“You should have your hearing tested every two years,” says Sherry Garjado. “Regardless of your perception of your hearing, monitoring your hearing will give you a solid understanding of the changes that will inevitably occur and you will be able to address those changes before they become problems.” Sherry explains that hearing loss can be directly linked to many health issues since your brain will compensate for the hearing loss by allocating more of its resources to hearing which in turn means there are less resources for other functions like memory and may lead to cognitive decline.

Learn 10 exercises you can do to increase your strength, mobility and flexibility plus tips to avoid falling during this 6-week exercise and education group called “Strong and Steady.” It’s for anyone who wants to become stronger and steadier on their feet. The class will visit 3 community sites where you can continue to be active on your own for low/no cost. Have a friend or family member register with you to provide support for positive change! Call 403.343.9100 to self-refer OR obtain a referral from your RDPCN family doctor.

– Use your CPAP all night, every night and while napping
– Use distilled water for your water chamber.
– Check your filter every other week — clean or replace if dirty.
– Replace your mask and accessories every 6 months.
– If you have any dryness in your nose or throat, try increasing the humidity.
– Keep in contact with your doctor and CPAP provider to ensure your success.

Saturdays, December 7-21, 10-4 p.m. The Christmas Craft and Market Sales let local craftspeople showcase their handmade crafts, art and foods. It’s a fantastic time to come out and purchase that unique, handmade gift you’re looking for this season. Admission is free, but a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank is appreciated.

It’s natural when our weather dips below zero we beeline indoors for our couch, blankets, and hot drinks. This hibernation creates a tendency for us to stop moving, reducing the fire that naturally burns within us when we move. Some of our favourite ways to stay active when it’s cold outside are skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking or walking, and downhill skiing or snowboarding. If exercising in the cold isn’t your thing, ask your physiotherapist or athletic therapist to design an indoor program to keep you healthy and active over the winter months.

“My children are the inspiration for my drive to pursue a career in law.” With an Education degree from the University of Alberta, Joyce Sawchuk returned to school to receive her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Manitoba in 2018. She has a keen focus on estate planning and administration, residential and commercial real estate, corporate and commercial matters and adult guardianship and trusteeship applications. Because of her farm roots, she also has an interest in farm law and oil and gas matters. “I look forward to meeting new clients in the Red Deer or Innisfail Johnston Ming Manning offices.

Emotional freedom technique (EFT), or tapping, is very effective for releasing fears. Marnel Hesterman, Emotional Wellness Specialist with Incite Inspirations, has personally used it to eliminate some of the fears that were limiting her life experiences. She now enjoys flying in four-seater planes, large planes as well as helicopters, where before she would be physically ill. She used it to release her fear of heights which enabled her to check zip-lining and parasailing off her bucket list. And where she would be almost frozen with fear prior to EFT/Tapping, Marnel is now able to speak in front of groups!

Grief and loss are often top reasons why individuals seek help from mental health counsellors. Red Deer Primary Care Network developed a group program for anyone experiencing the loss, whether it be from the loss of a loved one, pet, employment, divorce or other life changing event. Participants learn ways to explore grief needs, deepen their emotional healing, and reinvest in life. Recent evaluation results from the 8-week “Journeying through Grief” program show participants report the intensity of grief decreased by 40%, while their confidence in their ability to cope increased by 68%. Call 403-343-9100 to register.