Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder where a person has the urge to move their legs, especially at bedtime. The urge is relieved by moving the legs. The cause of RLS is not known, but many of those affected are iron deficient. Roughly 5-15% of the general population has RLS. It is more common in women and older people. There are some activities that may help with RLS symptoms before prescription medications are tried. Hot baths, exercise, and stretching may help. Some drugs may worsen symptoms, so speak with a pharmacist.

Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. is looking for gently used medical equipment and assistive devices, such as Wheelchairs, Walkers, and Canes, to assist individuals in need. Donated equipment can have a significant positive impact on the quality of a person’s daily life. Please call 204-571-2050.

Are you banging up against a stump in your yard? Are old stumps a tripping hazard? Are bugs and vermin using a stump near the house as a beachhead? New equipment makes removing stumps easier than ever. The width of a common garden gate, the tracked unit with auto sweep can go 8”- 12” deep, removing the woody material and roots. A line locate is generally required to ensure that the stump removal can be done safely. After the stump is removed (depending on location) it can be planted back to grass or another plant can be planted.

Do you realize we take our feet for granted? Of course we do! So here are some simple tips to keep our feet in good health. Check your feet daily before you put on your socks and then again before you put on your shoes. Wear white socks so it is easier to see if you have damaged your foot. And, if you are shoe shopping, do that in the morning when swelling is not so prominent. If you have any concerns about your feet follow up with your family doctor, podiatrist, or your favorite foot care nurse.

Canada Purple Shield is a company that provides insurance designed specifically for funeral expenses. We help individuals provide for their funeral plans by funding those expenses ahead of need, otherwise known as “Preneed.” We do this by working closely with local funeral homes across the province through our Canada Purple Shield Program. We are the nationwide leader in our industry. JOY Bowman is here to answer your questions. Give her a call at 204-761-3637

The Board of Directors of the Brandon Regional Health Centre would like to express our sincerest thank you for the incredible support we received in 2020. “Even a global pandemic and social distancing mandates can’t stop the generosity of our donors in Westman and beyond! Words can’t describe how grateful we are to each and every donor out there that allowed us to purchase over $1.2 million dollars in much needed equipment for the Brandon Regional Health Centre this year. A special thanks as well to our hard-working staff and board of directors.” Visit our website for a full listing of all the 2020 purchases.

Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, including patients themselves! Getting involved improves your care. This is why MIPS offers free patient safety presentations to the public, providing information, resources, and tools that people can use to learn how to: 1) engage with their healthcare team 2) ask questions 3) be informed 4) take part in decision-making, and 5) advocate for themselves & others. If you are looking for valuable education for your community group or organization, and are interested in booking a virtual presentation, visit MIPS.ca/presentations.html for more details.

If you or if you know of someone who needs help with their meals, this is a great option for them. “Dinner is Served” is a healthy meal program by Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. For only $10.00 you will receive a complete home-cooked meal. Order as many meals as you wish on a Friday and they will be delivered the following Friday for free by friendly volunteers. Check out the menu at website BrandonS4S or call 204-571-2050 for more information.

New Roots Herbal’s Lion’s Mane Extract is a medicinal mushroom product that is produced using the traditional Asian hot-water method of extraction, ensuring a high-quality and effective product. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, which are found in North America, Europe, and Asia, have great brain-boosting properties and this extract can help with improved memory, mood, cognitive, and neurological functions. Lion’s Mane can also help boost the immune system, improve digestive health, increase energy levels, and assist in the regeneration of nerve cells. Each vegetable capsule contains 500 mg of high-quality Lion’s Mane mushroom extract and is free of common dietary allergens.

As May marks both Melanoma Awareness Month and the beginning of summer, it is imperative that we be reminded of the importance of sun safety at this time of year. When selecting sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens. Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and wear protective clothing (long sleeves, hats and sunglasses). Be sure to get regular skin cancer screenings.