Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder with symptoms such as fatigue, chronic and diffuse pain, cognitive impairment, and sleep difficulties. It can affect people of any age and gender, although adult women seem to be most affected. The complexity of the disorder can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. Acupuncture can be a good pain management option for fibromyalgia patients, as it stimulates natural pain-relieving mechanisms in the body and has little to no side effects. A 2018 trial suggested that acupuncture causes changes in the levels of two neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are key to fibromyalgia. Acupuncture appears to increase serotonin and decrease substance P, which can improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Community News
Avoid Injury This Spring
Spring means two things: yard work and stiff, sore muscles. Stretching to prepare muscles for strenuous activities that have not been done since fall is very important. Simple things like doing arm circles, shrugging your shoulders, and touching your toes should be done before and after activity. If you do overexert and your neck, shoulder, arm, or back pain is not going away within a week, there are natural alternatives that can help. Options such as designed nutritional formulations, Biofeedback, or NIR Therapy will reduce inflammation and stimulate muscle repair to help you recover quickly and get back to enjoying spring.
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Dr. Lee Bartel’s TEDx talk at Collingwood, Ontario gives an excellent overview of the current state of vibroacoustic medical research. Dr. Bartel explains how scientifically developed sound played through Vibroacoustic devices helps reduces the symptoms of Fibromyalgia pain, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Depression, and increase blood flow. The Sound Oasis Vibroacoustic Therapy System plays back nature, music and sleep therapy sounds with Delta, Alpha or Theta brainwaves to coax your brain to match these frequencies, thus entering states of sleep, relaxation or renewal. Vibroacoustic Therapy provides massage therapy to muscles and joints that hand/mechanical massage can not reach.
Local Spotlight: Heart to Home Meals
Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious, nutritious meals right to your door. The company’s team of experts has developed a wide-ranging menu to suit many tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyles, including high-protein, low carbohydrates and/or saturated fat, low sodium, high fibre, vegetarian, and no added sugar options. Heart to Home Meals has a useful diet coding system to help you choose meals that are right for you. Meals also come in mini versions (for smaller appetites), hearty versions (for larger appetites), as well as minced or pureed options. It’s as easy as ordering online or by phone!
Save the Date!
A & O: Support Service for Older Adults will be hosting a virtual Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo on May 30th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event will provide professionals, older adults and their loved ones with information on the various resources and options to age well in the community. Topics covered will include: A & O programs and services, homecare services, financial services and many more! This event will have a series of informative presentations, and virtual exhibits which will allow attendees to browse services and ask questions. For more information, please call (204) 956-6440 or visit aosupportservices.ca.
Who We Are
Archwood 55 Plus is a community-based non-profit, charitable organization offering lunches, art and fitness classes, social activities, bus trips and other services to adults ages 55 and older living in the Winnipeg area. Our goal is to encourage graceful aging and empower older adults to lead healthy and active lives while socializing with their peers.
What’s Happening in April
We are planning to open up our gym at 9:30 AM on Monday mornings for an additional pickleball slot. If you want to learn how to play or just want to return to the court for a fun game please call Krista at the club 565 Guilbault Street. Once we have enough new players we will like to get going second week of April. Sugaring Off Festival in St. Pierre Jolys. Saturday, April 01,11:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
The bus will leave Archwood Community club at 11 am and return by 3:30 pm.
COST: $28 members, $33 non-members
There will be: – Historical interpretation; Maple syrup production; La Compagnie de la Verendrye circa 1740; Craftsmanship demonstrations; Live entertainment; Traditional fiddling and Traditional French-Canadian food for purchase.
ERIK (Emergency Response Information Kit) Presentation – Tuesday, April 11, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM @ 565 Guilbault St. No Charge for this presentation.
E.R.I.K.® is a useful tool for anyone with a medical condition who is required to take a lot of medication. The kit contains all pertinent medical/prescription information for each individual, therefore each person taking medications should have their own E.R.I.K. April Luncheon
Wednesday, April 19, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ 565 Guilbault St. Menu: Ham, meatballs, scalloped potatoes, corn, coleslaw, tea, coffee. Dessert TBA.
COST: $12 members, $15 non-members. Paint N’ Play
Tuesday, April 25,12:30 PM – 3:00 PM @ 565 Guilbault St. Time to get your inner artist out. Instructor, Linda Olzewski, will introduce you to basic painting techniques and will lead you step by step to produce your own “masterpiece” in an afternoon. All materials including canvas, brushes and paint will be provided. Bring apron or clothes to paint in. COST: $30 Members, $35 Non-Members. Bingo is back on Wednesday, April 26th starting at 1:00 PM. Bingo cards are $10. Check our website for details. The InClines “Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline”
Sunday, April 30, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM @ 565 Guilbault St. The bus will leave Archwood Community Club at 1:00 pm and return by 4:30 pm. The InClines’ “Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline” is a musical celebration of the life and times of the legendary Patsy Cline.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for members that would like to assume an active interest in volunteering and having a say in how our club is managed. We currently have openings on our Board of Directors and will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 17th when we will hold our elections. If you would like to make a difference in seniors lives give it some thought. To find out how you can help, call 204-416-1067 or email us at Archwood55@shaw.ca. Remember we are a club of people that look out for each other, and volunteering is an important way to give back! Annual memberships are just $30.
Kiss Your Bad Breath Goodbye
Everyone gets bad breath from time to time – but bad breath that doesn’t go away could mean you have an oral health issue. The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, other causes can include dry mouth, and certain medications. When you don’t brush your natural teeth and/or dentures regularly, this can cause plaque and tartar to form on your teeth(both natural and false). If you’re struggling with bad breath that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see your denturist. They will be able to evaluate your oral health and determine what steps to take next.
Minds in Motion
Register today 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 45-minute chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation. Join Minds in Motion today to interact with your community and engage in gentle movement! To learn more and how to register, please visit Alzheimer.mb.ca/mindsinmotion
Is Food Affecting Your Mood?
Did you know the food you’ve been eating could be contributing to your anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles? You probably already know that sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are highly likely to affect your mood and behaviour, but food sensitivities can also create imbalances in key chemicals in the brain and gut. If you’re eating foods that cause you digestive issues, low energy, increased cravings and sleep problems, it could be due to food sensitivities. This doesn’t mean you need to avoid these foods long term, but it’s an important piece of the puzzle when uncovering the root cause of your mental health struggles.
