During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.
Community News
Mind Exercises for Seniors
It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, but especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
Healthy Low Sugar Summer Treats
Here are some healthier summer treat options! 1. Iced Coffee – 1-2 oz espresso or 4 oz coffee/hot chocolate cooled, few scoops vanilla coconut milk ice cream, pinch cinnamon, few ice cubes, almond milk to thin it out. 2. Fruity Popsicle – Blend watermelon with strawberries or raspberries and a splash of lemon or lime juice and freeze. 3. Creamsicle Smoothie – A few scoops frozen OJ and vanilla coconut milk ice cream, almond milk to thin it out. 4. Fudgesicles – 2 frozen bananas, 1/2-1 cup almond or cashew milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup.
Product Review: Norwex Reusable Masks
Norwex reusable personal facemasks are breathable and lightweight and have been tested and proven to filter 81% of .1 micron particles. They contain Baclock, an antibacterial agent embedded within the microfiber material that helps with self purification. Designed to be used in addition to other measures, including hand washing and social distancing , these washable personal use masks not only help reduce respiratory droplets from landing on surfaces they also help you avoid you touching your face in public.
There’s No Place Like Home
Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!
Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude can help you feel better in so many ways. Science shows that gratitude helps you to feel happier, more peaceful and more serene. An ancient Jewish practice is to thank God one hundred times a day. Try it and see how it changes the way you feel about yourself and your life. Make sure you feel the feeling of gratitude says psychiatrist David Hawkins who understood the frequency of emotions. Gratitude will help raise your emotional frequency. The higher frequency emotions include gratitude, love, peace and joy. Like playing an instrument, progress is made with dedicated, consistent practice.
Disability Tax Credit for Type 1 Diabetes
The Disability Tax Credit is a program designed to help those with disabilities or their caregivers reduce the amount of income tax they pay, offsetting some of the significant medical and treatment expenses. What diabetes-related activities are covered? According to CRA, the following activities qualify in the 14-hour-per-week calculation: • Checking blood glucose levels • Preparing and administering the insulin • Calibrating necessary equipment • Testing ketones • Keeping a log book of blood glucose levels With children, the 14-hour-per-week eligibility criteria can usually be met by combining the parent and child’s time. T1D is an expensive disease and the disability tax credit can provide some financial relief for those who qualify.
Postpartum Chiropractic Care
Postpartum life is exciting, and may be overwhelming. Your body and brain are undergoing massive shifts. Trying to help another human to thrive while sleep deprived is hard work! You fall asleep in weird positions and move in awkward ways, trying not to disturb your baby. Taking care of yourself is the last thing you’re thinking about, even though it is everything you need. Chiropractic may help! Getting adjusted will not only help keep mama’s spine moving well to keep her feeling well, many experience a sense of relief and calm. When the spine and nervous system are healthy, so are you.
What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of health and well-being that coordinates body movement and posture, with breathing and meditation. Unlike yoga, which is mainly a stationary physical practice of static stretches performed in sequence on a mat, Qigong is performed standing and its movements are more dynamic and fluid in nature. This movement helps to move blood and oxygen around the body, nourishing the organs and tissues and promoting healing. In addition, the connection of the mind to the breath and physical movements in qigong helps to calm the mind, relieving emotional stress and mental anxiety.
Community Spotlight: Ready Set Baby
Ready Set Baby Planners & Boutique will help you with everything from belly to baby and beyond. Ready Set Baby is owned and operated by local moms who want to help ease the decision-making for soon-to be parents, grandparents, and families. Ready Set Baby carries everything you are looking for, from diapers to feeding, toys and apparel. Are you a new mom, or expecting a bundle of joy? Sign up for classes – from childbirth, cloth diapering 101, breastfeeding and infant/childhood emergency classes, Ready Set Baby will help make the transition to parenthood much easier. They also offer equipment rentals! Rent strollers, highchairs, cars seats, playpens and more!
Lessons from the Pandemic
In these challenging times, we’ve got to keep moving, no matter what. How can we do that? Stop sitting so much! Most adults need 150 minutes of moderately vigorous aerobic activity a week, and two sessions of resistance training. Walking is great for every body, mind and spirit. Exercise also provides connections, and community is important to maintaining good habits and good mental health. We should be focusing on broader wellness, which involves more than just physical exercise. It also encompasses emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual health. And remember, reading, meditation/prayer and rest are important, too!
