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.
Problem Gambling Among Seniors
Many seniors enjoy gambling, whether it be bingo, racetrack betting, or casino gambling. For most, it is a harmless form of entertainment. But how do you know when a senior loved one’s gambling has become a problem? Some signs might be 1) bragging about gambling and exaggerating wins while ignoring or minimizing losses, 2) borrowing money for gambling, and 3) lying about the amount of time/money they spend gambling. Talk to your senior loved one about their problem gambling and determine what possible causes may exist. Encourage them to get help and let them know they have your support.
Prosthetics & Orthotics Q&A
Can a prosthetic leg be worn in the shower? A: The quick answer is…maybe? Most common prosthetic components are sensitive to moisture; therefore most amputees need to take their prosthesis off when showering/swimming. However, many amputees prefer a waterproof prosthesis while showering to prevent slips and falls. Some prefer to do water sports or swim with their prosthesis on. This may be for practical reasons, ease of getting in and out of a swimming pool or lake or for aesthetic reasons, as some feel more self-conscious without their prosthesis. Whatever the reason let us know if you’re interested in discussing the options available to you.
More Than Just Hot Yoga!
In addition to the spiritual and physical benefits of yoga, physical activity done in FAR Infrared Heat offers profound health benefits. In a FAR Infrared heated room, the body is heated from inside out which removes harmful toxins. Furthermore, FAR Infrared heat promotes healing, reduces stress, increases circulation and heart function, lowers blood pressure, improves flexibility, reduces muscle stiffness and pain, and decreases inflammation. Lastly, FAR Infrared improves skin tone by increasing the production of collagen and promotes weight loss.
Eye Care for All-day Computer Users
Depending on the study, 50 to 90 per cent of people who are on their computers a lot experience issues with their eyes, including eye strain, red eyes, and eye twitching. Unfortunately, those of us using computers for work can’t just turn them off and walk away; we need to find ways to care for our eyes in spite of our computer use. The first step is to get an eye exam to evaluate how your eyes are doing today. After that, there are actions you can take to protect your eyes as much as possible, such as reducing ambient lighting and using floor lights rather than overhead fluorescent lights.
Sunlight for Winter Blues
Many people find that the darkness of the winter affects their state of mental health. Our bodies and minds need sunlight to thrive, so how can we as Manitobans provide for ourselves the tools for optimum mental health? Exposure to sunlight every day is key, as sunlight helps to regulate hormone production to help our mood. How can we increase our sunlight exposure with so limited daylight hours? Try time with a therapeutic light box, sit in a sunny window, or better yet, get outside for a dose of sunlight. Exercise, a balanced diet, and sleep will also be beneficial.
Do You Have a Valentine?
Are you single on Valentine’s Day? Although it is only a day, it is representative of where your love life is at. Finding yourself single can be very isolating in today’s couples’ oriented society. People often start out with online dating and become increasingly frustrated and disappointed with the games and lack of accountability. As a professional matchmaker with over 25 years of experience, I have facilitated thousands of successful love connections that are still going strong many years later. As a matter of fact, I just received a call from a couple I matched 23 years ago. They called to thank me and let me know I enabled them to live a life of love.
Product Review: Kyäni Sunrise™
Energize your body, boost mental clarity, promote vitality with an energy drink that’s actually GOOD for you! Kyäni Sunrise™ is carefully designed for all ages, to provide the body with the essential vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidants it needs to flourish. A natural, healthy way to help your energy soar while fighting free radicals and inflammation. Featuring superfoods like the wild Alaskan Blueberry, Mangosteen, Ashwaganda and over 20 other powerful natural ingredients packed in a 1 oz pouch, Kyäni Sunrise™ IS the perfect way to start your day!
Structured Water
Science proves waters responsible for longevity. Dr. Marcel Vogel (Father of Structured Water Science) calls it ‘liquid crystal’ completely compatible with instant cell wall entry & exit. Natural Action Technologies Structuring Devices mimic nature, transforming any water energetically by double vortexing, creating a 6 molecule cluster, an easy uptake into each cell’s aquaporin channel. “Water inside your cells is absolutely critical for health”, Dr. Mercola. Suzanne Forcese. SunriseStructuredWellness.com
Community Event
February 23. Coldest Night of the Year! Fundraiser Walk. For the last 45 years Main Street Project has provided a safe place for people in Winnipeg living with addictions, homelessness, and mental illness. Plans are now well underway to redevelop that 36,000 square foot space into a modern, properly equipped, round-the-clock shelter, detox centre and treatment facility. Walk by yourself, join a team or start a team at CNOY.org/location/Winnipeg
Balance: Don’t Lose It!
How’s your balance? Those slippery Winter-peg icy sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots can make it very challenging to stay on two feet!
Our ability to balance depends on many things. Think of uneven terrain like a hiking path or a street curb, or an unsteady or moving surface like travelling on a moving bus. It also matters if we are anticipating something that might knock us over, or if it takes us by surprise. Our body has not one, but three systems contributing to our ability to balance:
- Vision – we can see if we are falling! If our surroundings are all suddenly tilting or going in the same direction, it alerts us.
- Vestibular (inner ear) – complex structures deep in our ear canals detect changes like rotation, acceleration, head position, and our relationship to gravity.
- Proprioception (in muscles and joints) – our ability to know what position our bodies are in. Without looking, we know if our arm is up or down…or bent or straight.
Balance is like most skills: if we don’t use it…we lose it! As we get older it is very common for balance decrease. And so, falling is more common in elderly populations. But this does not have to be the case!
A physiotherapy balance assessment can identify areas that need practice. A personalized balance program takes only minutes out of your day, can help you use your balance…so you don’t lose your balance!!
If you want to improve your balance and minimize your risk of falls, talk to your physio!
Erin Blaine, MPT
Physiotherapist | Prairie Trail Physiotherapy