The holiday season brings joy, but it can also pose hidden dangers for pets. Keep Christmas trees secure to prevent tipping, and avoid tinsel, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Decorations like ornaments and lights should be placed out of reach, as they can be choking or electrocution hazards. Many festive plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to animals. Keep chocolate, alcohol, and rich holiday foods away from curious pets. Provide a quiet space for them to retreat from guests and noise. With a little planning, you can keep your furry friends safe and enjoy a happy Christmas together.
Community News
National Influenza Awareness Month
December is National Influenza Awareness Month in Canada, a time to focus on preventing the flu and protecting public health. Influenza can lead to serious complications, especially for seniors, young children, and those with chronic conditions. The best defense is vaccination, which reduces the risk of infection and severe illness. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, also help limit the spread of flu. Staying informed about flu seasons, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep support the immune system. Awareness and proactive measures can keep communities healthier during the winter months.
Companionship for the Holidays
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging for seniors who may feel isolated or miss loved ones. Staying connected is key to emotional well-being. Simple activities like phone or video calls, writing cards, or inviting a friend for tea can make a world of difference. Joining community events or volunteer groups can also lift spirits and create new memories. Companionship brings comfort, laughter, and belonging — especially during the holidays. Did you know our team can help with errands or holiday shopping to make the season brighter? Visit www.hsewinnipeg.com for more heartwarming wellness tips.
Dentures and TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, can sometimes be caused by too much space between your upper and lower teeth. When your dentures no longer fit properly because of ridge resorption and worn down tooth anatomy, this can lead to a decreased vertical dimension, which in turn can cause TMJ pain. Symptoms like headaches, popping in the jaw, pain in the jaw, neck pain, dizziness, pain in the ears, ringing in your ears, or even hearing loss could occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your denturist to see how they can help with this issue. Make sure to get your dentures checked regularly to prevent further problems.
NEW Local Business Spotlight
UROSPOT Brings Its Pelvic Floor Revolution to Winnipeg. UROSPOT is a Canadian-owned pelvic health clinic helping women and men overcome bladder leaks, urgency, frequency, night waking, prolapse and sexual dysfunction – without surgery, pain, or downtime. Clients remain fully clothed while sitting on a specialized chair that uses Health Canada and FDA-approved technology to strengthen the pelvic floor – delivering a year’s worth of Kegels in a single, 30-minute session. No doctor referral is required. Join thousands of Canadians who have regained their freedom at UROSPOT. Visit UROSPOT.com or call (204) 318-8866 to book your complimentary consultation.
Avoid the Winter Blues
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
Quit Smoking This Winter
Winter is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start and quit smoking for good. Laser therapy offers a natural, non-invasive method to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Using low-level laser light on specific energy points, it helps stimulate endorphin production, promoting relaxation and easing the transition to a smoke-free life. Many people experience reduced cravings after just one session. Combined with motivation and support, laser therapy can make quitting easier and more comfortable. This winter, choose better breathing, improved health, and a renewed sense of well-being by committing to quit smoking with the help of laser therapy.
Confident Smiles This Holiday
Holiday gatherings are full of laughter, delicious food, and memorable conversations. For denture wearers, enjoying these moments comfortably is important. Well-fitting dentures allow you to eat seasonal favorites and smile confidently in photos without worry. Regular care, cleaning daily and visiting your denturist for check-ups, helps prevent discomfort or slipping during meals. With the right fit and care, dentures won’t hold you back from the holiday fun. Enjoy every bite, toast, and smile with confidence this season.
Flowers to Help with the Holidays
Flowers are scientifically proven to have a positive impact on your mental health, relieving the stress and anxiety of the holidays. Some festive flowers include: Poinsettias – They are the classic Christmas flower. The bright red colors on the dark green leaves make it the perfect holiday mascot! They attract happiness and promote positive feelings. Orchids –Unlike the poinsettia, orchids don’t have a long association with Christmas. Instead, they are a unique and special flower that signals warmth and joy. Christmas Cactus – This plant hits the market just in time for the holidays. They increase humidity in the air and creates a cheerful aura in your home.
