Many of us visited elderly parents over the holidays and found out that mom and dad aren’t doing so well; perhaps dad’s memory is failing, and mom is having trouble getting around. We feel the responsibility and obligation of keeping them safe and healthy. Although it may be hard to initiate serious conversations about the future, it’s important to start the discussion. Make a New Year’s resolution to start that conversation and be sure to include your parents! Plan ahead now so you and your parents can be prepared for what the future may bring rather than waiting for the midnight crisis phone call.

One of the top resolutions for the New Year is to be healthier. The whole process can feel like an impossible task so here are some tips: •GET MOVING: you don’t have to run marathons. Getting out for a brisk 30-minutes daily walk burns calories and is a free, easy way to be active. •FIND AN ACTIVITY YOU LOVE: Our Active Passes offer unlimited entry to all of our public swimming, skating, weight rooms and gymnasium activities. •BUDDY UP: invite a friend to join in your wellness journey. It’s more fun, and it holds you more accountable.

January means back to the regular routine after getting together with family over the holidays. Sometimes these holiday gatherings bring new worries. As our family member ages, concerns about how to manage health problems start to crop up. Most people would like to stay in their homes and have family members help them out. But this isn’t always possible. You may not have training to provide the care. Or it could be distance—family members may live far apart. This is where a retirement community with a long-term care option can provide a safe and structured environment for you or your loved one.

With the return of snow shovelling as the full body seasonal workout, there is an increased risk of sprains and strains. Prevent injuries by employing a few tips: *Do a 5 minute full body warm up before shovelling. * Scoop and push small amounts of snow. *Lift and move weight with your legs. *Engage core muscles to assist in stability, balance and limb movement. *Check your posture. As we tire our posture tends to fail. This is the time for a break, sip hot cocoa and reset yourself. For instruction on effective posture and core awareness, ask your Physiotherapist!

Hearing loss develops gradually, making it hard to catch. Signs of hearing loss include: *Turning up the volume of the TV or radio, *Frequently asking other to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly, *Perceiving usual background noise as unnaturally loud and *Having to concentrate very hard during conversations. If you think you are experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to see a hearing care professional. It is recommended that you get your hearing tested every three years beginning at the age of 50, or earlier if you are experiencing hearing loss symptoms. Book your free hearing test with a hearing care professionals today!

Each January, many of us set big health goals only to get overwhelmed and quickly stopping because it is too hard. When setting goals, it’s easier to do small, simple things. This can be as simple as a 10 minute walk a day, cutting down coffee by one cup a day, or stretching for 10 minutes before bed. Another simple goal is regular chiropractic care to ensure proper structural alignment. This will reduce muscle imbalances which can lead to overworked muscles and joint injury. Call for a free consult to see how a chiropractor can help you get better this year.