The holiday season is exciting, but it can also be a stressful time for seniors. Busy family gatherings can be tiring, and the holidays can bring up feelings of anxiety, depression, and even grief. Seniors can make the holiday season less stressful by: 1) Making time for yourself. It may be tempting to accept every holiday invitation you get, but it’s important to leave yourself some downtime. 2) Letting family know what you need. If you have dietary restrictions, mobility needs, etc., be sure to talk to your loved ones. 3) Staying present and positive. Enjoy the little things.
Community News
Thai Massage and Acupressure
Thai massage combines stretching with acupressure. Acupressure applies the same principles as acupuncture to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease, but uses pressure with thumbs, elbows or knees instead of needles. Thai massage therapists use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet to apply pressure along pressure points and along ten energy channels called sen sib. The goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance to the body’s channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of negative energy and positive energy.
Clean Eating: Simple Vegan Eggnog
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can coconut milk (400 ml), 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Directions: Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 1 hour. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve the eggnog chilled, so keep it in the fridge for at least 1 or 2 hours. Enjoy the Holiday Season!
Book Club: God Winks
Now, just in time for the holiday season, comes Godwinks Christmas Stories, a collection of astonishing true-life stories centered around Christmas that demonstrate how God has shown himself in the lives of others. He’ll do the same for you. Husband and wife authors SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt remind you that Godwinks are like wondrous gifts left on your doorstep. Their aim with this book is to help you open the door and open your gifts of hope and encouragement. Available at Universal Church Supplies Saskatoon
Words to Live By
Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it. You know it. You believe it. ~ Kevin Alan Milne
Words to Live By
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. Ruth Carter Stapleton
Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas
Share the holiday joy with gifts that everyone will love! If you’re looking for stocking stuffer ideas for your friends and family, why not give the gift of a healthier body and home? Norwex cleaning and personal care products are safe, effective, and sustainable, so you can feel good about the gifts you’re giving. Some of Norwex’s products include features such as a revolutionary microfiber that removes up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces using just water – when following the proper care instructions, and an exclusive Baclock® that self-purifies with a micro-silver antibacterial agent. Sustainable alternatives to single-use disposables like wipes are also available and so much more!
Mental Health This Winter
Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider or local CMHA for additional information and resources.
Disability Tax Credit Eligibility
When people have restrictions, physically or mentally, they may be entitled to apply for a tax credit. There are different ways in which a person can be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). In all cases, the impairment must be prolonged. Also, the person must meet one of the following criteria: 1. Is markedly restricted in at least one of the basic activities of daily living. 2. Is significantly restricted in two or more or the basic activities of daily living (can include a vision impairment). 3. Needs life-sustaining therapy. The credit can allow a person $2500 in tax savings each year as well as a $20,000 Lump Sum Refund. Expert help is available in applying for this substantial tax credit.
Working in Home Healthcare
There are many benefits to choosing a career in home healthcare. If you are currently working as a nurse or personal support worker and are looking for new opportunities that give you control over when and where you work, home healthcare might be a great option for you! Some of the main benefits include: enhanced safety precautions, 24/7 nursing support, providing one-on-one care, one client at a time; flexible scheduling; and competitive wages and benefits. Why not choose a rewarding career path that benefits both you and your community?
One Change at a Time
Fitness is a life long journey. It can’t be earned in one workout, gained by eating well for one week, or through one eight hour sleep. The long-term benefits only come to those who stick with the plan, adapt as life changes, and most importantly enjoy the ride. We call this building healthy habits. Imagine if you ate one apple a day and did 20-30 minutes of varied physical activity 3 days per week. Over one year that would be 365 apples and 78 hours of physical activity accumulated through your habits. Focus on making only one change every 2-4 weeks and watch your life change.
