Shining rays and longer days are great ways to enjoy summer, unlike cooking. Choosing healthy, wholefood, nutrient dense options can keep your energy high, waistline small, and your time free for the good stuff. Look for quality brands with foods high in fiber & healthy fats, low in sugar & processing (or even better, raw!), for low blood sugars, and help being your best self. To support the challenges of our fast paced world, nourish yourself with choices that are better for you, and the planet. Need help? Come into Mortar and Pesto Natural Pharmacy for a simple healthy raw cookie recipe that pleases the whole family (and is great cold on a hot day!).

5 cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen. ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup. 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch. 2 Tbsp. Lemon juice. 1 cup old-fashioned oats. ½ cup packed almond flour. ⅓ cup packed coconut sugar. ¼ tsp. sea salt. 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted. 3 Tbsp. plain yogurt. Preheat the oven to 350. In a 9 by 9-inch baking dish, mix the berries, honey, starch, and juice. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, almond flour, sugar and salt. Mix in the butter and yogurt. Stir. Dollop the oat mixture over the filling. Bake for 50 minutes. Serve with Greek yogurt.

Studies have shown that socialization is an important part of our mental wellness as we age and there is nothing like the feeling of sharing a nutritious meal while enjoying the simple pleasure of conversation, companionship and recreation.

The Golden Circle’s Community Dining program provides social activities followed by a nutritious meal catered by The Golden Circle for $9.00/person hosted by our Community Outreach Program Coordinator, Sarah Kolibab.

Activities are based on the group’s interests, we encourage input and ideas for new activities. Previous ideas have included:
• Guest Speakers
• Music/Dancing
• Arts/Crafts
• Games
• Information and Referral presentations

Community Dining is currently being held at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre, Barrett Place and Waskasoo Towers on Mondays. Please call us for scheduling information at 403-343-6074 or email Community Program Coordinator, Sarah Kolibab skolibab@goldencircle.ca
If you are interested in hosting Community Dining within your building or community centre, connect with Sarah!

1. Knowledge & Health literacy – to obtain health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. 2. Mental wellbeing & Self-awareness – knowing your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure; engaging in health screening. 3. Physical activity – practicing intensity at a desirable frequency. 4. Healthy eating – having a nutritious, balanced diet with appropriate levels of calorie intake. 5 Risk avoidance – quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol use. 6 Good hygiene – washing hands regularly, brushing teeth, washing food. 7 Rational use of products and medicines – being aware of dangers, using responsibly when necessary.

Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.

Did you know that in 2018, 929,000 Albertans (26% of the population) provided care to at least one family member or friend with chronic illness, disabilities, or aging-related conditions? One third of Canada’s labour force also has a care responsibility. Summer is seen as a time for relaxation and taking vacation, but many caregivers don’t get that break. Family caregivers are the shadow workforce of our society, and many of them need support as caregiving can come at great cost to their social relationships, health, finances and employment.

The Golden Circle has programs that can support caregivers as well as older adults in our community. Our various programs and activities are a great way to get older adults AND caregivers involved in social activities. You don’t have to be a member to participate in our activities, and all ages are welcome.

Our frozen meal program is also a great way to help ensure folks are getting nutritious, homestyle meals. This program gives caregivers a break from cooking while giving peace of mind that the people they care for are getting well fed. All meals are produced here at the Golden Circle in our AHS Inspected Commercial Kitchen!

Dehydration is a real risk in the summer months so staying hydrated is important – especially for older adults aged 65+. Staying hydrated means that you are drinking enough fluids to make up for the fluid you lose (through sweat and urine for example) and helps you to feel alert and well. Drinking enough fluids also helps with digestion, regulation of body temperature and function as well as supporting organ function and preventing constipation. Some easy tips to ensure you are staying hydrated are:
• Sip on fluids throughout the day;
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge or on your table to remind you to drink;
• Drink fluids at and between meals;
• Carry a water bottle with you;
• Include foods in your diet with higher fluid contents, like fruits and vegetables; and
• Take medications with a full glass of water instead of just a few sips. While the amount of fluid you need to drink per day depends on many factors, most older adults need at least six cups and up to ten cups of fluid each day!

Stay cool this summer with our exclusive Seniors Discount Program! Mortar and Pesto is dedicated to looking out for our seniors, offering a fantastic 10% off on vitamins, health food, self-care, and natural cleaning products for those aged 60 and above. Beat the heat with daily savings on refreshing drinks and soothing aloe gel for sunburns. Our range of affordable sunscreens and natural bug sprays provide protection without harmful chemicals. We prioritize seniors amidst rising inflation, while also celebrating all customers on our monthly Customer Appreciation Day with a 15% discount on front store products. Experience affordable, high-quality natural living at our store today.