Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich super foods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, its vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes, and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value – for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favorites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
Community News
About Us
Pat Porter Active Living Centre (Serving Seniors Inc.) is a non-profit organization that provides programs, activities and services for seniors and members of the community. Seniors are the foundation of our community and our goal is to keep them a part of it for as long as possible. Read on to find out about everything we offer and how we can help you.
Meals on Wheels
Check our website regularly to see special monthly meals! A healthy, warm and delicious meal cooked fresh daily and delivered to your door. Meals are cooked at the Centre, Monday to Friday. Whether it has become harder for you to cook for yourself, or you want to add some variety to your life, this program is perfect for you! Purchase meals whenever you’d like or sign up for weekly or monthly delivery. We have two Meals on Wheels programs running out of Steinbach and Grunthal. Meals may be purchased for $7 for delivery (residents of Steinbach & Grunthal) or pickup. A meal includes soup, a main dish, sides, and dessert. Please call 204-320-4600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.
Health Spotlight: ONZ Spine
ONZ Spine specializes in more than 10 years of assisting thousands of individuals in traveling to Germany for orthopedic surgery. Are you in pain and tired of waiting for knee, hip, or spine surgery? Germany’s top Neurosurgeons at the ONZ Clinic do not have long waiting periods – usually within one month. Knee and hip surgeries are not age restrictive in Germany. Call, text or email for further information and a free consultation. We guide you through from assisting with booking flights, travel insurance, taxis, and hotels from the beginning to the end of your journey.
Mental Health & Plants
Plants reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plants have shown an increase in creativity, both in school and the workplace. They found plants brought a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression and a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. Studies showed an improvement in preschooler’s memory, and cognitive function when participants walked in nature. Children with ADHD had better concentration after a walk in the park than after an urban neighborhood walk. Taking breaks to view or be in nature helps restore everyone’s attention.
Physical Health & Plants
The physical work of gardening, preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding produces good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Garden work can also help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels keep inflammation down and manages carbohydrates and blood sugars. Being physically active through gardening provides lasting wellness benefits. Physical exercise – digging, hoeing and watering uses balance, muscles, and strength. While all physical activity is beneficial, your emotions benefit too!
Emotional Health & Plants
Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.
Stop and Take a Break
The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.
Enjoy Your Life to the Fullest
Good hearing means being able to enjoy every moment in life. But when you start experiencing hearing problems, you quickly feel you cannot enjoy all the things you care about. A hearing professional will work with you to get you back to better hearing. They can give you back the ability to enjoy your life to the fullest. Quality hearing professional are there every step of the way to identify the best solution for you. Look for a hearing centre that offers an extensive, complimentary hearing test, free follow-ups, and a wide range of innovative and discreet products. We can help.
Infertility Awareness Week
April 24-30th is National Infertility Awareness Week. The mission is to change the conversation around infertility. There are myths and misinformation that create barriers for people who need help to build their families. We want people to feel comfortable sharing their stories in a community that cares so that they don’t feel isolated and struggle. The color orange is used for infertility awareness. Orange promotes a sense of wellness and emotional energy. Let’s increase activity for this important week and remind those in our community that we are there for them during the disappointments, broken hearts, or wounded pride.
April is Oral Health Month
Oral health is important for everyone, including denture wearers. Gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss are some of the main problems that denture wearers experience, so it is important to take good care of your gums, any remaining natural teeth, and to keep your partial or complete denture(s) clean and properly fitted! If gums, natural teeth, partials, and complete dentures are not cleaned properly, you are likely to experience a build-up of plaque, leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and further tooth loss. Denturists and dental hygienists play an integral role in the maintenance of your oral health. Be sure to book an appointment today.
