Community News
Words to Live By

“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson

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.

Dementia Online Support Groups

Being diagnosed with dementia raises uncertainty, fears, and unknowns. The Alzheimer Society is a place to turn for a community of services, support and experts that can help ease some of these concerns. One way to feel connected is through our weekly virtual support groups both for people living with dementia and for their care partners. It’s a great way to connect, interact with and learn from others in a safe environment where you can share, laugh, and help each other through mutual understanding. Learn more about our support groups and other programs on our website at Alzheimer.mb.ca.

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.

How is Your Cardiovascular Health?

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.

Flowers and Their Meanings

Flowers are a great Valentine’s Day gift and can be very personal, as each flower and colour has a specific meaning. Some examples include: 1) Roses – pink is for poetic romance, red is for love and passion, and yellow is for friendship. 2) Peonies – symbolize prosperity and romance. 3) Carnations – red symbolizes love and admiration. 4) Tulips – red is for true love and white is for forgiveness. 5) Orchids – purple symbolizes admiration and respect. 6) Gerbera Daisies – symbolize happiness. 7) Gardenias – symbolize purity and love. 8) Irises – yellow is for passion. 9) Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) – symbolizes friendship and devotion.

Tips for Staying Mentally Sharp

While many of us are spending more time at home, and possibly watching more television, it’s important to remember that your brain needs to stay in shape too! As we get older, the brain starts to experience normal age-related declines just like every other part of the body. So here are a few tips to improve your mental fitness: Learn something new – the brain is a learning machine and needs to be continually challenged to stay sharp. Incorporate some skill-based games like chess, sudoku, or crossword puzzles into your routine and try to exercise more – fit people have fit brains!

Hearing Loss and Heart Disease

It might come as a surprise, but there is a connection between heart health and hearing. Both rely on blood flow, so heart problems that cause plaque buildup in the arteries and restrict blood flow can potentially damage ears. Nerves in the ears can also be damaged by poor circulation. Studies have shown that the better someone’s cardiovascular health, the better their hearing tends to be. It’s important that older adults eat a healthy, balanced diet; get regular exercise; quit smoking and have their hearing tested every two years, to help maintain a healthy heart, and therefore healthy ears.

Smart Eating Tips

Eating right plays a major part in a senior’s quality of life. Some important dietary factors that should be considered include: Sodium – OK in moderation, as long as the foods are high-quality. Fats – Monitor saturated and trans fatty acids, and lean more towards monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (like omega-3s). Carbohydrates – Spread carbohydrates throughout the day to manage blood sugar. Protein – Increase protein intake to maintain muscle mass. Fibre – Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of water. Sugar – Consume in moderation. Vitamin D – Consider taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement if sun exposure and dairy intake are limited.