Community News
Craving Change

Craving change is an educational program led by trained facilitators in the Prairie Mountain Health area. This program will help participants develop a healthier relationship with food. Craving Change will help you to understand why it’s hard to change your eating and identify your personal triggers for problematic eating. This program is available at no cost and is 3 weeks long with 1 session a week. Space is limited so pre-registering is a must. To register for one in your area call 1-877-509-7852 or visit cravingchange.ca

Dealing with Low Potassium

It is important for your body to maintain consistent levels of potassium in the blood. If potassium levels become too low or too high, serious problems with heart rhythms can result. Older adults can be at risk of low levels of potassium in the blood because of medications, diarrhea or vomiting, or inadequate diet among other reasons. Laxatives and some diuretics (water pills) are the most common medication causes. Besides prescription supplements, you can get potassium from eating bananas, oranges, and cucumbers. Your pharmacist can give you advice to help you keep potassium levels within range. Mark Mercure, Geriatric Pharmacist

Suffering From Osteoarthritis?

Do you suffer from pain, stiffness, and discomfort in your major joints like knees and hips? You may have osteoarthritis. In addition, to many non-drug therapies such as losing weight, exercise, and supports, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help. These include topical anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and oral anti-inflammatories such ibuprofen or naproxen. If a trail of over-the counter medications is not successful, there are prescription medications that could tried. While each of these options has some risks of side effects or drug interactions, your pharmacist can help you determine what option is best for you.

Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures need daily care to keep them clean and in their best shape. When cleaning your dentures, be gentle to ensure you don’t break them. Try placing a towel in the sink or filling it with water to protect them from the hard surface. Soak your dentures and then brush them with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser (toothpaste is not recommended). Place your dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight, and then rinse them thoroughly in the morning before using them. These steps will help to keep your dentures looking and feeling great!

Pumps for Life

Pumps for Life Campaign
The Pumps for Life campaign to replace all infusion pumps in BRHC has raised $600,641.54 of the targeted $900,000 so far! Thank you to the individual donors, community business partners, estates and RMs in PMH who have supported us. Thank you also to everyone who purchased tickets in our Chase the Ace raffle, which is now closed. If you’d like to donate to the campaign, you can do so by visiting www.brhcfoundation.ca or contacting our office at (204)578-4226 or info@brhcfoundation.ca. Donations over $1,000 will receive permanent recognition on our campaign wall and those over $15 will receive tax receipts.

Natural Product Review

Health First® JOINTS FIRST Double Glucosamine Complex. Did you know that the majority of Canadians over age 55 suffer with some sort of joint pain? Prevention is key, though, so keeping inflammation at bay and cartilage in good shape is the best thing you can do to keep moving well into your golden years! Health First® Joints First can do just that! It offers a complete blend of nutrients, including collagen and two forms of glucosamine that help to maintain healthy cartilage, as well as herbs like boswellia, sarsaparilla, white willow, and devil’s claw to help prevent inflammation and relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Disability Tax Credit

In the province of Manitoba, you qualify for disability credits if: You have severe impairment in mental of physical functions. Your impairment is prolonged; it has lasted or is expected to last for a period of 12 consecutive months. And a certified practitioner declares that your impairment meets the above conditions. In addition to the disability requirements applicants must also: Live in the province of Manitoba. Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian Citizen. Have paid taxes in the past or have a spouse or primary care giver that has paid taxes in the past. See your physician for more information.

Happy Men’s Health Month

June is Canadian Men’s Health Month, a time to inspire men and their families to live healthier lifestyles. It’s important for the men in our lives to make healthy changes that will lower their risk of chronic disease and help them live with less stress. Many of the most common health conditions affecting men are often preventable with the right lifestyle changes. This could include improving their diet or eating habits, getting more exercise, finding healthier ways to manage stress, and drinking less alcohol. Let this month be the start of a healthier you and/or a healthier loved one!

You Can Make a Difference in a Life

Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc.’s meal program “Dinner is Served” needs your financial support. Meals come at a cost of $10.00 which includes a roll/bread, salad, main course and a dessert. Since starting this program, we have come across many seniors that cannot afford to eat. For just $10 you can assure that a senior will not go hungry. Call 204-571-2052 to place an order or to get more information. You can also donate online by going to BrandonS4S.ca “Donate” Meals are delivered at no charge by Royal LePage staff.

When was the last time…

When was the last time…You had “Bread Pudding” – Noreen Rice, 1 ¼ c. breadcrumbs, 2 c. scalded \ milk. 2 tbsp. butter, 2 eggs, beaten, 3 to 5 tbsp. sugar. ½ tsp. vanilla, salt to taste, raisins (optional). Bake at 325F for approximately 1 hour. This recipe is found in Brandon Seniors for Seniors’ Pandemic Cookbook. Get yours for just $10.00 before they are sold out. 204-571-2050