If you suffer from back pain caused by structural problems or certain conditions, a back brace may be a helpful option. Back braces can help alleviate back pain by: 1) Immobilizing your back – some injuries and surgeries require your back to be immobilized in order to heal. Using a back brace can limit certain motions for this purpose. 2) Providing postural support – a back brace can alleviate pain by keeping the spine in a normal alignment. 3) Controlling pain – back braces can compress the abdomen, helping to unload the various structures of the spinal column and potentially ease pain symptoms.
Community News
Minds in Motion
Register for our virtual and in-person spring sessions of Minds in Motion – a weekly program for those living with early to moderate signs of dementia, and a care partner to connect with others through fitness, fun and friendship! During Minds in Motion, you’ll take part in a gentle chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation. In-person sessions taking place across the province are following COVID-19 safety measures, so you can feel comfortable joining and taking part. You can also sign up for our virtual session and participate from the comfort of your home. To learn more and how to register, please visit Alzheimer.mb.ca/mindsinmotion
Nutrition for Eye Health
As we age, we are often at a higher risk for vision problems. While some age-related vision changes can be inevitable, others may be prevented or delayed by eating a nutritious diet. Foods that may help protect eye health as we age include: 1) Berries, currants, and grapes – contain anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant. 2) Orange and red fruits and veggies – contain beta-carotene. 3) Fatty fish, nuts/seeds and plant oils – contain omega-3 fatty acids. 4) Citrus fruits, strawberries and red peppers – contain vitamin C. 5) Leafy greens, squash, eggs, kiwi and grapes – contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Importance of Oral Health
We all want to be healthy, however many disregard their oral cavity and teeth (whether natural or false). We forget that the body is a holistic and interconnected system, one which can only function optimally if everything runs smoothly. False teeth which have become flat over time, prevent proper mastication (chewing or breaking down) of food, which in turn will cause strain on your digestive system. It’s imperative to see the right specialist for any health issues. When it comes to dentures, see a denturist. We believe in this so strongly that we offer free oral exams to ensure your optimal oral health.
Preparing for your Quit Date
A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your success with quitting smoking. When planning your quit date, it’s helpful to remind yourself of the reasons you want to do this in the first place. There are major reasons to quit, such as reducing your risk for disease and cancer. What are your other reasons? Write down your top 10. Before your quit day, you may want to think of rewards you can give yourself, as well as activities which you can turn to if cravings get bad. Studies tell us that psychological preparation plays a large role in the likelihood of success with smoking cessation.
Clean Eating Recipe
Simple Fish & Tomato Stew.
Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil. 2 celery stalks finely chopped. 1 onion finely diced. 2 tomatoes roughly chopped. 2 tsp tomato paste. 1/3 cup white wine. 2 cups vegetable broth. 1 lb cod fillets, cut in 2-in. Directions: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook celery and onion for 3 min. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste and cook 1 min. Add wine and cook 1 min. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add fish. Cook about 5 min. Look for this and more recipes at Sobeys.com
Book Club: The Science of Nutrition
Debunk the Diet Myths and Learn How to Eat Responsibly for Health and Happiness. By Rhiannon Lambert. Is a vegan diet healthier? Should I try going low-carb? Is it always a bad idea to skip a meal? Are superfoods all they’re cracked up to be? Is fat still bad for you? Can I eat to improve my chances of conceiving? Science of Nutrition cuts through the noise of conflicting diet advice with clear answers backed up by the very latest research. Pick up at your local bookstore.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can: Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. Subscribe to Wellnessnews.ca for a chance to Win 2 Tickets to Rumors Comedy Club. Check out our Featured Upcoming Events. RumorsComedyClub.com
Prevent and Treat Iron Deficiency
1.85 million Canadians suffer from iron deficiency*.
To ensure that you aren’t one of those, speak to your healthcare provider to ensure that you are meeting your iron needs. Iron is found in specific food sources, however if you are not meeting your iron requirements, iron supplements are available. There’s a once daily dosing option with the highest amount of elemental heme iron, and better gastrointestinal tolerability available. You no longer have to suffer from the well-known side effects of iron supplements or take 2-3 capsules a day. Cheers to the Power of One.
HEMAFORTE 1™ can be purchased at www.hemaforte.ca
or your local pharmacy. Please give your pharmacist the product codes McKesson #146492 and #146497.
*5% of Canadians have iron deficiency, as per Statistics Canada reports. Statistics Canada. Iron Sufficiency of Canadians. Catalogue no. 82-003-XPE Health Reports, Vol. 23, no. 4. December 2012.
HEMAFORTE 1, Seaford Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Avoiding Cheilitis from Dentures
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.
Local Love: Merry Maids
Need some well-deserved free time to escape your busy schedule? Merry Maids delivers industry-leading cleaning services to help you check off one more thing on your to-do list. Every member of the Merry Maids team is fully trained, undergoes a careful screening process, and is bonded and insured so you can feel comfortable taking advantage of the company’s thorough and professional cleaning services. Merry Maids offers 100% customer satisfaction guarantee with every visit and also provides a free consultation that involves meeting you and touring your home to ensure the company understands your needs and budget before cleaning takes place!
