Community News
Happy New Year

As the New Year begins, so does income tax season. We are pleased to offer income tax filing assistance for seniors and disabled individuals in our community. Our dedicated volunteers manage this program, providing free income tax filing services for our clients. It’s important to note that our volunteers specialize in processing simple tax returns only. Unfortunately, we are unable to handle business taxes, capital gains, rental property income, or estate taxes. In consideration of the health and safety of our volunteers and clients, tax filing will be conducted remotely via telephone. If you require assistance, please contact our office to be added to the list. The program is scheduled to commence in early March.

Breathe in the New Year!

Let 2024 be the year you live your best lung life with these lung health resolutions: 1) Are you or a loved one thinking about quitting or cutting back on smoking? Join the Saskatchewan Quits community at www.SaskQuits.ca for education, peer support, resources, and the chance to win prizes! 2) Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Protect yourself against influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and RSV. 3) Check your breathing. If you cough, wheeze, experience shortness of breath, or feel chest tightness, ask your healthcare provider about having a spirometry breathing test. 4) Tune in to Lung Saskatchewan’s live and on-demand Lung Life Webinar Series to learn from leading experts at www.LungSask.ca.

Words to Live By

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

Seasons Greetings: Tax Benefit Opportunities

“As the year draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on gratitude and generosity. I wish you joy and cheer this season. Remember, amidst the festivities, there may be untapped opportunities to ensure financial wellness. As a disability tax specialist, I encourage you to explore potential tax benefits available to you. Let this season be not only about celebration but also about securing your financial future. May the holidays bring you comfort, and may the new year shine light on possibilities for a more prosperous tomorrow. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with happiness, while keeping your financial well-being in mind.”

Curb Holiday Sugar Over-Indulgence

With the holidays right around the corner, here are some tricks to minimize that over-indulgence. Try to keep up with your exercise regime to help your body process the excess sugars and calories and to keep feelings of bloating or indigestion down. Before a party, have a high-fibre snack to decrease the amount of sweets eaten and try to limit yourself to one cocktail and intersperse that with sparkling water. Drink warm lemon water with some added apple cider vinegar to support blood sugar and digestion, and add turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory effects. As for your cooking and baking, explore recipes with healthy sugar alternatives.

Live Your BEST Lung Life!

Inhale. Exhale. This holiday season here are three things to talk to your health provider about to keep you breathing easier. 1) Don’t ignore the snore. If you snore and are tired during the day, you may have sleep apnea, a disease where you stop breathing in your sleep that requires treatment. Ask about a sleep apnea test. 2) Keep up to date on your vaccinations. Prevent influenza, pneumonia, COVID and RSV. 3) Don’t ignore a cough, wheeze, shortness of breath or chest tightness. Ask about a spirometry test. Learn more at www.LungSask.ca.

Season’s Greetings

Saskatoon Service for Seniors wishes to expresses heartfelt gratitude to our clients, volunteers, and generous donors for their support over the past year. With the backing of our community, we have been able to deliver essential services to those in need. As the holiday season approaches, we extend warm wishes for joy and fulfillment to all.

Hearing Loss Tools

Every day comes with its struggles for people who live with hearing loss. There are side effects of dealing with a hearing loss, especially if left untreated. Often, people with hearing loss deal with listening fatigue and an increased risk of burnout, which can be linked to mental health issues. There are solutions available, and technology is advancing every day to improve the well-being of the hard of hearing community. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, book your free hearing test today.

Happy Holidays!

This holiday season, may we all find time to celebrate with those we love and reflect upon the many blessings we enjoy here in Saskatchewan. May this Christmas season fill your heart with love, your home with joy, and your life with laughter. From my family to yours, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Grief & the Holidays

The holidays can be a particularly painful time as the whole world seems to send the message that you must be full of joy. But without your loved one by your side, how can you celebrate? A few ideas: Keep Some Old Traditions, Combine New Elements with Old Traditions, Attend a Remembrance Service & Develop New Traditions. While the holidays can be lonely, you don’t have to feel alone. Take it one day at a time. Focus on understanding what your needs are and meeting them. Hold your memories of loved ones close, and connect with other people during these cold winter days. There will be opportunities to make the holidays meaningful if you have your heart courageously open to it.