When it comes to sunglasses, we all know that we should be wearing them. But why? There are many benefits to wearing sunglasses, including protecting our eyes from damaging radiation and ultraviolet (UV) rays. High-quality sunglasses will filter out 99 to 100 percent of UV rays (sometimes called “sunburn rays”), which can help prevent UV-related eye disorders such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people, and cataracts, a major cause of blindness and visual impairment. People of all ages are at risk, including children, and certain medications can increase your risk. Protect your eyes today!
Community News
Local WellnessBOX Winner!
Congratulations to Gayle Erlendson the winner of our January Local WellnessBox. A prize package worth over $700 filled by Local Businesses from Hashtag Balance, Yourstyle Financial, San Vito Coffee House, Christina Norris Salon and Soy Harvest Candles. Subscribe to WellnessNEWS.ca & ManitobaWellnessHUB.ca for your chance to win! Thank you for supporting LOCAL.
Healthy Home, Happy Home
Now more than ever it’s important to maintain a clean and healthy home. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bleach and harsh chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria! Using purpose-built products can effectively disinfect your home the safe and proper way. It’s also important to remember to follow proper personal hygiene protocols like washing your hands thoroughly and often, and avoiding touching your face. With Movember in full swing this month, another great cleaning tip is to use a paper towel to line your sink before you groom your moustache to keep things tidy!
The Value of a RESP
Parents, grandparents, and family friends can open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for a child and make contributions up to $2,500 a year per child. This plan can be used to fund post-secondary education that a child chooses to pursue after high school. RESP savings grow tax-free and accounts can be open up to 36 years. They qualify for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) of 20% up to $500 a year per child until the child is age 17. Start today with a monthly contribution of just $50 to have funds available for your child’s future post-secondary education.
Inspiration vs. Obligation
A new year is an opportunity to re-evaluate, prioritize and upgrade your life. What do you feel most inspired to do, learn, and explore in your life? Are you living with inspiration or obligation? Who brings out the best in you and what obligations and responsibilities are you ready to release that no longer serve you? How can you give yourself full permission to do more of what fills you up and let go of the rest? Decide what kind of life you really want, then say no to everything that isn’t that.
Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 26
Did you know, according to the Mental Health Commission, on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problems? Have you experienced this in your workplace? I would encourage employers to have a Workplace Mental Health Strategy that includes the 13 factors of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. When considering each factor, read the definition, and then come up with action plans that make sense for your workplace. You will see a return on your investment. Take small steps to make positive changes today!
The Power of Flowers
As we endure the shorter, colder days of winter, many of us feel a little down, but simple acts of kindness remind us we are loved. Not only are flowers a great gift for a loved one because of their beauty, they have been scientifically proven to boost mental health. Flowers don’t just brighten up your room; they help to brighten and uplift your mood too. According to experts, flowers can chase away anxieties, worries and the blues, making you feel less depressed, troubled or agitated. This month is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to gift flowers to uplift your loved one’s lives.
Pet Nutrition Tips
Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs, but there are a few simple tips to help you decide what is best for your pet and budget.
1) Feed what you can afford. All types of food have some nutritional value. Raw is often viewed as best, then canned, then dry kibble. Research for the best brands/least recalls.
2) Feed only species appropriate foods to your pets. Non-processed human food is often okay for them. Check an online guide for specific foods that may be harmful.
3) Feed small portions several times per day to maintain a healthy weight.
Blocking Blue Light
Blue light emitted from the sun is essential to your body. However, exposing your eyes to the artificial blue light from computers, fluorescent lighting, smartphones and other digital devices may cause eye strain and interfere with sleeping. Blocking UV and HEV (high-energy visible) light can help protect against cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Ask your trusted eye care professional about blue light blocking lenses available to you. Our tip: If you are working on your laptop, tablet or smartphone long hours, we recommend giving your eyes frequent breaks by looking into the distance often.
Have a Smoke-Free 2022
Something about leaving an old year behind and looking ahead at the clean slate of a new one inspires most of us to try. 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.
Preventing Slips and Falls
Falls are more common among people over 65 years of age, so it’s especially important for seniors to take steps to reduce falls as much as possible. Making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear nonslip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
