At the start of the year, flowers bring color, warmth, and life to winter’s darker days. Their vibrant presence brightens indoor spaces, creating a more uplifting and inviting atmosphere. Taking a moment to arrange or care for them offers a simple, calming break that eases stress and supports emotional well-being. Whether on a desk, bedside table, or shared as a thoughtful gift, fresh blooms bring comfort, connection, and a gentle boost to wellness as 2026 begins.
Community News
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. It develops gradually, beginning with mild forgetfulness and progressing to severe cognitive decline. More than half a million Canadians live with Alzheimer’s, and the number continues to rise as the population ages. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes—like regular exercise, social engagement, and a healthy diet—can help slow progression and improve quality of life. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging; it’s a brain disorder caused by abnormal protein buildup. Awareness, compassion, and research are key to supporting those affected.
Dentures & Your Speech
Adjusting to new dentures—whether full or partial—can sometimes affect your speech temporarily. This adjustment period typically lasts a few days but may extend to a few weeks in some cases. The tongue, like other muscles in the body, has “memory” and may need time to adapt to its new environment. As you speak or read aloud, your tongue will gradually become accustomed to the changes in thickness, the acrylic material, the frame (in the case of partial dentures), and the placement and size of the teeth. With practice, your speech should return to normal. If speech difficulties persist beyond a few weeks, be sure to contact your denturist for assistance.
Contact Lens Do’s and Don’ts
Wearing contact lenses safely requires proper care and hygiene. DO always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses and store them in the appropriate sterile solution recommended for your particular lenses. DO follow your optometrist’s instructions on wear time and replacement schedules. DON’T sleep in your contacts unless prescribed, as it increases the risk of infection. DON’T rinse lenses with tap water or saliva, which can introduce harmful bacteria. DON’T share lenses or use them past their expiry date. If your eyes feel irritated, remove your contacts immediately and consult an eye care professional. Proper habits keep your eyes healthy and vision clear.
Voir les signes?
Il me critique tout le temps, me dit que je suis stupide et que je suis trop bête pour prendre des décisions. Depuis quelques années, il prend une bonne partie de l’argent de mon chèque de pension en disant qu’il en a besoin. Je me sens descendre la côte de plus en plus et je n’ai plus le goût de vivre. Critiquer, rabaisser et prendre son argent, c’est de la violence. La violence concerne tout le monde. Besoin de parler? Fem’aide est la ligne de soutien provinciale francophone pour les femmes de l’Ontario, disponible 24/7 par téléphone, SMS au 1-877-336-2433 ou par clavardage au www.femaide.ca.
Experience the Power of GemWater
Start the new year with a refreshing way to hydrate, both inside and out. VitaJuwel GemWater bottles bring beauty and intention to your daily water routine. Each bottle features a hand-crafted GemPod filled with precious gemstones, designed to naturally infuse your water with revitalizing energy. With 20 unique gemstone blends to choose from, you can select the combination that aligns with your wellness goals, from clarity and balance to vitality and harmony. These elegant, reusable bottles also make thoughtful gifts for anyone seeking a more mindful lifestyle. Shop our full line of products online at
Release, Refresh, Renew
Release yourself from self-sabotaging ideas that tell you that the progress you’ve made isn’t good enough. Release yourself from unhealthy spaces that remind you of who you’re no longer trying to be. Release yourself from everything and anything that continues to weigh you down. Sleep better, have less stress, reduce fatigue, have clarity, and enjoy more energy after having your Access Bars run. Call 306-639-5239 to learn more.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
(ACEs): Healing Through Connection
Many of us carry experiences from childhood that shaped who we are today — some positive, and some painful. When early experiences involve chronic stress, neglect, or abuse, they can have lasting effects on our health and well-being. These are called Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs.
What Are ACEs?
ACEs are difficult or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. They include experiences such as abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, parental separation, or living with a parent who struggles with addiction or mental illness.
The term “ACEs” comes from a landmark 1990s study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente, which followed over 17,000 adults for decades. Researchers discovered a strong link between childhood adversity and long-term health outcomes. The more ACEs a person experiences, the higher their risk for emotional, mental, and physical health challenges.
The Impact of ACEs
ACEs can affect the brain, body, and overall development. Chronic stress in childhood keeps the body in “survival mode,” altering brain development, hormone regulation, immune function, and even inflammation.
This can increase the risk for:
• Anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships
• Substance use or behavioral challenges
• Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions
ACEs can also affect parenting, making it harder to respond calmly or set boundaries, which can unintentionally pass patterns of stress to the next generation.
Healing Is Possible at Any Age
It’s important to know: ACEs are not a life sentence. While early experiences shape us, healing is possible throughout life. Positive experiences can counterbalance the effects of trauma at any age. These include:
• Safe, trusting relationships with friends, family, or mentors
• Feeling seen, understood, and valued
• Connection to community, learning, and creative expression
• Supportive environments where we can relax, play, or reflect
Counselling can be a helpful route, but it’s not the only one. Connection and belonging are at the heart of healing. Feeling understood and supported can repair stress patterns, strengthen resilience, and foster hope — whether we are children, teens, or adults.
Moving Forward
Understanding ACEs is about awareness and opportunity, not blame. By recognizing how early experiences shape us, we can take steps to nurture our own healing and create healthier relationships — for ourselves, our children, and our community.
At Moose Jaw Family Services, we focus on helping people of all ages find connection, understanding, and belonging — the foundation of recovery and growth. Through counselling, mentorship, community support, or simply building strong relationships, every individual has the power to heal, thrive, and break the cycle of adversity.
Fresh Starts & Self-Care
While the new year often brings talk of resolutions, lasting wellness is built on small, consistent acts of care. Instead of drastic changes, focus on gentle resets that nourish your body and mind. Reflexology supports your natural balance by improving circulation, easing stress, and promoting relaxation. Aromatherapy adds a fresh start with uplifting oils like lemon, peppermint, and rosemary. Together, they help you feel revitalized and inspired to take on the year ahead. January is a perfect time to invest in your well-being because when you care for yourself, everything else falls into place more smoothly.
Experience the Power of GemWater
Start the new year with a refreshing way to hydrate, both inside and out. VitaJuwel GemWater bottles bring beauty and intention to your daily water routine. Each bottle features a hand-crafted GemPod filled with precious gemstones, designed to naturally infuse your water with revitalizing energy. With 20 unique gemstone blends to choose from, you can select the combination that aligns with your wellness goals, from clarity and balance to vitality and harmony. These elegant, reusable bottles also make thoughtful gifts for anyone seeking a more mindful lifestyle. Shop our full line of products online at www.VitaJuwel.ca.
Importance of Pet Dental Health
Did you know regular dental cleanings can help keep your pet healthy, happy, and pain-free? Plaque on teeth calcifies into tartar, which traps bacteria, leading to gingivitis—early gum disease. Gingivitis causes irritation, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, but can be reversed with non-sedation ultrasonic cleanings. If untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease, causing pain, tooth loss, and potentially affecting organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. While periodontal disease is incurable, it can be managed with regular ultrasonic cleanings. This safe, effective method uses vibration and tiny bubbles to clean teeth above and below the gumline.
