Happy Spring to everyone! Did you know that walking is one of the best ways to maintain your health and independence as you age? Walking helps you build muscle strength/endurance and can also reduce body fat. Other important benefits include improved balance, stronger bones, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. It will even help you sleep better at night! Staying active is a crucial component of healthy aging and can preserve the one thing we all cherish – our independence! Victoria Lifeline can also support your active, independent lifestyle with the GoSafe mobile personal alert button.
Community News
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common disease that develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of death and disability around the world, and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. Over 7.2 million Canadians have hypertension, and 7.5 million more have high blood pressure that will lead to hypertension without preventative action. Your blood pressure is considered high when you have consistent systolic readings of 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Schedule an appointment to see your family doctor if you’re concerned you have hypertension.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Although understandable, delaying care or early diagnosis typically leads to issues that are more difficult to treat. If you are feeling nervous, establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Put a Spring in your Step!
Spring has sprung, the snow has melted, birds are returning, everything is waking up and becoming alive once again. How about you? Now is the time for healthy change, time to renew and start fresh. Start by ditching the old unhealthy habits and trying something different, like getting outside and moving towards a positive goal and away from the dead weight of your addiction. You are greater than your addiction and can change if you are willing to put in the work. Reach out for support and come alive in news ways this season! Healthy change starts now.
Nutritional Needs for Seniors
As you age, your nutritional needs change, which is why it’s important to adjust your diet accordingly to improve the way you think and feel. Eating a diet that is high in fiber and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes promotes a healthy digestive tract, prevents constipation, and maintains a healthy body weight. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, cabbage, beans, and spinach help to fight against free radicals and boost immune function. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts and flaxseeds help improve cognitive function. Following a well-balanced diet every day is crucial in leading a long, happy, and healthy life.
Tick and Heartworm Season is Here
There are several kinds of ticks crawling around Manitoba, including the Deer Tick which is responsible for transmitting Lyme Disease. Symptoms of Lyme Disease include fever, sore joints, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Ticks tend to latch on in areas with less fur such as ears, eyes, groin, underbelly and paw pads. Make sure you are performing thorough full body checks for ticks on a regular basis. Heartworm is transmitted by infected mosquitos. Symptoms may include mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, and weight loss. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative measures and medications for your pets.
Clean Eating Recipe
Sunflower Seed Hummus. Ingredients: 1 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds. 1 cup unsweetened almond beverage. 2 tsp
lemon zest. 1/4 cup lemon juice. 3 tbsp olive oil. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp ground cumin. pinch each of salt and pepper. Soak sunflower seeds in almond beverage 2 hr. (or overnight). Reserve 1/2 cup (125 mL) soaking liquid (discard the rest) and drain the seeds. In blender or food processor, place soaked seeds, reserved soaking liquid, almond beverage, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
Look for this and more recipes at Sobeys.com
Look for Local at Sobeys
Nature’s Farm is a family-owned egg farm, artisanal pasta shop, and fine food retail establishment, based in Steinbach, Manitoba. Hermann and Sheryl Grauer have been producing eggs since 1987, working tirelessly to pioneer sustainable farming practices, ensure humane animal treatment, and deliver quality food products. Since their founding, they have built loyal and lasting relationships with customers, here in Manitoba, and established a reputation for excellence in food production. Nature’s Farm is thrilled to team up with Sobeys to offer the people of Manitoba taste of what they do.
Don’t Let Dentures Scare You!
Because dentures have been around for such a long time, they have had centuries to generate stories and myths. These fables and warning stories are sometimes used to scare children into taking better care of their teeth. While some concerns may have been valid in the past, they don’t hold anymore. The quality of modern dentures is continuously improving. After an adjustment period, you can enjoy the benefits of white, straight, and attractive teeth. Also, you can eat, drink, and speak normally, without embarrassment. Dentures are lighter, more natural-looking, and much easier to manage than ever before, giving you confidence and a beautiful smile!
Ask Dr. Tyler Anderson OD
Q: I’ve heard that there’s some benefit in using marijuana to treat eye disease. Is this true? A: There have been earnest studies about the possible eye-pressure lowering effect from marijuana to help one specific eye disease, glaucoma. According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the clinical utility of marijuana for the treatment of glaucoma is limited by the inability to separate the potential clinical action from the undesirable neuropsychological and behavioural effects. The Society does not support the medical use of marijuana for the treatment of glaucoma due to the short duration of action, the incidence of undesirable psychotropic and other systemic side effects and the absence of scientific evidence showing a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. In short, treatment with specific eye drops or surgery is far safer and more effective.
Safe & Convenient Medication Packaging
Blister packaging offers a safe and practical way to store your prescriptions. With blister packaging, multiple medications are organized by time and day and packed into individual bubbles. You can greatly reduce the risk of forgetting to take your medication or taking a double dose. The packaging is easy to transport for outings and holidays, more convenient than bringing multiple pill bottles. Blister packaging and delivery is offered at no cost to the patient at Patient Advocate Pharmacy. Visit or call the pharmacy at 204-338-5135 to learn more. Pharmacists Devyn Swark, Hillary Blahitka, and Kevin Klippenstein Patient Advocate Pharmacy | 204-338-5135 | [email protected] | https://medigroup.ca/pharmacies/patient-advocate-pharmacy
