Community News
Let’s Talk About Stress

Now more than ever, people everywhere are under immense stress. It’s important to know that stress can manifest in many ways, including headaches, dizziness, weight gain, digestive disorders, insomnia or decreased libido. If any of these symptoms sound a little too familiar or if you, a loved one or someone you know is experiencing other troubling symptoms with no identifiable “cause,” it might be time to assess the stress levels in your life. Many effective coping strategies exist and can be easily incorporated into a person’s daily life – ask your pharmacist or other health care professional today!

Acupuncture Treats Dizziness & Vertigo

Studies reveal that acupuncture stimulation may induce an immediate effect to treat dizziness and vertigo. When experiencing dizziness or vertigo, you may feel like the world around you is spinning, that you are unbalanced, or that there is movement within your head. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, problems with dizziness and vertigo often involve phlegm, deficiency, wind or fire. TCM follows a holistic approach to treating dizziness. We consider the overall health of the body and whether there is an imbalance in the qi, the body’s life force. This approach addresses the root cause of our dizziness and provides long-lasting symptom relief.

Signs of Too Much Screen Time

Our eyes are not designed to focus on digital devices that are 1 to 3 feet away for extended periods of time. Concentrating in front of a computer can slow your blink rate by a third, which dries the surface of the eyes. Common symptoms of too much screen time include tired, dry, red eyes; headaches; loss of concentration; and trouble remembering what was read. If it’s possible, reduce your screen time and apply the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. We recommend blue light filters as well as ocular lubricants to ease eye strain symptoms.

Local Spotlight: Innovative Medical Supplies

Innovative Medical Supplies has been serving the Winnipeg area since 1994. From ligamentous and osteoarthritis bracing products to athletic injury, cold therapy, and home health care supplies, they can meet all your needs in a convenient one-stop shopping environment. They provide sales, rentals, and services across four Manitoba locations – Brandon, Steinbach, and two stores in Winnipeg. Did you know that they also direct bill Manitoba Health and other various third-party insurance providers? To learn more about coverage information, or products and services available check out their website!

In Your Community

Emergency Lock Box
Have you ever asked yourself how could I be recused if my door was locked? Time is of essence during a fire or medical emergency. Install a Lock Box – a small weather-resistant metal box that securely holds a set of keys. Should an emergency occur while you are unable to open the door or get out of residence, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services can access your property without having to break in. Contact Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. office 204-571-2050 for more information. BrandonS4S.ca

Family Doctor Finder
It is sure difficult to find a Doctor these days. Look no further. Family Doctor Finder makes it easier for you and your family to find a team of healthcare professionals as part of home clinic that provides you with a base for your health care needs. Call 204-786-7111 or check out gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder for more information.

Donations Needed
Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. is looking for gently used medical equipment and assistive devices, such as Wheelchairs, Walkers, and Canes, to assist individuals in need. Donated equipment can have a significant positive impact on the quality of a person’s daily life. Please call 204-571-2050. BrandonS4S.ca

Help is Near
Victoria Lifeline, a medical alert service has been a valuable support system in our Community. Provide around the clock support and access to immediate assistance when you need it the most. All the personal help buttons are waterproof and designed to be worn in the bath or shower. Call Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. at 204-571-2053 to learn more. BrandonS4S.ca

You Are Not Alone
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer Disease or related dementias? The Alzheimer Society encourages families living with dementia to connect with the Society for help and support. The number of Manitobans with dementia is soaring and Covid-19 has brought new challenges families must now face. Now offering virtual support groups for caregivers and people with dementia. 204-729-8320. alzheimer.mb.ca

The Book Shelf
This month some of the books available at the Brandon Senior for Seniors Co-op Library include authors Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Michael Connelly, and Danielle Steele. Call 204-571-2053 and place your order for curbside pickup. NO cost, NO membership, NO late fees. When you are finished reading simply, return, keep or giveaway.  BrandonS4S.ca http://BrandonS4S.ca

Chase the Ace
The Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation’s new fundraiser, Chase the Ace, is in support of the Pumps for Life campaign. Pumps for Life is gearing up to raise $900,000 to purchase new infusion pumps for the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Visit ChaseTheAceBrandon.ca to try your luck and support a great cause.

Dinner is Served
If you or someone you know needs help with their meals, this is a great option for them. “Dinner is Served” is a healthy meal program by Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. For only $10.00 you will receive a complete home-cooked meal. Order as many meals as you wish on a Monday and they will be delivered on Friday for free by friendly volunteers. Check out the menu at website BrandonS4S.ca or call 204-571-2050 for more information. BrandonS4S.ca

Join the Club
The Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. is a fantastic place to meet people and learn new skills. Everyone is invited to get involved: games, puzzles, pole walking, buddy walking, computer training, yoga classes, line dancing, clogging, foot care, massage therapy, exercise classes, and a men’s club. Some other great benefits of joining; reduced rates when attending any programs, and a voice in the direction the organization takes to better our community. BrandonS4S.ca

Wellness Trivia Questions:

1. What are the small spots called occasionally seen in your field of vision?
2. What is the more common term for odontalgia?
3. What does the word yoga mean?
4. What is the strongest muscle in the human body?
5. What unusual feature does a polydactyl cat have?
6. Working past age 65 is linked to a shorter life, a study found. TRUE or FALSE?

Make Self-Care a Priority

Stress is a commonality we all share. Interestingly, a lot of people are so stressed that they don’t know what the absence of stress, or a calm mind feels like. Take a moment and check yourself. Are your fists clenched? Shoulders riding high? Teeth clenched? Tongue touching the roof of your mouth? These are but a few stress-hold positions to take note of. Your body is communicating. By making self-care a priority, and getting proper sleep and nutrition, practicing meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and systematic muscle relaxation, you will find your body relaxing and foster a better response to future stressors. Wendy Omilanow

Controlling Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, by 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitoring device properly and testing your blood pressure regularly. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight, and a diet that is low in sodium. and 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step quit smoking plan. Learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control by speaking with your pharmacist.

Phone a Friend

Temporarily gone are the carefree days when we could meet our friends at the local coffee shop. In the absence of our normal ways of connecting with others, a friendly phone call can fill the gap and brighten our days. “Phone a Friend” is a new initiative by Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. and callers will be glad to call you as many days of the week as you like. Share your stories of your family history, travel adventures, or current weather and local resources. You will have someone to talk to as well as making a new friend. Call 204-571-2052 to sign up.