For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.

Having good posture makes you look strong and healthy and it’s also a critical factor in preventing pain and injuries. For recreational activities like golf, skating, yoga or running, posture actually plays an important role in performance. Posture is critical in preventing workplace injuries that come from repetitive stress or sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day. Physiotherapists can help you discover how to improve your posture by demonstrating positions and stretches for when you start to feel the tension in your body. Make the move to see a physiotherapist!

Angie Howlett is the owner and operator of White Dove Counselling & Mediation and a registered social worker and qualified mediator. She supports individuals living with a range of mental health diagnoses with a focus on codependency, communication challenges, and conflict resolution. Angie works with individuals, couples, families, and groups, providing a supportive space to strengthen relationships, build healthier communication skills, and navigate difficult situations with clarity. She was recently named the #1 marriage counselor in Saskatoon by the Quality Business Awards. Her practice offers evening, weekend, virtual, and in person appointments to provide flexibility and accessibility for clients.