People who wear dentures can sometimes experience an infection of the mouth called cheilitis, which can cause painful inflammation and cracks at the corners of the mouth. This is often due to an overgrowth of yeast from dentures that fit improperly. Yeast is always present in our mouths, but certain issues can cause it to accumulate and cause infections like cheilitis. It’s important to visit your denturist regularly (at least once a year) so they can make any necessary adjustments to refit your dentures. Be sure to clean your dentures daily and chew on both sides to maintain proper fit.
Community News
Local WellnessBOX Winner!
Congratulations to Gayle Erlendson the winner of our January Local WellnessBox. A prize package worth over $700 filled by Local Businesses from Hashtag Balance, Yourstyle Financial, San Vito Coffee House, Christina Norris Salon and Soy Harvest Candles. Subscribe to WellnessNEWS.ca & ManitobaWellnessHUB.ca for your chance to win! Thank you for supporting LOCAL.
How is Your Cardiovascular Health?
Did you know that you can have cardiovascular disease without experiencing any symptoms? Many people are not diagnosed until the condition worsens to the point where they have angina, stroke, or heart failure: that’s why it is important to start taking steps towards a healthy heart and arteries today. A good screening test for early signs of disease is Digital Pulsewave Analysis (DPA). This Health Canada approved, non-invasive method will show you how your cardiovascular system is working. This information can then be used to devise a specific program to improve your cardiovascular health before symptoms occur.
Bathing Comfortably and Safely
Many seniors prefer to age in place in the comfort of their own home, which allows them to maintain dignity and independence. Having a safe home is crucial to ensuring that aging in place is successful, and that can often involve making some adjustments to the home environment. Safety in the bathroom is especially important, as getting in and out of a regular tub can be difficult. Luckily, there are many affordable adjustments and products that can help with bathroom safety, including fold-up bath seats and hand-held showers, bathtub conversions to reduce height, and grab bars for added stability.
February is Heart & Stroke Awareness Month
Did you know that heart disease remains the leading causes of death in Canada? The good news is that 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle and diet. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years! You can further reduce your risk by considering these heart-healthy steps: • Be smoke-free • Be physically active • Control your blood pressure • Keep your blood cholesterol levels in check • Eat a healthy diet • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight • Manage your diabetes • Limit alcohol use • Reduce stress.
Treat Your Jaw Pain
Clenching and grinding your teeth, whether during the day or at night, is the most common cause of jaw pain. Over time, the heightened muscle activity can lead to trigger points within the chewing muscles that may cause pain, soreness, limited mouth opening, and even headaches. Physiotherapy can provide effective treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction. Your therapist may use a combination of manual therapy, intra-oral massage, dry needling, and home exercises to decrease muscle tone and encourage relaxation. Try to avoid the forward head posture, common when in front of a computer, as it negatively affects the biomechanics of the jaw.
Happy (and HEALTHY) New Year!
Happy 2022! Let’s make this our healthiest year yet! If you feel overwhelmed with where to start, it turns out even small daily adjustments can have a surprisingly big impact on your health! Here are a few ways you can help yourself feel good and age well: Eat more nutrient-dense foods. You need fewer calories with aging, but twice as many nutrients. Get active. Indoor walking, swimming, and doing yoga are all great activities to ease yourself into. Stay connected and make new friends. Social engagement and participation are especially important for older adults. These are linked to better cognition and overall health, and lower risk of depression and disability.
Community Support
You are not alone – we are here to help. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is your first link to a community of support and resources for those living with dementia and their families. On our website, you’ll find easy access to knowledge, services, programs and information for every phase of your journey. Take the first step and reach out today – we have staff ready to provide a listening ear. We can help you navigate your dementia diagnosis. Discover more at Alzheimer.mb.ca or call us at 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699.
Are you Shoveling Properly?
Shoveling snow can be a great exercise to build a strong and healthy back. As with any exercise, there are a few tips to make it more enjoyable. Wear appropriate clothing–dress in layers with good footwear, headgear, and gloves for warmth. Pace yourself–heavier snowfalls can take a great deal of time to clear, so take breaks as required. Use proper form–keeping your core engaged and using your legs will lighten the load. Soreness is to be expected–but if any pain or soreness lingers for a few days, call your physiotherapist to address your needs.
Healthy Home, Happy Home
Now more than ever it’s important to maintain a clean and healthy home. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bleach and harsh chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria! Using purpose-built products can effectively disinfect your home the safe and proper way. It’s also important to remember to follow proper personal hygiene protocols like washing your hands thoroughly and often, and avoiding touching your face. With Movember in full swing this month, another great cleaning tip is to use a paper towel to line your sink before you groom your moustache to keep things tidy!
Benefits of Walk-In Bathtubs
Did you know that slips and falls in the bathtub or shower contribute to nearly 25% of hospital admissions for people aged 65 and older? We want to help you make your bathroom as safe as possible. Consider a walk-in bathtub, which is safer and easier to access than your traditional standard tub. With a low step entry threshold of a few inches, getting in and out of a new walk-in tub is quite easy. You can literally walk right in and sit down. With a bathtub conversion kit, you turn your existing tub into a walk-in tub with multiple opening and sizing options for you to choose from.
