Digital Eye Strain is a new epidemic affecting roughly 8 out of every 10 people twenty-five years and older in North America – that’s 80% of nearly our whole working force! With the rise of technology, most people use screens for sometimes hours at a time. This increased digital focus is causing dry eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, blurred vision and neck pain. Whether you have any of these symptoms or work on your computer for more than 3 hours total per day, be sure to see an optometrist that prescribes glasses and/or contacts for Digital Eye Strain.
Healthy Treats to Beat the Summer Heat
When the weather is hot, we tend to reach for sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles to satisfy our palate. The downside is that these treats are high in sugar, fat and artificial flavoring, and do little for our bodies nutritionally. If you are looking for some healthy yet refreshing alternatives, give the following ideas a try: homemade popsicles made from fresh fruit puree, berries dipped in yogurt, fruit on a skewer, freshly brewed iced tea with lemon, or frozen grapes. Smart choices can be equally as tasty and refreshing. Get creative and enjoy.
Eat More Fibre!
Fibre has many health benefits. It normalizes bowel movements, helps maintain a healthy bowel, lowers cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, and aids in achieving a healthy weight. The best way to get fibre is from whole foods and whole-grain products including fruits, vegetables, beans/peas and other legumes, and nuts and seeds. You can also get fibre from supplements like Metamucil or foods with fibre added like granola bars, yogurt, and cereal. The daily recommendations for fibre intake are: 38 grams for men age 50 or younger, 30 grams for men age 51 or older, 25 grams for women age 50 or younger, and 21 grams for women age 51 or older.
In Your Neighborhood
Are you 55+ and looking for opportunities to stay active, meet new friends, and have fun? Good Neighbours Active Living Centre, 720 Henderson Highway, provides a variety of programs and services for older adults. You can learn about what we offer for free during our Open House Week, August 19 – 23, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. This includes our fitness, creative arts, music and dance classes as well as our recreational opportunities. Our café, Hobnobs, will also be open, so you can enjoy a tasty lunch, snack or coffee at a great price. For more information call 204-669-1710 or visit our website at www.gnalc.ca.
Walking through Summer
Summer means outdoor fun for many people which involves being on our feet for a good amount of time. Swimming and walking bare foot on a sandy beach are clearly two of the best exercises for foot strength and comfort, especially if you have tired feet or sore calf muscles. Some people with bunions may also benefit from this. Walking on soil or sidewalks is also beneficial, and even better with good shoes and pliable soles to give the feet more exercise. If this creates pain, then proper corrective orthotics will be required to bring your feet back to normal.
Meet Your Practitioner
Meet Chuck Kotyrba from Lisa Reid Audiology. Chuck has been working in the hearing industry for the past 10 years, primarily in rural Manitoba. Born in Germany, Chuck has been a resident of Winnipeg for the past 30 years and enjoys fishing and hiking through the great Canadian outdoors. Chuck looks forward to helping clients improve their quality of life through better hearing solutions, and Lisa Reid Audiology is thrilled to have him as a member of the team.
Functional Movement Flow
Aging is inevitable, but loss of function doesn’t have to be. A strong foundation in movement mechanics allows you to be strong and safe in as many situations as possible. Work to build your fitness foundation from the ground up. Remember, it’s important to establish spine stabilization prior to core strengthening. If you’re an older adult, choose low impact, light intensity exercise classes that can help with mobility, balance, coordination, flexibility, and posture. It’s a great idea to learn about the principals of human movement that will give you the ability to do everyday activities with ease and pain free! Join us @ Functional Movement Flow 204-293-2644 www.ramfitness.ca
Aging in Place
What are some of the best ways to help seniors stay in their own homes as they grow older? Some easy things to do include improving lighting and decreasing clutter from walkways to help avoid falling/ tripping. Installing bathroom grab bars and widening doorways can also help. Technology can aid with daily tasks such as remembering to take medication, securing windows and doors, and turning off appliances. Medical alert systems are also an option. An in-home care provider can assist with physical movement, and personal care and hygiene to increase the level of support and safety when aging at home.
In Your Community
Shayogi Yoga offers weekly summer group classes in a beautiful outdoor setting with the support of your peers. During the 60 minutes, you will be led through a custom yoga sequence with a different focus each week! YOGA IN ST. VITAL PARK. $5, Wednesday’s, 6-7pm. Located in St. Vital Park across from the playground behind the parking lot. Follow Shayogi online for weather updates.
Tips For Staying Hydrated This Summer
• Drink throughout the day! Be mindful of your thirst.
• Avoid sugary drinks, opt for water instead.
• Keep water accessible. Pack a reusable water bottle.
• Try adding soups, popsicles and hydrating fruits like watermelon or cucumber into your diet.
• Choose decaffeinated drinks as much as possible.
• Take sips of water during meals and snacks.
• Infuse your water with fruit. Keep a jug ready to go in the fridge.
• Be mindful of the weather. When it is hot, we need more to drink.
Natural Product Spotlight
Are you familiar with “intermittent fasting” and its numerous benefits? If you like to fast, Innotech Fasting Days™ is formulated to help support your goals with a balanced nutrient powder that is low in calories, keto friendly, vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy, and NO sugar, gluten, MSG, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavours and colours. It has 10 grams of amino acids, and 13 vitamins and minerals, including your daily electrolyte requirement. Drink this during your 18 to 20-hour fast to help optimize energy, glucose metabolism, hydration and electrolyte balance, bone density and muscle mass, and high quality collagen formation, while suppressing hunger.


