Need Help linking and referring older adults 55+ to community supports, programs and services? Contact your local coordinator to see what is available to you throughout this time of social distancing. Supports include emergency response information kits, daily phone calls, errands, groceries and other options. Call or email: 204-478-6169, resources@swsrc.ca
Community News
Smoking and Wearing Dentures?
We know that smoking can have a variety of negative effects on our health, but do you know how smoking can affect denture wearers or those with dental implants specifically? If you have dental implants and are also a smoker, your risk of dental implant failure increases. Smoking can also put you at greater risk for infection when having dental implants fitted. Healing time after any type of dental surgery is increased in smokers, since nicotine constricts your arteries and reduces blood flow to your gums. Finally, smoking can accelerate the bone loss that normally comes with losing your teeth.
Addressing Perfectionistic Behaviours
Perfectionism, or striving to achieve excessively high standards of excellence, can contribute to higher levels of motivation, goal-achievement, and performance. But it can also contribute to self-judgment, comparison, and other self-defeating behaviours, as well as more anxiety and stress. Questions to ask yourself related to perfectionism include: 1) Is this goal something that brings me joy and satisfaction? 2) What is the underlying motivation for my goal? If it’s not that it will bring you personal joy and satisfaction, reconsider the goal. If it is, think of ways you can break this goal up into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes. Colflex® is proudly made right here in Winnipeg.
Keeping Your Immune System Strong
The good news about Covid-19 is that we’re getting through it day by day. The bad news is that we will be exposed to more viruses in the future, whether it’s a second wave of Covid-19 this fall, or another viral threat all together. The issue isn’t how strong is the virus, it’s how strong is your immune system? Now is the time to focus on strengthening your immune system so your body is ready, willing and able to deal with the next viral exposure. Experts such as Dr. Alex Vasquez DO, DC, ND, FACN recommends anti-viral formulas that contain a combination of hesperidin, zinc, vitamin D, C, A, curcumin and rutin, to name a few. Strengthening your immune system not only helps to protect you, it helps to protect your loved ones and the community.
Working from Home
In addition to setting up your home office as ergonomically as possible, getting up and moving frequently is important for your body’s health. Get up and move at least every hour. Take a short walk around your home or complete a task that gets you away from your desk. Once a day, get in physical activity for 30-60 minutes. Walk, bike or run! Do whatever makes you happy. Remember to take stretch breaks. Chest and upper back stretches help get the stiffness out of your neck and shoulders. Stretching hips flexors and glutes can also help with low back stiffness. We are offering Physiotherapy by Video until we can see you again in the clinic! Call for details 204-452-7142
Product Review: WELLNESS TINCTURE
ACTIVE RELEAF aims to encourage active wellness through the use of nature’s most powerful ingredients. Offering a collection of plant-based wellness products, ACTIVE RELEAF’s WELLNESS TINCTURE is their strongest remedy. Used as a natural plant-based alternative for people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and other ailments. The WELLNESS TINCTURE is formulated with a high concentration of broad spectrum cannabinoid-rich hemp plant extract, paired with coconut MCT oil to help deliver cannabinoids and increase bioavailability. Taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into your favourite beverage. With three different concentration options (400mg, 1000mg & 2000mg) and measured droppers, dosing is accurate and flexible for your needs.
The Importance of Surrendering
With the difficult challenges of living through a pandemic, uncertainty and self-isolation are becoming our new best friends. Nothing as we knew it is the same. Surrendering and releasing more than ever needs to be welcomed and allowed into our lives. Surrender is not about giving up; it’s about letting go and grieving what you did not see coming and cannot control. No longer holding onto what doesn’t fit or work by trying to control. Welcoming in new ways, accesses a deeper part of ourselves that is emerging that might not have otherwise come in and be gifted.
Blocking Blue Light
Blue light emitted from the sun is essential to your body. However, exposing your eyes to the artificial blue light from computers, smartphones and other digital devices may keep you awake at night and causing eyes strain. Blocking UV and HEV (high-energy visible) light is critical for your eyes against cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Ask your trusted eye care professional about blue light blocking lenses available to you. Our tip: If you are working on your laptop, tablet or smartphone long hours, we recommend giving your eyes frequent breaks by looking into the distance often.
Stay Well with Virtual Appointments
Telehealth virtual-rehabilitation appointments allow you to connect with your physiotherapist in live-format using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This is a great option when you’re unable to make it to the clinic for a hands-on session. During a telehealth visit, your physiotherapist can still provide many valuable tools, including, but not limited to: assessing and diagnosing your injury, teaching you self-management techniques for how to best manage your ailments, identifying aggravating and easing factors, prescribing and instructing exercise, providing referral for imaging or other healthcare providers when needed, and making equipment recommendations (sport-braces, orthotics, crutches, taping techniques, etc.).
Travelling Boosts Mental Health
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel is not an option, but don’t let that stop you from dreaming big. Travel is beneficial to our mental health, helping to enhance creativity, improve mental stability, provide stress relief, broaden perspective, strengthen relationships, and boost mood. Some ways you can continue to incorporate travel into your life while social distancing include planning your next trip, taking virtual tours online of various destinations and attractions, researching festivals and other events you’d like to attend, and watching travel videos online. After the pandemic ends, the world will be yours to explore once again! Megan Reimer, Cruise Vacations.
