It is important for your body to maintain consistent levels of potassium in the blood. If potassium levels become too low or too high, serious problems with heart rhythms can result. Older adults can be at risk of low levels of potassium in the blood because of medications, diarrhea or vomiting, or inadequate diet among other reasons. Laxatives and some diuretics (water pills) are the most common medication causes. Besides prescription supplements, you can get potassium from eating bananas, oranges, and cucumbers. Your pharmacist can give you advice to help you keep potassium levels within range. Mark Mercure, Geriatric Pharmacist

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef. 2 carrots grated. 1 small onion, chopped. 4 stalks celery, chopped. 2 tomatoes, diced. 2/3 c. lettuce strips. ¾ c. mayonnaise. 1 pkg. taco seasoning. 1 c. grated Cheddar cheese. Tortilla chips, crumbled. Instructions: Cook beef and set aside. Add mayonnaise to taco seasoning. Add all ingredients and toss. Top with medium Cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.
Pick up a copy of our local “Cooking through COVID 19” Recipe Book at Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc.

As you age, your sense of thirst diminishes. So even when your body needs to be replenished with water, you might not realize it. Because of that, many seniors do not drink enough liquids. By the time they are thirsty, it is already an indication of early dehydration. The consequences of dehydration are well known. Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among elderly people that can have serious health consequences. Water can get boring but don’t limit yourself – supplement with juices, milk and summer fruits containing high water content! Stay hydrated in the summer heat and drink up!

In the province of Manitoba, you qualify for disability credits if: You have severe impairment in mental of physical functions. Your impairment is prolonged; it has lasted or is expected to last for a period of 12 consecutive months. And a certified practitioner declares that your impairment meets the above conditions. In addition to the disability requirements applicants must also: Live in the province of Manitoba. Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian Citizen. Have paid taxes in the past or have a spouse or primary care giver that has paid taxes in the past. See your physician for more information.

Health First® JOINTS FIRST Double Glucosamine Complex. Did you know that the majority of Canadians over age 55 suffer with some sort of joint pain? Prevention is key, though, so keeping inflammation at bay and cartilage in good shape is the best thing you can do to keep moving well into your golden years! Health First® Joints First can do just that! It offers a complete blend of nutrients, including collagen and two forms of glucosamine that help to maintain healthy cartilage, as well as herbs like boswellia, sarsaparilla, white willow, and devil’s claw to help prevent inflammation and relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Do you suffer from pain, stiffness, and discomfort in your major joints like knees and hips? You may have osteoarthritis. In addition, to many non-drug therapies such as losing weight, exercise, and supports, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help. These include topical anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and oral anti-inflammatories such ibuprofen or naproxen. If a trail of over-the counter medications is not successful, there are prescription medications that could tried. While each of these options has some risks of side effects or drug interactions, your pharmacist can help you determine what option is best for you.

Pumps for Life Campaign
The Pumps for Life campaign to replace all infusion pumps in BRHC has raised $600,641.54 of the targeted $900,000 so far! Thank you to the individual donors, community business partners, estates and RMs in PMH who have supported us. Thank you also to everyone who purchased tickets in our Chase the Ace raffle, which is now closed. If you’d like to donate to the campaign, you can do so by visiting www.brhcfoundation.ca or contacting our office at (204)578-4226 or [email protected]. Donations over $1,000 will receive permanent recognition on our campaign wall and those over $15 will receive tax receipts.

What to make a difference in the lives of Seniors in Brandon? Support your local Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. Donations (brandons4s.ca) or call Margaret at 204-571-2052 for more information.

June is Canadian Men’s Health Month, a time to inspire men and their families to live healthier lifestyles. It’s important for the men in our lives to make healthy changes that will lower their risk of chronic disease and help them live with less stress. Many of the most common health conditions affecting men are often preventable with the right lifestyle changes. This could include improving their diet or eating habits, getting more exercise, finding healthier ways to manage stress, and drinking less alcohol. Let this month be the start of a healthier you and/or a healthier loved one!

Legislation in Manitoba states that your Executor is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation. In Manitoba there is no set percentage or calculation for the fees they are to receive. The Executor fee must be approved by the beneficiaries of the Estate. Executors are advised to keep tract of their hours and the tasks performed if an agreement cannot be made, and in which case, a judge would determine what fee is appropriate. It may be appropriate to set out how much the Executor is to receive in the Will to reduce possible conflict. Remember any Executor Fee paid is taxable income. Stacy Senkbeil, Meighen Haddad