost all information about smell is stored in the brain’s hypothalamus, a part of the limbic system, which seems to play an important role in controlling mood, memory, behaviour, emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, stress, and hormonal balance. When a person inhales a smell, a certain signal is sent to the brain, which then spreads throughout the body. Choosing specific scents can lower our stress levels, boost mood, and improve memory. For better concentration, for example, combine a few drops of rosemary, sweet orange, and basil essential oils in your diffuser to increase your focus and productivity.
Winter Nutrition for Seniors
It’s important for seniors to eat well in the winter months, and some key foods to eat for optimum health include: 1) Citrus fruits – citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, helping to boost immunity. 2) Dark, leafy vegetables – broccoli, spinach, and chard provide many vitamins and antioxidants. 3) Root veggies – root vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. 4) Vitamin D – with less sunlight exposure during the winter, eat egg yolks, healthy grains, seafood, and fortified milk. 5) Good fats – flax seed, walnuts, and avocados are high in healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
Negotiating vs. Compromising
I used to believe that relationships were all about learning to compromise with each other to find a middle ground. When we compromise, we tend to give up our own needs for the betterment of staying connected to others. When we learn to negotiate, we zero in and distill those needs that are fully needed to be met by finding the bridge between ourselves and another. By giving ourselves permission to express and negotiate our deepest desires, we find a creative way where both people can get their core needs met, which then leads to less resentment and greater satisfaction without losing themselves in the relationship.
Join the Men’s Health Movement
When it comes to their health, too many men don’t talk, or don’t take action. Movember is the only global charity movement focused solely on men’s health. Movember fundraisers raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives. During the month of November, men are challenged to grow a moustache, and men and women can be physically active and move or host a fundraising event. Millions have joined the movement to disrupt the status quo, raising $911M and funding over 1,250 projects focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Learn more here: www.movember.com
Dentures vs Implants
Dentures are removable teeth which replace the natural teeth, and cover a portion of the gum. Your denturist will recommend either full dentures, which replace all the natural teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw, or a partial dentures, which replace some of the lost natural teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, consist of an anchor or screw-like component that is fastened into the jawbone, then the denture is attached to the implant to hold it into place. Speak with your local denturist to learn more, and which option is right for you.
Warning Signs of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a complicated ocular disease whereby elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve causing vision loss. It affects millions of people worldwide, but many of those are unaware they have the disease. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatment options if it’s detected early enough. There are different types of glaucoma and often there are no symptoms. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate help: Loss of peripheral or side vision, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights, sudden vision loss, or a cloudy-looking cornea.
