‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls; falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing foot wear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vitamin D supplements and clean up any puddles from any weather you’ve tracked inside your home.
Community News
Quality Time All Year Long
Now that the holidays are over, many of us go back to our busy lives, so there is less time to spend with family. We have a compassionate challenge for you to keep an element of the “Holiday Quality Time” going throughout January and the rest of the year. We encourage you to see someone close to you with a bit more frequency than you did in 2024. A previous director of the Harvard Grant Study, a 75-year comprehensive study of adult development and happiness, said, “The only thing that matters in life is your relationship to other people.” (George Vaillant)
Denture Cleaner for Optimal Oral Hygiene
It is important to clean dentures on a regular basis to maintain good oral health, prevent bad breath, and ensure the long-term longevity of the dentures themselves. Renew Denture Cleaner is designed to keep dentures looking new and maintain optimal oral hygiene. It is great for the removal of tobacco, coffee, and tea stains; plaque; tartar; bacteria; and more. Renew is safe for all types of dentures, made in Canada, and available at our clinic.
Start the New Year with Better Hearing
January is the perfect time to focus on wellness, starting with your hearing. Clear, confident communication supports your relationships, boosts independence, and enhances overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed muffled conversations, increased volume on the TV, or difficulty hearing in noisy places, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Beltone Hearing offers comprehensive hearing assessments, advanced hearing technology, and personalized support to help you hear your best in 2025. Prioritizing your hearing now can prevent further decline and keep you connected to the moments that matter most. Step into the new year with clarity and confidence.
New Year New You – Heart Wall Removal
It’s time to let the baggage go. When emotional pain becomes overwhelming, our bodies create an energetic barrier or heart wall for protection. It can block you from fully giving and receiving love, leaving you feeling heavy, disconnected and burdened. By releasing trapped emotions and trauma, we are able to have a greater sense of clarity, improve relationships, build lasting connections and transform our lives by strengthening our physical and mental health. Releasing emotional walls will free you to experience greater health, deeper love, true abundance and a sense of purpose. Save $50 off a Heart Wall Removal Package with code Heart 50.
Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk with Exercise
Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.
Holiday Joy in Community
The Christmas season is a time for connection, warmth, and shared joy. Living in an independent senior community makes it even more special. Residents enjoy festive decorations, holiday concerts, and delicious meals without the stress of preparation or cleanup. There’s always company for card games, baking, or reminiscing over cocoa by the tree. With caring staff and a vibrant social calendar, no one feels alone during this magical time of year. Celebrating together, creating new memories, enjoying traditions, and feeling the true spirit of Christmas surrounded by friends who feel like family.
Holiday Gifts for Elderly Loved Ones
These holiday gift ideas can help loved ones stay warm over winter—especially as some will be battling the aches and pains in the colder months. *Cozy Slippers: choose non-slip soles to maximize comfort, warmth, and safety. *Chair Yoga Book to Ease Stiff Muscles. *Warm Meals for More Cheer: Consider a meal delivery or prep service. *Arthritis Gloves: these fingerless gloves provide mild compression for warmth and help promote circulation. *Heated Throw: available in many styles and colours for cozy comfort. *Heating Pad: options include disposable, microwaveable, and electric.
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
The holidays can be especially difficult when you’re grieving. Permit yourself to move through this season gently, in your own way. Talk about your loss and share your feelings — your emotions are valid and deserve care. Protect your energy by setting boundaries, taking time for rest and reflection. Honour your loved one with a meaningful tradition that keeps their memory close. Be gentle with yourself as you experience a range of emotions. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone — reach out for comfort and connection when you need it.
Count Your Blessings
We give thanks for our many blessings. We are passionate about sharing health and wellness information via our local Choices for Healthy Living ® newsletters , our online Wellness.News resource, events and more. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
BINGO: Identify Feelings
Once you’ve taken a calming breath, the next step in self-regulation is to name what you feel. Emotions are information, signals that guide how we respond. When we pause to identify what’s happening inside (“I feel frustrated,” “I feel nervous”), we move from reacting to reflecting and responding in the present. Naming feelings doesn’t make them stronger; it makes us stronger by giving clarity and choice in how to express. In my BINGO model, I stands for Identify Feelings, because feelings are normal, natural, and deserve to be recognized for what they are and what they tell us.
