Community News
Physiotherapy after Spinal Surgery

Persistent low back pain and sciatica can be disabling, and sometimes surgery is necessary. When physiotherapy accompanies your surgery (before and after), the outcome can be much better. Your surgeon can’t access the spinal surgery site without impacting the small stabilizing muscle called multifidus. If you’ve had back surgery and have never had an assessment of this muscle’s function, it may be a game-changer for your recovery. Physiotherapists who know how to ‘wake up’ this muscle after surgery and help you build segmental strength again can help you get back to the gym, the trail, the pool…your desired life!
For more information check out the following webpages.
Spinal surgery: www.dianeleephysio.com/services/rehab-after-surgery/pre-post-spinal-surgery. Multifidus: www.dianeleephysio.com/education/core-training-vs-strengthening.

Healing with Salt Therapy

Salt therapy offers many benefits and is safe and effective for everyone, including children, older adults, and the immunocompromised. Salt therapy’s antimicrobial effect helps kill bacteria and fungi in the respiratory system and on the skin. The magnesium content in salt therapy offers relaxation, calming, and pain-relieving effects, and can assist with handling spring allergies and boosting immunity. Salt therapy’s natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for breathing easier, combatting allergies, and boosting immunity, while also reducing the severity and symptoms of asthma, chronic cough, sinusitis, smoker’s cough, and throat irritations. For more information and March specials, visit www.HealingSalts.ca.

Puzzles for a Strong Mind

Puzzling is a mental workout that stimulates both sides of the brain. Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help improve visual-spatial reasoning, short-term memory, and problem-solving skills, as well as reduce the rate cognitive decline and dementia. Puzzling can also help improve your mood by boosting dopamine production. It also helps reinforce connections between brain cells, improving mental speed and thought processes. Engaging yourself in puzzle-making can serve as an exercise in mindfulness and help relieve stress. Puzzles are also a great way to exercise the small muscles in fingers and eyes, which is especially true for those with arthritis or who have experienced a stroke.

Caregiver Support Groups

Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.

Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a Seniors Community Connector. Seniors Community Connectors give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community resources and services for practical and emotional support. Your Community Connector will work with you to develop wellness goals and will provide ongoing support that meets your individual needs and enables you to achieve your goals. Your Community Connector can support you to gain information, advice, guidance, support, as well as assisting you to access a range of services that meet your needs. For more information, contact our Seniors Community Connector, Janice, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 204.

March Events

Fit 55+ Online Fitness Class – Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Coffee Club – Mar 1, 15
Caregiver Support Groups (In person) – March 2, 7, 16, 21, 30
Caregiver Support Groups (Virtual) – March 1, 15, 29
Canada’s Public Pension System information (In-person), Mar 1
Please Visit Online to see any upcoming events at [brellasociety.ca/online-events]

Seniors Center Without Walls

If you are someone who is experiencing difficulties getting out of their home for activities or would like to stay socially connected with other people, look no further. SCWW is a free interactive telephone based program that connects seniors 55+ in a variety of recreational activities, health and wellness talks and friendly conversations. With activities like Mindfulness Meditation to Brain Teasers, SCWW focuses to improve cognition and keep the brain healthy. To receive a program schedule, please contact Edwin Chau at 604-531-9400 ext. 205.

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.

The Importance of Sleep Health

With Women’s Day coming up March 8 and World Sleep Day on March 17, it’s time to focus on healthy sleep habits for you and the special women in your life. Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is foundational to one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. World Sleep Day promotes sleep health alongside thousands of sleep health professionals and advocates. Spread the word about sleep health on #WorldSleepDay, and help elevate the conversation around sleep! Beta Wellness Centre offers supplements and a highly effective Myers’ Cocktail IV Therapy that promotes and helps you attain a good night’s sleep.

Healing with Salt Therapy

Salt therapy offers many benefits and is safe and effective for everyone, including children, older adults, and the immunocompromised. Salt therapy’s antimicrobial effect helps kill bacteria and fungi in the respiratory system and on the skin. The magnesium content in salt therapy offers relaxation, calming, and pain-relieving effects, and can assist with handling spring allergies and boosting immunity. Salt therapy’s natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for breathing easier, combatting allergies, and boosting immunity, while also reducing the severity and symptoms of asthma, chronic cough, sinusitis, smoker’s cough, and throat irritations. For more information and March specials, visit www.HealingSalts.ca.