As we know, Manitoba summer temperatures can reach 30+ degrees Celsius. This can pose a real problem for older adults as their bodies can have trouble compensating to sudden changes in temperatures. Other factors that can influence body temperature regulation include having certain chronic medical conditions, or some prescription medications. Symptoms to monitor for while in the sun are excessive sweating, increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, or muscle cramps. If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, try to get that person into a shaded area or indoors if possible, apply a cool dampened cloth to their head and extremities, and offer chilled fluids if the individual can safely swallow.
Use some of these following tips to tips to staying safe in the Manitoba heat!
Some ways to combat the high temperatures include staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, wearing full-length loose-fitting clothing, and limit your time in direct sunlight.

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 hide your mouth because you feel embarrassed about missing teeth? Missing teeth not only affects your general health and appearance, it may also contribute to depression and low self-esteem. Social embarrassment as a result of missing teeth and poorly fitting dentures may result in people avoiding social interactions. Don’t let tooth loss or improperly fitting dentures affect the quality of your life. Your denturist can explain the best ways to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Properly fitting dentures can help restore your self-esteem and bring back your smile.

By supporting Maple (Re)Leaf, you support mental health services in your community. These services provide counselling, support and so much more. By purchasing a Leaf, you are directly supporting the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, whose mental health programs are providing support in their community. Maple (Re)Leaf is on a Canada-wide tour to give all Canadians an opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. For every $30 donation a leaf will be ‘planted’ in a prominent location as an installation allowing for the community to view and participate, in a safe and covid friendly way. To donate – visit MapleLeaf.ca and click Donate Now. Choose BRHC Foundation from the list of participating organizations.. Thank you for your support!

If you spend time in wooded, shrubby, or grassy areas, it’s important to check yourself for ticks. Deer ticks (aka black-legged ticks) carry bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. A “bull’s-eye” skin rash and flu-like symptoms are common signs of the condition. Lyme disease is typically treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics. To avoid tick bites, avoid brushing against vegetation, wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use insect repellent containing DEET. If you find an embedded tick, gently remove it using tweezers by pulling close to the skin and avoid squeezing the tick. Clean the bite wound thoroughly.

“Healthy Together Now”
This program is regionally coordinated, and government supported initiative that is aimed at prevention chronic disease in Manitoba. Communities within Prairie Mountain Health can apply for funds to implement programs that focus on healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being, and tobacco prevention and reduction. Some examples for initiatives that have utilized Healthy Together Now includes “Family Gym Night,” “Gardening Together,” and “Kids in the Kitchen.” Future application intake dates include August 1st, 2021, November 1st, 2021, and February 1st, 2022. There are three contact representatives for Healthy Together Now, Nikki Dean at 1-204-578-2194 for the Brandon site, Tara Smith at 1-204-328-6215 for southern towns, and Pam Chetyrbuk at 1-204-622-4189 for northern towns. For further information, please visit https://www.prairiemountainhealth.ca/healthy-together-now to see eligibility guidelines, application guide, and the grant application.

Are you looking for a local meal program that delivers home cooked dinners to your door? Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. can help you out! All meals are $10.00 each and include one roll or bread, a salad, main course, and a dessert. Some examples of our meals include Lasagna with Garlic Bread, Swiss Steak, Roast Beef Dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Cold Plates. Orders can be called in on Fridays, and your meals will be delivered the following Friday. Let us make your dinners for you, all you have to do is heat them up! For more information or to order, please call 1-204-571-2053. Or to see the menu for the month, please visit BrandonS4S.ca