January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba wants everyone experiencing dementia to know that the Society is your path forward to community and connection.
Through the Society’s programs and education opportunities, they open the door to a community of people who truly understand. Whether through Minds in Motion, support groups, or simply meeting others on a similar path, the Alzheimer Society helps you build meaningful connections and feel supported every step of the way.
Throughout the month, the Society is sharing stories from Manitobans navigating dementia to increase understanding of the disease and highlight the impact of community support systems.
Community News
Emotional Regulation in Children
Helping children understand and manage their emotions is one of the strongest protective factors for lifelong wellbeing. When kids learn healthy regulation skills, they build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve their overall mental health. Parents play a vital role—practicing strategies at home, noticing early signs of distress, and creating consistent routines. Mindfulness, yoga, sensory activities, music, and positive self-talk can all support emotional awareness and calm. Because every child’s needs are unique, setbacks are normal, and progress varies. When challenges arise, therapy can offer individualized tools to support both children and their caregivers in building confidence and emotional balance.
Epigenetic Hair Follicle Analysis
Are you affected by a general feeling of being unwell? Do you suffer from low energy, aches and pains, poor concentration, or EMF toxicity, to name a few? Factors such as inadequate nutritional intake, toxins, chemicals, processed foods, and EMF’s can control gene expression and may affect tissue healing, functioning, and repair. The Cell-Wellbeing Epigenetic Hair Follicle Analysis uses genetic mapping technology to assess and identify 9 influencing factors that may impact your health. Your personalized report will recommend specific dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, and practical solutions for reducing the effects of environmental factors. This information will allow you to transform your health at the deepest levels.
Have a Smoke-Free 2026
Something about leaving an old year behind and looking ahead at the clean slate of a new one inspires most of us to try our best to reach our goals. 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.
Food for a Healthy Brain
Good nutrition plays a key role in brain health for seniors. A balanced diet rich in nutrients helps protect cognitive function, memory, and mood. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, combat oxidative stress, while omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish reduce inflammation linked to cognitive decline. Whole grains provide steady energy, and nuts, seeds, and avocados supply healthy fats essential for brain health. Seniors should also aim to reduce refined sugars and saturated fats, which can negatively impact cognition. Staying hydrated and limiting processed foods also helps. Prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet supports overall brain vitality and mental sharpness.
Staying Safe in the Winter Months
Winter can be beautiful, but it also brings challenges for seniors’ safety and mobility. To prevent slips, wear proper footwear with good grip, and keep entryways dry and clutter-free. Dress warmly in layers, covering hands, feet, and head to avoid frostbite. Plan outings during daylight and check the forecast before heading out. Indoors, ensure heaters and smoke detectors work properly, and keep emergency contacts handy. Staying active and hydrated also helps maintain balance and energy. With thoughtful preparation, winter can be safe, cozy, and enjoyable. Visit www.hsewinnipeg.com for more helpful wellness tips this season.
Start 2026 with Uplifting Flowers
At the start of the year, flowers bring color, warmth, and life to winter’s darker days. Their vibrant presence brightens indoor spaces, creating a more uplifting and inviting atmosphere. Taking a moment to arrange or care for them offers a simple, calming break that eases stress and supports emotional well-being. Whether on a desk, bedside table, or shared as a thoughtful gift, fresh blooms bring comfort, connection, and a gentle boost to wellness as 2026 begins.
Dentures & Your Speech
Adjusting to new dentures—whether full or partial—can sometimes affect your speech temporarily. This adjustment period typically lasts a few days but may extend to a few weeks in some cases. The tongue, like other muscles in the body, has “memory” and may need time to adapt to its new environment. As you speak or read aloud, your tongue will gradually become accustomed to the changes in thickness, the acrylic material, the frame (in the case of partial dentures), and the placement and size of the teeth. With practice, your speech should return to normal. If speech difficulties persist beyond a few weeks, be sure to contact your denturist for assistance.
Mindful Moments This Holiday
The holidays can be joyful, but they often bring stress, especially around family gatherings. Expectations, busy schedules, and emotional triggers can leave us feeling drained instead of delighted. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay grounded in the present moment. Take a few deep breaths before responding, listen with compassion, and release the need for perfection. Remember, it’s not about creating a flawless holiday, but about being fully present with those you love. Give yourself permission to slow down, find gratitude in small moments, and approach each interaction with kindness…for others and for yourself. That’s the true spirit of the season.
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
Finding Calm This Holiday Season
Reiki can be a calming and supportive practice for easing holiday anxiety. During the busy season, emotions often run high, and Reiki helps restore balance by promoting relaxation and grounding. Through gentle, hands-on or distance energy work, Reiki encourages the body’s natural ability to release tension and emotional stress. Many people report feeling lighter, more centered, and peaceful after a session. It can also enhance mindfulness, helping you stay present amid the chaos of gatherings, travel, and expectations. Whether received from a practitioner or practiced for self-care, Reiki offers a simple, nurturing way to reconnect with calm during the holidays.
