Community News
Enriched Living in 2024

Enriched Living in 2024
In retirement homes, seniors are redefining their golden years with purposeful goals. Far from idle, residents are embracing hobbies, exercises, and wellness programs they never had time for before. The pursuit of mental and physical wellness remains a priority, fostering a sense of vitality. Amidst the serene setting of retirement homes, seniors are crafting a narrative of fulfillment, proving that age doesn’t diminish the zest for life; instead, it enriches it. Dynamic hubs where the pursuit of personal goals is complemented by the joy of shared moments, proving that a fulfilling and vibrant life is possible.

Healthy Workplace New Year Resolutions

Want to make your work a place where you can be healthy and productive? The best way to do that is to be an Ambassador of well-being yourself. All it takes is some passion, energy and action. Agree to spend 5% of your week (only 30 mins!) to generate workplace health and productivity ideas. Some ideas to get you started include walking meetings, putting up posters by the elevator to encourage stair use, starting every meeting off with a round of gratitude (or celebrating a win) or dedicating a meeting room for quiet space. For more ideas, or to get accredited as a Certified Workplace Health and Performance Practitioner, check out wellnessworkscanada.ca

Look for Local

Based in Winnipeg, Tasty Heat’s® Foods is an award-winning condiments manufacturer crafting premium products with authentic Sri Lankan recipes and top-quality ingredients, including fresh and dry hot peppers. Their mission is to deliver top-tier products, combining “TASTY” and fiery “HEAT” simultaneously, without artificial flavors or coloring. Proudly, Tasty Heat’s® hot sauces claim the title of the world’s first Sri Lankan Hot Peppers Sauces and are Manitoba’s inaugural hot sauces. Visit Sobeys Brandon to explore Tasty Heat’s® range, featuring their unique, MSG-free chili paste and six distinct hot sauces.

Leave a Legacy

Leaving a legacy is a profound way to impact the world beyond one’s lifetime, and supporting institutions like the Brandon Regional Hospital Foundation ensures a lasting positive influence on the community. Legacy gifts contribute to advancements in healthcare, enabling the hospital to provide state-of-the-art facilities and patient care. The Brandon Regional Hospital Foundation, with its commitment to enhancing medical services, relies on generous donations to fulfill its mission. By supporting this foundation, individuals actively participate in building a healthier, stronger future for their community. Leaving a legacy isn’t just about what you accomplish in life; it’s about the enduring impact you make on the well-being of others.

Getting Enough Magnesium?

The composition of what we eat and the quality of our foods has drastically changed over the past hundred years, and this has made it difficult for even the most health-conscious Canadians to get enough magnesium. Magnesium is involved in many processes throughout the body. Overstimulating these processes will result in an increase in our magnesium requirements. For instance, when we suffer from high stress, our body produces a hormone protein called cortisol. Producing and regulating this hormone means spending and excreting more magnesium. Not all magnesium supplements work the same in your body, reach out to our integrative medicine pharmacists’ to discuss which one is right for you!

Family Members Assessment of Their Experience

Attitudes and Life Satisfaction
1. More tolerant and compassionate towards themselves and others.
2. They can list things and people in their lives they are grateful for.
3. They have learned to relax and let go of their stressors.
4. They have goals and hopes for their future, and feel their lives have purpose.
5. Increased self-esteem
6. Increased activity levels
7. Sleeping Patterns
8. Eating Patterns
Successes Cited By Participants
1. They have family members who are doing well now. 2. They have family members still using alcohol or other drugs, but they are coping. 3. Adult children accepting residential and SRWC programing 4. Reconciliation with their adult children and healthier relationships 5. For the first time in a number of years we were able to take a holiday. 6. For the first time in 12 years I am able to sleep through the night. 7. My husband and I find “joy in our relationship.”

You Are Not Alone!

WE KNOW THAT: Family members are often highly motivated to not only understand, intervene and support their loved ones experiencing problems with mental health and substance use, but also able to participate in the change and recovery process in restoring their relationship. The sooner one receives the help they need to recover the better the prognosis for Recovery. We Are Here to Help
THE PURPOSE OF OUR FAMILY PROGRAMS: Is to invite individuals to be part of a community of people who are affected by another’s substance abuse. Family members require information, skills and strategies in order to deal with their loved one’s mental health and substance use. Many of our families are financially stressed supporting and attempting to get help for their loved one.
We Offer
1. A short wait time for intakes and entering individual counseling or programing. Short wait times are very important for your well being and for emotional and spiritual safety.
2. Our Service Fees are based on a sliding scale based on income. No one is turned away if they are financially stressed.
3. We believe there are many paths to recovery, and are compatible with twelve steps self-help groups.
4. Individual and couples counseling with family members who are facing issues, and not amenable to group given their situation, as well as individual and couples who may be facing an emerging crises who are part of our education and support groups.
5. Education Group – provides psychoeducation to participants about substance use/abuse, relationship and family dynamics, tools, and strategies within a 6 to 10 week program developed to engage their audience and provide a safe space for learning.
6. Family Support Group – Participants share info/stories, tools and strategies in a safe therapeutic setting.
7. SRWC also assists families and affected others in identifying and accessing organizations and programs that might also be of benefit in dealing with some of the issues that may arise.

Did You Know?

For every person experiencing a substance abuse problem, on average, at least six others are affected – partners, spouses, children, parents, friends, employers, and co-workers. Although family members, friends, employers and co-workers are often in the best position to intervene, on average, significant others do not seek direct help for their loved ones substance abuse or addiction problem for at least nine years. Those affected by a significant other’s substance abuse, may themselves experience significant physical, emotional, social and spiritual stressors. Some commonly experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness when trying to deal with their loved one.

Natural Product Spotlight

Introducing HEYRU’s Body Balm: Nature’s finest ingredients meticulously crafted to soothe and heal your body from any muscle and joint pain. Key Benefits: Relieve Sore Muscles. Stress-Relieving and Calming Effects. Soothe and Replenish Skin. Natural Ingredients, Real Results: Shea Butter – Ethically sourced for superior moisturization. Eucalyptus Oil and Peppermint Oil – Calming agents for stress relief. Pine Oil – Packed with Vitamin E and antioxidants for skin strength. Wintergreen Oil and Camphor Bark Oil – Anti-inflammatory ingredients for targeted pain relief. Magnesium – helps combat inflammation. Free delivery/pickup in Winnipeg from online orders. Joseph Edogbeni | ShopHeyru.com

Cold Weather and Eczema

Winter exacerbates eczema, a skin condition characterized by inflammation and itchiness. The cold, dry air strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation. Harsh winds and indoor heating systems further contribute to the problem, aggravating existing symptoms. To combat winter-induced eczema, prioritize hydration by using rich moisturizers and gentle, fragrance-free skincare products. Avoid hot showers that can strip away natural oils and opt for lukewarm water instead. Dress in layers to protect the skin from extreme temperatures, and consider using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air. Regular skincare maintenance is crucial to manage eczema during the winter months.

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Categories of Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorder is further classified into distinct subtypes, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I involves full-blown manic episodes, often succeeded by depressive episodes. On the other hand, bipolar II encompasses hypomanic episodes along with more pronounced depressive episodes. Cyclothymic disorder entails extended periods of hypomania and mild depression that fall short of meeting the criteria for complete episodes. These subtypes underscore the varied nature of bipolar disorder and its distinctive phases.
Duration and Persistence:
While both depression and bipolar disorder involve periods of mood disruption, the duration and persistence of these episodes differ. Depression is typified by lengthier stretches of continual low mood, spanning weeks to months. Conversely, bipolar disorder showcases distinct mood episodes that can shift relatively swiftly. Individuals with bipolar disorder might undergo several days of mania or hypomania, followed by an abrupt transition into a depressive state.
Approaches to Treatment:
Accurate diagnosis is pivotal for formulating effective treatment strategies. Depression is often addressed through psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both. However, prescribing antidepressants to individuals with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed bipolar disorder can instigate manic episodes, underscoring the significance of precise diagnosis. The treatment of bipolar disorder typically involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and tailored psychotherapy based on the specific phase of the disorder.
Suicide Risk:
Both depression and bipolar disorder entail an elevated risk of suicide. The depressive phase of bipolar disorder can be particularly hazardous, as individuals may grapple with profound despair and hopelessness. Nonetheless, in bipolar disorder, the risk can fluctuate considerably during distinct phases. In depression, the risk remains relatively consistent due to the persistent low mood.
Genetic and Biological Influences:
Research indicates that both depression and bipolar disorder have genetic and biological foundations. A familial history of either condition can heighten an individual’s vulnerability. Bipolar disorder appears to possess a more substantial genetic component, and brain imaging studies have highlighted variations in brain structure and function between these two conditions. In summary, depression and bipolar disorder, despite sharing some symptomatic similarities, are separate mental health conditions distinguished by unique attributes. Depression is characterized by extended periods of low mood and diminished interest, while bipolar disorder encompasses alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and management of these disorders. Recognizing these distinctions is a stride toward promoting awareness of mental health and extending adequate support to those affected. If you or someone you know is grappling with symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, seeking professional assistance is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention.