Join us for “An Evening Beneath the Ocean” on Saturday, September 16th in the Grand Salon of the Victoria Inn! Enjoy an evening of excellent food, great prizes and dancing with the Graydon Cramer Band. Tickets are now available for $125 each and can be purchased from the BRHC Foundation. For details contact (204) 578-4227 or email info@brhcfoundation.ca
All proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of equipment at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
Jo-Anne Lewis, Executive Director BRHC Foundation brhcfoundation.ca
Community News
Heat-Induced Asthma Attacks
Summer heat can pose challenges for individuals with asthma. The combination of hot weather, high humidity, and air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms and exacerbate respiratory issues. Heat and humidity can cause airways to constrict, making it harder to breathe. Pollutants and allergens can also become more prevalent during the summer, further aggravating asthma symptoms. It is crucial for asthmatics to take preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and seeking shade or air-conditioned environments when necessary. Additionally, following a prescribed asthma management plan, taking medications as directed, and keeping rescue inhalers on hand are essential for managing asthma during the summer months.
Book Club: Real Self-Care
A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness. From women’s mental health specialist Pooja Lakshmin, MD. Real self-care, in contrast, is an internal, self-reflective process that involves making difficult decisions in line with our values, and when we practice it, we shift our relationships, our workplaces, and even our broken systems. Find it at your local bookstore.
Consistency and Caregiving
Consistency is important when it comes to caregiving for a variety of reasons, including: 1) Developing trust – Your loved one will see the same face each time and get to know their caregiver. 2) Facilitating communication – Good communication between family and caregivers is essential to doing what’s best for your loved one. 3) Reducing accidents – Avoiding medication mishaps, etc. 4) Being aware of health changes – Recognizing what’s normal and not normal for your loved one. 5) Preventing scheduling conflicts – Knowing you won’t have to step in unexpectedly. 6) Providing peace of mind – Helping everyone feel good about home care.
Disability Tax Credit: Combating Inflation
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a valuable tool in mitigating the impacts of inflation and rising costs of living for individuals with disabilities. By accessing this credit, individuals can receive financial relief that helps them manage their daily expenses. The DTC provides tax breaks for eligible individuals with disabilities, recognizing the additional costs associated with their condition. It offers a means to offset the financial burden imposed by inflation and increasing living expenses, such as medical costs, adaptive equipment, and specialized care. By claiming the DTC, individuals can access much-needed financial support, ensuring their ability to maintain a decent quality of life despite economic challenges.
Self Care is NOT Selfish
Rates of occupational burnout are at an ALL TIME HIGH. And while self-care will not solve everything, “whole” modelling – being authentic and vulnerable and adopting a philosophy that ‘you need to be well to do well’ can help. It will help you and inspire your colleagues. The cliché is true – you need to put on your own mask before helping someone else. If your jug is empty, how can you fill someone else’s cup? So, take some time to invest in self-care and celebrate it with others on International Self Care Day on July 24th and beyond.
Trusting Myself Fully
I invite you to take out a pen and paper and complete this sentence with your dominant hand: “If I trusted myself completely, I would do/say or make happen” ……? Then with your non-dominant hand respond: “What holds me back from fully trusting” ….? When we struggle to create or share what we truly want, it’s often because there is a missing part of ourselves lost, frozen or trapped in time. When we seek validation from those outside ourselves over the wisdom that resides within us, this leads towards 2 big compromises: 1) Seeking and chasing the need for constant approval (anxious attachment) or 2) avoiding and rejecting what we desire, so we don’t feel the disappointment and rejection (avoidant attachment). Relationships are a shared energy, the more we trust our gut knowing, the better we can trust, share and receive what we truly desire.
Osteoporosis & Bone Fracture Risk
Fractures can be the first sign of osteoporosis and can lead to more fractures. Most occur in the hip, spine, shoulder, or wrist. Spine fractures may not be painful but can cause height loss or a rounded back. If you’ve had a fracture, you’re at high risk for another. A spine or hip fracture greatly increases this risk and requires osteoporosis treatment. Broken hips are especially serious for older individuals, often resulting in disability. 22% of women and 33% of men who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. (osteoporosis.ca) Fractures after age 40 may require a bone density test and risk assessment. Find out if you are at risk by either having the scan in our office or in the comfort of your home.
Dementia Help
You are not alone in your dementia journey, we are here to help.
Whether you’ve noticed signs of dementia, recently received a diagnosis or need help navigating the next stages of the disease, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can support you.
The Society provides information, education and support for families. We have a variety of in-person and virtual programming, including education sessions, support groups and Minds in Motion®, so you can join wherever works best for you.
Contact the Alzheimer Society today to reach a reassuring ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Visit our website for more information.
The Mood & Mind Club
It’s time to do mental healthcare differently and The Mood & Mind Club is where we start! Let’s empower ourselves to take back control of our health and throw away the band-aid approaches that don’t offer the lasting results we need. In this private membership we’re creating a community of women that are supporting their mental health in a more natural, holistic way. They don’t want to be on meds, they see the power in nutrition, mindset work, self discovery and self responsibility. Want to know more? Visit https://www.shinetruewellnessco.com/moodandmindclub
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two distinct heat-related conditions with varying degrees of severity. Heat exhaustion is typically the precursor to heat stroke and occurs when the body becomes overwhelmed by excessive heat. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Prompt action, such as moving to a cooler environment, resting, and hydrating, can prevent progression to heat stroke. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It involves a dangerous elevation in body temperature, accompanied by a cessation of sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness. Heat stroke demands urgent medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
