The holiday season can be tough for many including people with dementia, their families, and caregivers, but you are not alone. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can help you navigate through these difficult times. They can lend a listening ear and provide you with information, education, and support. Many of their programs are also available online including education sessions, support groups and the Minds in Motion® program, so you can join safely from the comfort of your own home. Contact the Alzheimer Society this holiday season to speak with someone who can help guide you through your next steps by visiting
alzheimer.mb.ca.
Community News
Workplace Wellness This Holiday Season
The holidays bring plenty of joy, but it can also be a stressful season for many. Focus on workplace wellness to help employees maintain healthy habits and mental health. Choose healthy options for holiday events and give gifts of wellness to employees this year i.e., onsite massages or stress management lunch and learns. Encourage employees to stay active by hosting onsite yoga classes. Support employee’s financial wellness with minimal budgets on events and partnering with local business for discounts and promotions. Be mindful of your decisions and the impacts it may have on your employees. Healthy & Happy New Year!
Should I Remove my Dentures at Night?
Removing your dentures while you sleep will increase your oral health and your gums will thank you. Experts highly advise that if you wear dentures, you should give your gums (ridge) and tissue a well-deserved break at nighttime. By removing your dentures, you allow complete blood flow to your ridge bone and oral tissue. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients which help to keep your bone and tissue healthy, allow for any sensitive spots to health quicker, and slows down bone resorption (loss of ridge height). This is also an opportunity to thoroughly clean your dentures. Remember to always store dentures in water or cleaning solution.
Ask Your Eye Doctor
Q: I’m worried about my blood sugar over the holidays – should I be worried about my eyes? A: Assuming that you’re diabetic, then of course your eyes will need basic routine checkups; we commonly check for diabetic eye problems like retinal bleeding or severe changes in focus. This sounds like a more general concern about your health, and you may need to talk to your physician or dietician about more specific concerns about your blood sugar control.
Flowers to Help with the Holidays
Flowers are scientifically proven to have a positive impact on your mental health, relieving the stress and anxiety of the holidays. Some festive flowers include: Poinsettias – They are the classic Christmas flower. The bright red colors on the dark green leaves make it the perfect holiday mascot! They attract happiness and promote positive feelings. Orchids –Unlike the poinsettia, orchids don’t have a long association with Christmas. Instead, they are a unique and special flower that signals warmth and joy. Christmas Cactus – This plant hits the market just in time for the holidays. They increase humidity in the air and creates a cheerful aura in your home.
December Brain Teasers
1. What is a drill sergeant? 2. What is the perfect cure for dandruff? 3. Which is faster, hot or cold? 4. There’s a key that opens no doors but fills your stomach, what key is it? 5. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Brain Teaser Answers
1. An Army Dentist 2. Baldness 3. Hot’s faster. You can catch a cold 4. A turkey 5. Claustrophobic
Book Club
Prevent and Defeat Cancer Naturally by Ron Harder, Nutritional Health Consultant. Did you ever wonder how a disease such as cancer gets started in your body? This book is a guide on how you can prevent cancer from developing. It describes how to remove the toxins within you that can cause you to become ill. The author explains medical concepts in layman’s terms so it is easy to read and understand. The goal of the book is to encourage you to take better care of yourself so that you can live a longer, happier life.
Words to Live By
Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it. You know it. You believe it. Kevin Alan Milne
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!
4 Foods for a Better Mood
When you’re reaching for your next snack or meal, consider the contents and how they impact your emotional state. Here are several mood-boosting foods that will help you not only feel full, but good too. 1. Trail Mix: Nuts and seeds contain depression-combating protein and fibre, while berries contain energy-boosting sugars. 2. Fatty Fish: Contain omega-3s, an essential nutrient for maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. 3. Fermented Foods: Contain probiotics, which are great for the gut, and therefore the brain. 4. Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have been linked to increased brain health (eat this in moderation, though).
