Community News
Seven Pillars of Self Care

1. Knowledge & Health literacy – to obtain health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. 2. Mental wellbeing & Self-awareness – knowing your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure; engaging in health screening. 3. Physical activity – practicing intensity at a desirable frequency. 4. Healthy eating – having a nutritious, balanced diet with appropriate levels of calorie intake. 5 Risk avoidance – quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol use. 6 Good hygiene – washing hands regularly, brushing teeth, washing food. 7 Rational use of products and medicines – being aware of dangers, using responsibly when necessary.

Book Club: The Longevity Paradox

How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age. by Dr. Steven R Gundry. In The Longevity Paradox, he maps out a new approach to aging well—one that is based on supporting the health of the “oldest” parts of us: the microorganisms that live within our bodies. Our gut bugs—the bacteria that make up the microbiome—largely determine our health over the years. From diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s to common ailments like arthritis and the appearance of our skin, these bugs are in the driver’s seat, controlling our quality of life as we age.

Clean Eating Recipe

Spinach Tofu Smoothie
Add a touch of freshness to your breakfast with this delicious, protein-rich smoothie. It’s a great way of incorporating tofu into the first meal of the day! Ingredients: 3 c. fresh spinach. 2 bananas. 1½ c. chopped frozen mango. 1 c. chopped frozen pineapple. 10 oz. soft tofu. 1½ c. milk or almond/soy beverage. Fresh mint, optional. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add extra liquid, as necessary. Enjoy! Pair with a serving of whole grains for a complete breakfast!

Brella Book

Looking for a comprehensive guide to resources for your health and wellness? Look no further than the new Brella Book! This book contains a wealth of information that you may find useful, including listings for practitioners, maintenance services, counseling, and mental health resources, and much more. Whether you’re looking for a new yoga studio, a trusted massage therapist, or a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety or depression, you can find it all in the Brella Book. Our team has carefully curated this guide to ensure that it contains only the best and most reliable resources for your health and wellness needs.
You can pick up a copy of the Brella Book at any of our convenient Brella Locations, as well as at many Rec Centers and hospitals throughout Surrey. Simply ask at the front desk and they will be happy to provide you with a copy. If you have any questions about the Brella Book or the resources contained within it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help and provide you with the information you need to take charge of your health and wellness.

Teachings From Nature

Trees teach us how to live our lives with resilience. When we turn to the trees as our teachers watching how they grow and transform, they can teach us how to live our lives with resilience. They remind us of the importance of being grounded and rooted, fully planted deep beneath our feet into the earth. Their roots connected with other like-minded roots and souls as a foundation to draw upon. Our trunk solid like the oak or flexible like the Willow allows us to adapt and shift to the demands of unforeseen changes around us. Resilient when storms or branches break, finding creative ways to re-emerge or work around. Their branches wide open with leaves creating a canopy of growth, shelter a pathway of expansion to receive. Then they shed, release and begin a new cycle once again.

Day Program

Are you or your loved one struggling to thrive? Would you or your loved one like to maintain or improve your physical and cognitive functioning? Are you a caregiver who could use a few hours of respite during the week? If you answered yes to one of these questions, you could be a perfect candidate to access Brella’s Adult Day Program!
People who participate in our Adult Day Program report:
·Enhanced cognitive and physical functioning
·Feeling more connected and less lonely
·Enjoying the tasty hot lunches and snacks provided
·Looking forward to coming back and participating in activities

Find out how to access our Adult Day Program, contact the location nearest you:

South Surrey: Raj Sahota at 604-531-2502 ext. 210 or email [email protected]
Newton: Angela Nial at 604-599-0034 ext. 302 or email [email protected]
Guildford: Kim White at 778-735-0955 ext. 254 or email [email protected]

Better at Home Services

Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures seniors continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following:
• Friendly Visiting
• Transportation
• Light Housekeeping
• Grocery Shopping
To find out more about the services, please contact Elizabeth at 604-536-9348.

Telephone Tree

The Telephone Tree program offers support services to older adults over the phone. Our volunteers make weekly social calls offering participants a chance to be heard by providing emotional support, companionship and a sense of community. Volunteers can also provide you with information and referral services as well as keep you informed about the programs and events in the community. It is a great way to stay connected with the community from your home. Call us today if you would like to receive weekly calls. For more information, please contact Nisa Moman. 604-531-9400 ext. 219
Email: [email protected]

Physiotherapy for an Active Summer!

We’ve had a long wet winter and spring and maybe you, like many others, have been more sedentary than usual. With summer almost here, it’s time to get outside and soak up that sunshine and build up your resilience and fitness. Is that cranky hip, knee or low back stopping you? Maybe, a whole body assessment is in order to see what can be done, or what you can do, to help your knee or back more? All our past injuries leave imprints and when they are treated collectively, amazing things can happen! Check out this link to an approach to a whole body assessment and treatment and if this suits, give us a call and let’s get you active this summer. https://dianeleephysio.com/services/physiotherapy/the-integrated-systems-model/

Treating Heat-Related Health Problems

Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water, get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up, drink plenty of water.