Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is defined as episodes of apneas (not breathing) which last more than 10 seconds and that occur during sleep. These episodes may occur hundreds of times per night and can lead to fragmented sleep. During these events, the individual’s oxygen level can fall to dangerously low levels (hypoxemia) and may result in cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which can at times be fatal. Also, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are far more prone to heart attacks and strokes.

Aging happens to everyone – no matter how young at heart. What’s reassuring is that we can take steps to help us age well, stay active and live independently for as long as possible. When should you start thinking about home care? If you’ve noticed signs that a senior needs help at home, it’s likely time to start the conversation. Many people think that a senior must be frail or ill before they need professional home care, but that’s not the case. Home care includes services that are designed to lighten the workload around the home.

Seniors are invited to come to the Collicutt Centre on Tuesday, October 1 from 9 am – noon to learn about recreation and leisure opportunities available to them in Red Deer. Put on in conjunction with the Seniors Service Providers Interagency group, this event is also an excellent opportunity to meet staff from several agencies, organizations, businesses and government departments who care for the wellbeing of seniors living in Red Deer and Central Alberta. In addition to concurrent learning sessions, there will be a mini-trade show with information booths to explore. Join us – there will be lots of draw prizes to win!

Just turn 50? Over 65? Going on an exotic destination this winter? From the shingles vaccine to travel vaccines, Co-op pharmacists can help! Visit any Central Alberta Co-op Pharmacy to have all your vaccination questions answered. We can do injections and we may even be able to prescribe them for you. Flu season is fast approaching, so drop by when it’s time for your annual flu shot. Ask us if you qualify for the publicly funded pneumonia shot! Stay healthy, prevent illness – talk to your Co-op pharmacist today about all your vaccination needs.

Two 90-minute Body Rolling sessions with Anne Thiessen in Red Deer offered this fall at In Harmony Meditation & Wellness Center, Parkland Mall. Session one: Thursdays, Sep 26 – Nov 7, no class Oct 31 at 7 pm and session two: Saturdays, Oct 5 – Nov 16, no class Oct 19 at 10 am. at. Each 6-class session is only $125. Call 403.348.1741 or email anne.4everybody@gmail.com to register.

Two FREE 45-minute Body Rolling Demo classes with Anne Thiessen. Thu, Sep 19, 7-7:45 pm and Sat, Sep 28, 10-10:45 am. at In Harmony Meditation & Wellness Center, Parkland Mall. Call 403.348.1741 or email anne.4everybody@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Limit one per person.

Our feet don’t always get a lot of attention – until there’s a problem. Then they become a priority, and often every step brings pain and a lot of discomfort. Arch and heel issues? Bunions? Ingrown Toenails? Diabetic foot care? When your feet are bothering you, Central Alberta Podiatry is here with solutions. We offer attentive care that can treat and prevent disease, injury, and chronic foot issues in a safe, and trusting environment. Our patients can be sure their concerns are treated properly and effectively.

Ever since local mixed media artist Sally Towers-Sybblis was a child, she had a passion for creating. She believes her process is simple: start and the painting will evolve and finish itself. Sally loves to use colour in her work; the more colour, the happier the work becomes. “I want my work to reflect a sense of fun and spontaneity!” she says. It’s important to Sally to include the community in her work, so she teaches classes on a regular basis. “Sharing my techniques gives others that same sense of gratification and expression that I receive from creating!”

When trauma is experienced, we naturally react by going to the following 3 states. Flight – tuning out, scattered attention, running away from situations, unable to look at what is going on inside. Fight – turning to defensiveness or argumentative behavior. Freeze – avoiding engagement or confrontation, turning away, or becoming passive.
With trauma, there is often a disconnection from self or the present moment. These behaviors may continue if the emotions attached to the events and experiences are not released. EFT, or Tapping, is a gentle way to release the emotions, conscious or sub-conscious, to improve your emotional wellness.