Community News
Seniors’ Nutrition

As people age, proper nutrition can become a challenge. For example, seniors may have smaller appetites, making it difficult to eat enough to ensure good nutrition. They may also have health conditions that change their sense of taste or smell, making some foods unappealing. In addition, seniors who once cooked big, healthy meals for family can find themselves uninspired by the thought of cooking for one or two. But good nutrition is important at every stage of life. Seniors should focus on eating a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains and protein to help ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.

Community Spotlight: Blossoms Senior Care

Locally owned and run, Blossoms Senior Care is a senior home care provider with over 35 years of experience. They offer a wide range of services for older adults who are no longer able to care for themselves and do not wish to leave their homes. Having the ability to stay at home lets individuals retain independence, pride, and self-esteem. Blossoms Senior Care has highly qualified and trained caregivers/healthcare aides who are ready to help you and your loved ones with a variety of daily activities such as companionship, housekeeping, meal planning, medication reminders, personal care, respite care and scheduling and attending doctors’ appointments.

The Science Behind Acupuncture

What does science have to say about acupuncture? In a 2012 publication of Jama/Internal Medicine, a meta-analysis of nearly 18,000 randomized patients provided the most robust evidence to date that acupuncture is a reasonable referral option for patients with chronic pain like non-specific back or neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic headache, musculoskeletal disorders, and osteoarthritis. Another study published in a 2013 issue of The Clinical Journal of Pain involving 1,139 patients showed that acupuncture may be more effective than medication for symptom improvement in lower back pain. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy when performed by a certified acupuncturist.

Prevent Hospital Stays with Early Treatment

Many seniors hesitate to see a doctor because they are afraid their condition may put them in the hospital. In reality, seeing a doctor sooner with a medical concern can prevent long hospital stays. A common example is found when a person develops urinary dysfunction. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common but overlooked cause of dehydration, lethargy, and altered mental status. Early detection can minimize the severity of the condition. A prolonged UTI can lead to sepsis wherein a person becomes very ill. Community Paramedics Service provides economical non-emergency assessment and transportation. Don’t wait until you become an emergency.

Home Remedy for Denture Pain

Sometimes dentures can cause pain or discomfort, especially if your dentures are old or ill-fitting. Did you know that cloves are an excellent remedy for oral pain? Eugenol, the main ingredient in cloves has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Thus, it works as a pain reliever and helps disinfect your mouth. Grind a few cloves to get ½ teaspoon of powder. Mix a few drops of olive oil into the ground cloves. Apply it onto your sore gum. Wait 5 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat 2 times per day until gum feels better.

Special Care for Senior Pets

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and those with senior pets know that they offer unique benefits and lots of love. As pets age, they need our care even more, with regular veterinary checkups and a focus on dental health to avoid periodontal disease and other associated health problems. When you’re away from home, use only a professional pet sitter experienced in caring for senior pets. Pet owners should inquire about a potential pet sitter’s experience with senior pets and any specific training they’ve had, such as Pet First Aid & a Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting Program.

In Your Neighborhood

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre offers a variety of presentations that are of interest to those 55+. Coming up in November, we will be offering the following presentations:
• Tree Planting Project – a grassroots initiative
• Bankers Row
• Protect Yourself from Scams
• Lake Winnipeg – learn about its current health and challenges
• Aging in Place
For more information, please call 204-669-1710, or email [email protected].

Eye Care for All-Day Computer Users

Depending on the study, 50 to 90 per cent of people who are on their computers a lot experience issues with their eyes, including eye strain, red eyes, and eye twitching. Unfortunately, those of us using computers for work can’t just turn them off and walk away; we need to find ways to care for our eyes in spite of our computer use. The first step is to get an eye exam to evaluate how your eyes are doing today. After that, there are actions you can take to protect your eyes as much as possible, such as reducing ambient lighting and using floor lights rather than overhead fluorescent lights.

Quit Smoking this Winter

As the weather gets cooler, the longing to get cozy and stay inside with loved ones increases. Having even one cigarette outside in the cold (and temperatures will keep dropping!) takes you away from this. Why not look for better ways to deal with stress and pain that allow you to stay inside with your loved ones and improve your health at the same time? Consider a cardio workout at the gym – this way you can blow off steam and pump healthy endorphins through your body. Cardio exercise also helps to increase oxygen capacity in your lungs!

Is Your Spine Winter-Ready?

Are you ready for winter? Many of us would say no! After all, summer is always more pleasant, thanks to the nicer weather. A great way to make winter more pleasing is to get outside and enjoy the season by staying active! Winter activities such as walking, skiing, ice skating, and sledding demand a good degree of flexibility. Our flexibility is completely dependent on good spinal dynamics. Is your spine able to handle winter? Are you ready to tackle the challenges of the season? Visit your chiropractor to discuss how to get your spine prepped for winter fun!

Wellness Product Review

Flushing toxins with S.A. Wilsons Organic Enema Coffee.
A coffee enema is a type of colon cleanse used in alternative medicine. Discover this remedy to assist your body in flushing out toxic metabolites and heavy metals – bolstering immunity, increasing energy and balancing your mood! Coffee enemas help to pull out the endotoxins released by dying bacteria and boost our body’s natural antioxidant production. Caffeine, along with coffee’s other two power players, theobromine and theophylline, have been shown to open the bile ducts in the liver, dilate blood vessels, relax smooth muscles and encourage bile flow. When consumed rectally, coffee boosts liver enzyme activity up to 700% of normal levels. Available at Red River Coop Southdale location.