Community News
Eating Healthy at Holiday Meals

Holiday and special celebration meals are amazing. The endless array of baking, casseroles, and other rich foods can make your mouth water long before the meal. Sometimes “too much of a good thing is—too much!” To stay on track with healthy eating during celebrations, plan ahead of time. Decide what you cannot live without and plan to enjoy it without guilt. Allow yourself to indulge in small portions and savour them. Be sure to include fresh vegetables and drink plenty of water during the celebration to keep hydrated. Water helps flush out the extra salt and fat that you consume.

Is Your Back Sore?

Here is a simple “exercise” you can do to help relieve back pain. All you need is a *floor, *a yoga mat or rug, and *a coffee table or couch to put your legs up on. Lie down on the mat with your calves up on the table or couch. Your knees and hips should be at a 90-degree angle; knees stacked over hips. Lie there for two to 15 minutes and let gravity do the work of putting your spine, hips, and pelvis back into a neutral position. If necessary, keep your knees stacked by using pillows to support them.

Autumn: Time to Reflect

Summer has now passed and winter is fast approaching. The transition of seasons is a great time to slow down and reflect on how our goals are going, what needs to be worked on, and how the changing seasons will impact our goals. This is particularly important for health goals. The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is changing, which can prevent us from being as active. These changes don’t mean you have to put your goals on hold until after the holidays; we can make small changes to keep working towards our goals.

Meet the Practitioner: Chrissandra Unger

A few years ago, I was feeling burnt out, processing some past traumas, and had low energy. A lot of self-care and energy adjustments were deeply needed. I read about Biofield Tuning, which made me curious to see what it could do for me. I found an amazing practitioner, and the results were remarkable—my energy returned, and I was able to set more heart desires in motion. I self-cared and studied this method and became a Biofield Tuning practitioner. I now help people with anxiety and depression, energy renewal, fear and grief, adrenal fatigue, and more. Contact me for a free consultation.

Maintain Your Pearly Whites

We get asked this question all the time: “How often should I brush and floss my teeth?” We recommend that you brush your teeth in the morning before eating. It is best to floss and rinse after every meal to help maintain the enamel (whiteness) of the teeth. After drinking or eating acidic foods, always wait 45 minutes to brush your teeth. Acidic foods soften enamel, and if you brush too soon, it thins your enamel prematurely. Follow these tips and visit your dental hygienist regularly to help keep your teeth healthy and white.

Prevent Trips and Falls

When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but any time of year can be risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should take caution. Outdoor rugs, uneven sidewalks, unpaved roads, and even uneven patio stones can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.

Recognize Hearing Loss Signs

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a perfect time to recognize signs of hearing loss. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the TV or radio volume, or experiencing persistent ringing in your ears. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, missing everyday sounds, or having trouble hearing when your back is turned to someone are also key indicators. Speaking too loudly or finding phone conversations challenging may also signal hearing issues. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, so prioritize your hearing health this month and schedule a free assessment with your local Beltone clinic.

The Power of Gratitude in Healthy Aging

Gratitude is a powerful tool with transformative effects on mental health and overall well-being, especially for seniors. In later years, aging can be a time of fulfillment and joy, and practicing gratitude may be key to unlocking these enriching experiences. Beyond boosting emotional well-being, gratitude also supports physical health by improving sleep quality and reducing stress and depression. Taking a moment each day to appreciate even the smallest joys can lower the risk of heart attack, angina, and stroke, help manage arthritic pain, and reduce frailty in older adults.

Moving to a New Home?

Here are some tips to make the move as easy as possible. *Create personalized floor plans so you can envision how and where your possessions fit in your new space. *Start the decision process as early as possible as to which belongings are going to make the move with you and which ones to repurpose to a charity or consignment service. *Don’t do everything alone; enlist help from a family member, loved one, or a professional moving company. Genie Senior Services can help you with every step of your move, including downsizing, decluttering, moving, transporting, and setting up your new home.

Changes of the Season

The leaves are turning, the wind is brisk and autumn has come. With it comes the sense of quiet that settles in like leaves on the forest floor. However, it is important that we do not settle back into old habits. Keeping pace with new hobbies and social activities which are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and osteoporosis, is important for long-term health goals. Don’t let the change in season stop you from being your best!

Are Your Vaccines Up to Date?

Fall boosters for COVID-19 will be available in October. This is also a great time to update vaccination schedules for travel, pneumonia, shingles, and more. Your pharmacist can help provide information and answer many of the questions that you may have regarding vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent disease and save lives. Individuals most at risk are: * people over 65 or under 5; * pregnant women; * residents of long-term care facilities; and * people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Please book online to choose the day and time that will work for you to come in for your COVID-19 and additional important vaccines.