A common ritual around New Year is to make resolutions for the up-coming year. For many, these resolutions are typically broken within the first couple weeks. The greatest challenges with these resolutions is that they are focused on what we ‘think we should do’ as opposed to what would be really helpful to us. Common resolutions are: exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking, and so on. Now, all of those ideas are healthy, however they are not always a good plan for self-care. Make your New Year’s Resolutions about increasing Self-care, which is about finding activities you enjoy doing, and doing them regularly!
Community News
Gambling Support and Treatment Services
Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2
My Spouse Needs a Hearing Test
If your loved one is constantly asking others to repeat themselves, it is an indicator that they may be experiencing some form of hearing loss. Lovingly explain to your spouse that it is becoming increasingly frustrating to have to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Propose that for one week, you will track the number of times you need to repeat yourself. Discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. Test your hearing today.
Loneliness May Lead to Bad Health
Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.
Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle
Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!
Medicinal Roots for Wellness
Our bodies could use some support during the cold season, illness, and especially during times of increased stress. Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stress and bring you back to balance. Here are a some roots for you to consider: *Astragalus – preventing cold/flu, coughs, heart health, immunity. *Ginseng – Panax(stimulating) or Siberian(more yin), both are used for stress, balance, immune support. *Maca – Peruvian ginseng, stress, stamina, libido and vitality. *Ashwaghanda – Indian ginseng, endocrine balance, depression, sleep, thyroid. *Valerian – sedative, sleep, anxiety and stress. While all these roots will support adrenals and immunity, talk to your local natural health advisor to determine which herbs are right for you.
Volunteering is Good for Your Health
Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Getting out and being social leads to better health and lower rates of depression. Volunteering is a wonderful way of interacting with others in the community and keeping the brain working. Volunteering also has great social benefits. In 2019,
volunteers with the Auxiliary were instrumental in operating nine year-round services at the hospital and Cairnsmore Place, and together with equipment purchases & construction funding for Hospice, this provided over $250,000 in financial support. Please join us!
Socks for Christmas
What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas this year? How about a gift of Wellness? This year, give your loved ones a pair of socks. But not just any sock. Socks with wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance for months to come. Knee high socks with mild compression are great for the travellers on your list. For the hikers, chose wool sock that hug the feet and keeps them warm in the outdoors. And don’t forget yourself, you too deserve a gift of wellness.
Our Mind is our Greatest Treasure
Our mind is our most important asset – more important than our house, bank account or stock portfolio. We insure our house and work hard to pad our bank account. To enhance our brainpower we need a brain workout. A vigorous and diverse mental life with mental challenges stimulates growth of new neurons and new connections between them. The brain is a complex organ with different parts in charge of different mental functions. Functions such as memory, attention, perception, decision making, or problem solving requires a whole network of brain regions rather than a single region.
Live Theatre – Miracle on 34th Street
This is the Christmas story that we all want to believe in! Kris Kringle, a retired old man, is hired as Macy’s Santa in New York, and begins to spread Christmas cheer by directing parents to other stores, where they can find the exact special gift on their child’s Christmas list. As he threatens their commercialization of Christmas, those in charge try to have Kris committed. The stakes are raised with a court competency hearing, and the risk of one little girl’s belief in Santa. When the court confirms Kris is the true Santa, both children and adults alike experience the delight of childhood fantasy.
Winter Falls
‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls. Falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles you’ve tracked inside your home.
