Community News
Nutritional Insecurity

“I always find that as the weather changes, I move from eating lots of soups and winter roots to lighter fruit and vegetables. However, sometimes it is hard to get my hands on my favourite healthy foods, and I wind up eating the stuff that is easier at hand and faster to prepare.” Does this sound familiar? For approximately one-third of seniors in Canada, factors including ease of access, cooking time, mobility, loneliness, and more contribute to nutritional insecurity. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help you shop, prepare, and enjoy healthy home-cooked meals! Contact us.

Words To Live By

“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” – Edwin Elliot

Music and Dementia

The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.

Balance your Body’s Hormones

The endocrine system of the body contains many glands. These include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. All the endocrine glands produce hormones that direct the metabolic functions of the body. We absorb stress from the world into our endocrine system. This stress can create a hormone imbalance that can sometimes mimic a nervous breakdown and contribute to chronic fatigue. An endocrine massage helps cleanse the endocrine system and balance the body’s hormones using Young Living essential oils and crystals. It helps to realign the energy centres of the body. Book your massage today!

Theatre: All In the Timing

This production consists of witty, absurd, and funny sketches written by David Ives. Each story is engaging and intelligent. Using small bites of pure humanity, Ives is a master at recognizing our foibles and presenting them on a silver platter for our pleasure. From construction workers perched on a skyscraper in Mere Mortals to a laboratory with precocious primates in Words, Words, Words, All in the Timing takes the audience on a multi-levelled dive into humour and intellect. Adult language is to be expected in one or two of the sketches because Ives writes as we speak, with frustration, kindness, curiosity, and joy.

Time to Get Out and Socialize

Spring is here, and there is a feeling of hopefulness and renewal in the air. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we tend to want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health, and socializing helps with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthy things, so get out and go for a walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better about it!

Your Personal Pharmacist

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your pharmacist for a free assessment.

Relationships are Important

Relationships are so important! Hard, too, at times, especially in the relationships we have with those with whom we are closest. What makes a good relationship? While many may say things like “common interests and/or personality,” “chemistry” for intimate relationships, or a sense of humour, there are some that create more meaningful connections. These include an ability to stick with it through thick and thin (except when there is abuse), a willingness to be emotionally vulnerable, mutual respect, and a desire to deeply understand each other. Sometimes we get stuck and need a third party to help us turn our conflicts into a genuine connection.

Staying Active, Really?

The old saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favour to stave off falls, increase independence, and help prevent illnesses like stroke, diabetes type 2, and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking, and even mowing the lawn count. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.

World Immunization Week

This month, we shine a light on the importance of immunizations during World Immunization Week (April 22–30). Did you know that you can get immunized or vaccinated at any age? Even though most immunizations are given in childhood, you always have the option to catch up on any immunizations you may have missed! Immunizations and vaccines provide the longest-lasting protection against diseases. Just make sure you speak to your doctor first to ensure you’re a good candidate for a particular vaccine. It’s really important for everyone’s health!

Seniors’ Advocacy Services

We see the impact that today’s economy is having on local seniors every day. Many struggle to afford necessities like food and medication. Others are unable to pay their bills or afford the upkeep of their homes. SOS Seniors’ Advocacy Services assist low-income seniors with accessing government benefits and tax refunds that they may not realize they are eligible for. With community support, we have been able to recover $118,000 in back pay for local seniors since July 2023. Get in touch with us if you know a senior who could use our assistance. Financial donations are gratefully accepted online, by phone, or in person.