Self-Love & Acceptance Group. Eight sessions (once/week), dates and times will be based on registrants’ interest and availability. Sparham Counselling 204-806-9777
Community News
New Year Resolutions
It’s wonderful to want to make changes in your life. The problem is, change doesn’t happen overnight, and most resolutions end up being abandoned. Then we feel guilty about it. Consider, instead, small sustainable steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Being healthy isn’t just about what we eat and how much we weigh. Real wellness includes how we talk to ourselves, our outlook on life, and how we deal with stress. Feeling better can start with any of these things. See January as only the beginning of your wellness journey!
Organic vs. Conventional Produce
Did you know that a healthy diet need not be comprised of organic food only? In fact, some organically grown and produced foods confer no greater health benefits than conventionally grown options. How do you decide? A general rule of thumb is to choose organic when it comes to soft or thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and meats. Good conventional choices consist of most thick-skinned foods, and exceptions like kiwi, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, and asparagus. In all cases, frozen and fresh contain comparable nutrient content. When buying organic, look for the “certified organic” seal to ensure authenticity. Sean Miller, CMHA MB and Winnipeg, MBWPG.CMHA.ca
Vegan Cashew “Cheese”
Are you interested in trying a vegan diet, but aren’t ready to give up all cheese? You must give this recipe a try! Here’s what you need: 3/4 cup raw cashews, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup water, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, black pepper to taste. Here’s how to do it: Place cashews in a bowl with warm water and soak for at least 2 hours. Drain and add to food processor along with all other ingredients. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Enjoy this “cheesy” alternative!
Adapted from www.eatliveandplay.com
Book Club: Ageless Soul
Living a Full Life with Joy and Purpose by Thomas Moore. Aging is the process by which one becomes a more distinctive, complex, fulfilled, loving, and connected person. Using examples from his practice as a psychotherapist and teacher who lectures widely on the soul of medicine and spirituality, Moore argues for a new vision of aging: as a dramatic series of initiations, rather than a diminishing experience, one that each of us has the tools―experience, maturity, fulfillment―to live out. Ageless Soul will teach readers how to embrace the richness of experience and how to take life on, accept invitations to new vitality, and feel fulfilled as they get older.
Communication Tips for Dementia
1. Set a positive mood. Use warm facial expressions and tone of voice to help convey your message and show your feelings of affection.
2. Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart. Be patient in waiting for your loved one’s reply. Watch for nonverbal cues and respond appropriately.
3. Remember the good ol’ days. Reminiscing is a soothing activity. Many people with dementia may not remember what happened 30 minutes ago, but they can clearly recall their lives 30 years earlier.
4. Laugh a little or a lot! Use humour whenever possible. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you.
Alevtina (Alia) Tuhari, Reliable Home Care Agency Inc., ReliableHomeCare.ca
Matchmaking Testimonial
“I joined Camelot Introductions and found the love of my life! If it wasn’t for Lianne’s persistence, and her innate ability for matching people, then I would still be floundering. On-line dating was a waste of my time. Camelot was exactly what I was looking for – a professional service dedicated to matching people with similar interests and dreams. Getting married in November – I’ve never been happier! Thanks Lianne!”
~Brian. Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com
No “Quick Fix” for Hearing Concerns
There’s more to hearing loss than just hearing aids. The growing market for over-the-counter amplification devices has concerned the Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) and Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) associations. According to these associations, hearing loss can be affected by a number of factors such as earwax, genetics, illness, medication, trauma, noise exposure, and age. Determining the underlying cause of one’s hearing loss through a complete hearing assessment should be the first step in your hearing healthcare. Purchasing an over-the-counter amplifier ignores the possibility that further medical assistance may be necessary. Don’t self-diagnose. If you have questions about your hearing, see a certified hearing specialist. Enhanced Hearing Centres, EnhancedHearingCentres.com
RAPID Adhesion Release Technique
RAPID Adhesion Release is a new soft tissue movement-based therapeutic technique that addresses the central nervous system’s role in releasing tension and restrictions within muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Over-used muscles from acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.), accumulation of small tears (micro traumas), and not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia) can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue, which binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. Muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped, causing reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain, as well as tingling, numbness, and weakness. Brent Konantz, Ortho., RMT LCSP C PED (C), HealthWest Prothotics, MyHealthWest.com
Medication-Related Falls among Seniors
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among Canadian seniors. Between 20% and 30% of adults 65 and older have at least one fall per year. Medications are increasingly being recognized as contributors to falls, and common problematic medications include opioids, sedatives, anti-depressants, cardiac medications, and hypoglycemic agents such as insulin. It is important that seniors and their caregivers are aware of possible side effects of medications, and that correct dosages are given and any negative drug interactions are avoided. A pharmacist can assist in determining how and when to use medications to help avoid injury from falls.Source used: https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/safetyBulletins/2015/ISMPCSB2015-12_Falls.pdf. Care at Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca
Why Use Essential Oil Diffusers?
1. Stress Relief. Create a calming effect in your home with your essential oil diffuser. Some recommended oils for promoting calm and easing anxiety are bergamot, chamomile, rose, and frankincense. 2. Ward Off Illness. Diffusing essential oils can help boost your immunity, reducing the likelihood of a cold or flu. Oregano oil can help prevent flu, peppermint can ward off a cough or cold, and lemon can help prevent or reduce the severity of viruses. 3. Boost Your Mood. On the days when you’re feeling down, essential oils can brighten your mood. Try bergamot, lavender, sweet orange, and clary sage. Nutrition Plus, NutritionPlus.com
