THE STATISTICS ARE ALARMING
As the leading cause of injury, falls are a significant public health issue across age groups and settings in Alberta. In 2019 alone, 161,539 Albertans visited emergency rooms and urgent care, and 18,702 Albertans were hospitalized due to a fall. Falls happen at home, school, in recreation and leisure, sports, in the community, work and even on vacation. As of 2022, falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the injured individuals but also affect family, friends, care providers and the health care system. But here’s the good news – with a little knowledge, some tools and resources, we ALL have the ability to prevent most falls at any age!

HOW TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY FALLS

We all have a role to play in Fall Prevention! Here are just a few tips to help you prevent falls:
Stay active to maintain balance and core strength by whenever possible taking a walk, participating in exercise classes and stretching; eat nutritious meals to stay strong and avoid frailty; make sure you regularly have eye exams to ensure existing prescriptions are accurate; speak with your Doctor and Pharmacist to ensure that your medical prescriptions are not affecting your vision; assess your home and other environments for slip and trip hazards and remove them whenever possible; wear proper footwear indoors and outdoors – especially in these colder icy months where slips are all too common; hold onto a railing if you are going up or down stairs and ramps.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A FALL

If you do have a fall, assess whether you can get up. If you can, stop and catch your breath, check to see that you are uninjured and take your time getting up. There are many resources available that show you how to safely get yourself back up.

If you cannot get up, call out for help, if you have a phone or emergency device, use it to call for help. Make noise so someone will hear you and try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness until help arrives.

Remembrance Day marks the final day of Veterans’ Week and commemorates the end of hostilities during the First World War on that date in 1918. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians gather wherever they are and stand in collective remembrance of all who have fallen in the military service of their country. We observe a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and to recognize their service to our country.

May we all spend some time not only on Remembrance Day, but every day, honouring our veterans and remembering that they fought and sacrificed for Canada and Canadians. May that memory never fade of the sacrifices that our nations’ veterans, both alive and since passed, have made, and do continue to make in order that we may enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Thank you to all of our veterans. We remember.

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups CO-OP GOLD Slow Cook Oats; 2 ½ Cups SILK OAT YEAH Oat Beverage; ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup raisins; 2 Tbsp chia seeds; 2 Tbsp CO-OP GOLD PURE Hemp Seeds; ⅛ tsp cinnamon; ⅛ tsp nutmeg. For garnish: 1 cup matchstick-cut apple; 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds. DIRECTIONS: Place all “overnight” ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover snugly and let soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning, stir mixture and add a bit more oat milk if needed. Divide among jars or bowls and add fresh apple and pumpkin seeds as a garnish.

Winter in Alberta often results in widespread vitamin D3 deficiency, making Ortho Molecular’s D3-K2 supplement an invaluable solution. Vitamin D3 is vital for calcium absorption, strengthening bones, and fortifying the immune system. This supports cardiovascular health, bone density and enhances immune function for infection defense. Importantly, research suggests combining D3 with an oil like coconut oil improves absorption and bioavailability. Tablets are not recommended as they prove ineffective in altering D3 blood levels, unrelated to their fat source.

Upcoming events for seniors at RDPL include:
Past Pages Afternoon Book Club; Downtown Walk & Talk; Red Deer Cancer Connect; On the Same Page Book Club; Beginner Adult Yoga; Sip n’ Stitch; CNIB Tech Help; CNIB Cafe; Travel Memories; First Thursday Concert

Simple Steps and Proven Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Cognitive Decline – Before It’s Too Late by Ginni Mansberg. As we age, dementia and Alzheimer’s pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. To give us a running start in the fight against cognitive decline, GP and acclaimed broadcaster Dr. Ginni Mansberg presents the very latest evidence-based research on how to protect your most valuable asset – your clever, vulnerable, powerful brain.
Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org.

Upcoming events for seniors at RDPL: Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday). Red Deer Cancer Connect. On the Same Page Book Club. Beginner Adult Yoga. Sip n’ Stitch.
CNIB Tech Help.CNIB Cafe
Travel Memories. First Thursday Concert. Past Pages Afternoon Book Club.

GOLDEN CIRCLE CHRISTMAS CASH RAFFLE FUNDRAISER

We know it’s only October, but Christmas is coming! The Golden Circle’s Christmas Cash Raffle is back again for 2023! Tickets are just $5.00 each, only 3500 were printed, 1st prize is $3,000.00, 2nd is $1,500.00, 3rd is $750.00. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase.

Tickets are being sold at various locations throughout the city and here at the Golden Circle, located at 4620 47A Avenue in Red Deer. The draw date will be at 11:30 am just before hot lunch on Wednesday, December 13th.

Phone: 403-343-6074
Website: https://www.goldencircle.ca
Social Media @GoldenCircleRD

BROKERED WORKERS NEEDED FOR RED DEER AND SURROUNDING RURAL COMMUNITIES!

The Golden Circle’s Brokered Worker program is administered through the Outreach Department and involves housekeeping, home maintenance, and yard care services to support and encourage older adults to age in the place that is right for them.

Brokered Workers are needed for Red Deer and surrounding communities; some of the services provided are:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One time cleaning

The Golden Circle screens and interviews the Brokered Worked, then matches them with clients. Reimbursement is $20.00/hr with a two (2) hour minimum charge for housekeeping, with a one hour minimum for snow shoveling and clients pay the Brokered Worker directly!

Are you interested in becoming a Brokered Worker through the Golden Circle? Connect with us for an Application Package. You will need to include a copy of your resume and three (3) references.

Phone: 403-343-6074
Email: skolibab@goldencircle.ca

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED FOR RED DEER AND SURROUNDING RURAL COMMUNITIES

Do you have your own vehicle, a clean driving record and a flexible schedule? Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that gives you the chance to spend time with older adults while supporting their health and well being?

The Golden Circle recognizes the need to provide transportation to older adults aged fifty and up (50+) who do not have other means of transportation. This service is provided by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles and is available to clients for Medical appointments, for Escorted Grocery Shopping and to attend programs at the Golden Circle to address social isolation. Supportive transportation is available Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. In order to be registered for the supportive transportation program, individuals must first be assessed by an Outreach Coordinator.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please contact Melissa Flinn; Program and Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Phone: 403-343-6074
Email: mflinn@goldencircle.ca

How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal.
Through her trademark blend of science and storytelling, McGonigal shows how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including self-expression, social connection, and mastery, and why it is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org