Community News
Avoid Injury This Spring

Spring means two things: yard work and stiff, sore muscles. Stretching to prepare muscles for strenuous activities that have not been done since fall is very important. Simple things like doing arm circles, shrugging your shoulders, and touching your toes should be done before and after activity. If you do over-exert and your neck, shoulder, arm, or back pain is not going away within a week, there are natural alternatives that can help. Options such as Biofeedback, designed nutritional formulations, or NIR Therapy will reduce inflammation and stimulate muscle repair to help you recover quickly and get back to enjoying spring.

April is Oral Health Month

Oral health is important for everyone, including denture wearers. Gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss are some of the main problems that denture wearers experience, so it is important to take good care of your gums, any remaining natural teeth, and to keep your partial or complete denture(s) clean and properly fitted! If gums, natural teeth, partials, and complete dentures are not cleaned properly, you are likely to experience a build-up of plaque, leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and further tooth loss. Denturists and dental hygienists play an integral role in the maintenance of your oral health. Be sure to book an appointment today.

Staying Active for Life!

It’s easy to come up with reasons to not want to go out, not spend time with friends or family or not be active on a regular basis. Being social and active at all ages is key to making sure the body, mind and spirit are healthy just as much as it is to eat healthy. At Misericordia Terrace, our in-house activities are designed so that our residents can have purpose in their day to day lives. Some examples include our fitness sessions which are led by a trained fitness professional. Art projects led by local artists (and you don’t need to be a Picaso to take part). Our speaker series which brings in individuals to talk about a wide range of topics including fall prevention, estate planning, diabetes management and the list goes on. It even includes fun social activities such as coffee and conversation to get to know

Managing Adult ADHD Symptoms

While ADHD is best treated with medication and therapy, many studies suggest that the supplements may be beneficial. Supplements for ADHD often include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamin D. Omega-3s, found in fish oil, support optimal brain function, while zinc and magnesium are involved in neurotransmitter regulation and may aid in attention and focus. Iron deficiency has been linked to ADHD-like symptoms, making supplementation beneficial for some individuals. Vitamin D plays a role in cognitive function and mood regulation. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine appropriate dosages and ensure compatibility with other treatments.

Claiming Care Medical Expenses

Navigating the financial challenges of supporting aging parents, special needs children, or spouses with severe illnesses often involves significant attendant care expenses. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) allows individuals to claim annually for attendant care fees incurred in Canada. Eligible expenses include nursing home or full-time care, group homes, in-home attendant care, retirement homes, special schools, or training institutions. Other eligible disabilities span vision, mobility, hearing, feeding, dressing, elimination functions, and mental capacities crucial for daily life. Approval for the (DTC) is necessary to claim these expenses.

Denture Health and Nutrition

Compromised oral health affects nutrition, influencing food choices and leading to potential health issues. Painful or loose teeth limit the consumption of fibrous foods, resulting in a diet high in cholesterol but low in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This imbalance may cause malnutrition, with deficiencies in essential nutrients like B12 and iron. Iron deficiency can manifest as a swollen tongue, cracked lips, ulcers, diarrhea, and weakness. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to inflamed mouth, burning tongue, and altered taste sensation. Even losing one tooth can disrupt bite and chewing efficiency, while multiple losses exacerbate malnutrition risks. Consider dentures to address these challenges.

Optimizing Senior Nutrition Choices

Optimizing Senior Nutrition Choices
Ensuring optimal nutrition becomes increasingly crucial as individuals age, particularly for seniors who experience reduced activity, slower metabolism, and diminished nutrient absorption. Despite these heightened nutritional requirements, many older adults in Canada grapple with poor nutrition. Various factors contribute to seniors consuming less, elevating their vulnerability to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Learn how Misericordia Terrace prioritizes senior dining choices to proactively support residents in maintaining good health.

PEMF: A Powerful Anti-Aging Therapy

Humans are biological, chemical, and electrical beings. As such the health of our 100 trillions cells are constantly being challenged through the natural aging process and environmental factors such as Wi-Fi, cell phones, power transmissions, and food additives. This takes a significant toll on our cellular health. Enter PEMP (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), the sole proven technology for enhancing our health on a cellular level through the increased flow of electrons. This powerful therapy reduces chronic pain and inflammation, eliminates toxins, increases bone density, improves brain function (FDA approved for Alzheimer/Parkinson’s) and more. PEMF regenerates all cells and accelerates the healing process.

Testimonials

“Let me start off by saying this is my first time in recovery and it’s been quite a journey! One of the programs that have helped the most was the Men’s group at SRWC. When I started the program at SRWC I was upset and carried a lot of anger and resentment. For the first few classes I kept to myself, still a bit in denial. The topics that were being presented to me were exactly what I needed to hear. The group was a place where I was able to learn and also demonstrate these new coping skills in my new lifestyle.”
-Group Graduate

“SRWC has empowered me in my struggle with addiction. I have been to AA groups in the past with little success. Being in group with Matt has provided me with the tools, backed by research studies, has set my life up in a way to prevent relapse and give myself the best chance at being successful in recovery. Matt fosters a caring, nurturing environment and allows those that attend to feel comfortable sharing their difficulties and fears, which I believe is essential for long term recovery.”
Group Participant

Our Men’s Continuing Recovery Program is facilitated by Certified Addictions Counsellor Matthew Hodgins. The program runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30-3:30pm. SRWC has recently moved to our new location at 280 Smith Street. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact us at 204-956-6650.

SRWC Men’s Continuing Recovery Program

SRWC’S continuing recovery program is designed for male identifying participants who are at least a month sober from drugs and alcohol and wish to maintain their recovery by holistic lifestyle change. The program combines elements of psychoeducation, and behavioral Counselling, offering a supportive environment for men who have completed a treatment program and are continuing their recovery journey. OUR APPROACH. The program takes a gendered approach to highlight how men are vulnerable to addiction by discussing negative gender roles hindering sobriety; the rules and expectations on what it means to be a man. Historically, men have been told that sadness is a sign of weakness, and men shouldn’t talk to other men about their emotions. Anger is the only strong emotion that is acceptable to display. To detach emotionally and appear in control feels imperative because society dictates men shouldn’t talk about their pain. It should be no surprise that many men struggle with their emotions and attitudes long after they’ve achieved sobriety. ISSUES MEN FACE IN RECOVERY. Men usually have fewer social ties than women. For many, their only source of emotional support is their partner, and when that unrealistic expectation is not met – they panic. With unmet needs, men externalize their emotions in various ways such as reckless driving, suicide, alcohol, drugs, interpersonal and community violence. Alcohol use among men has long been associated with masculinity, competition and serves a rite of passage for many. Many men grieve the loss of comradery when they choose to get sober and the Men’s group at SRWC aims to provide the bond they desire.
Rigid gender rules form a box. When a man steps out of the box, they are challenged, with various explicit names, many associated with femininity. When discussing this as a group, we asked ourselves: “Why does it have to be this way?”. The answer is; because we hadn’t questioned it yet. That rigid box of gender expectations creates the breeding ground for addiction – isolation, shame, and secret-keeping. WE CAN HELP. The program challenges the structural ways of thinking in pursuit of being our true authentic selves; feeling comfortable asking for help and expressing a wide range of emotions in a safe way. We discover that characteristics that have historically been defined as weaknesses, are essential parts of a healthy man. To untangle these rigid rules of masculinity is to be vulnerable; an essential component to recovery. SRWC has set the stage for men to empower themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.

Your Morning Meal Matters

With a busy schedule, breakfast can be easily overlooked, but research suggests that skipping it may do more harm than you think. Breakfast kickstarts your metabolism, providing essential energy for the day ahead. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mid-morning energy crashes and irritability. Additionally, a balanced breakfast fuels cognitive functions, enhancing concentration and productivity. Studies link regular breakfast consumption to weight management, as it reduces the likelihood of overeating later in the day. Nutrient-rich breakfast options also contribute to better nutrient intake, supporting overall health. Cultivating a breakfast routine promotes a healthier lifestyle, positively impacting physical and mental performance.