Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
Community News
Are You Having Fun?
As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!
Vipassana Meditation
Research has shown that meditation can expand the brain, and help people avert stress and disease. One way to achieve this is through Vipassana meditation, a technique that emphasizes mindfulness, with the goal of seeing things as they “really are”. An ancient meditative technique from India, Vipassana was taken up by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) just over 2,500 years ago. Vipassana meditation is an honest and direct practice: the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind-body process through calm, open, and precise awareness. This experience fosters clarity and penetrating insight into the nature of who we are, as well as increased peace in our daily lives.
7 Benefits of Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing is specialized clothing that is modified to enable easier dressing for people with a disability. The clothing is made to help people with a high degree of disability, as well as their caregivers, or to assist individuals with a lower degree of disability to dress independently. The seven benefits of adaptive clothing are:
• Typically incorporates flat seams to reduce friction.
• Discreet adaptations make the clothing look as normal as possible.
• Has easy access with snaps and Velcro.
• Roomy design to accommodate incontinence aids.
• Longer rise in the back to accommodate sitting in wheelchairs.
• Elastic waist for increased comfort and reduced effort when dressing.
• Allows wearers dignity and independence.
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 over exert 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 NIR Therapy and designed nutritional formulations will reduce inflammation and stimulate muscle repair to help you recover quickly and get back to enjoying spring.
The Eyes and Ears Connection
As we age, we’re more susceptible to hearing loss and vision changes. According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), you’re at greater risk of social isolation and reduced community participation if you have vision loss. The same goes for hearing loss. Having both a vision and a hearing problem can affect your ability to lip-read, which is detrimental to communicating with co-workers, family, and friends. A decreased ability to socialize is linked to a greater risk of dementia. However, Statistics Canada reports that 90 percent of people with hearing loss can improve communication with a properly fitting hearing aid, counselling, or environmental changes.
Community Event
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) and Yoga Sessions (Tuesday mornings) at Renaissance Centre, 844 Autumnwood Dr., 204-803-2002, laviemindful.com
Anger Free Sessions for Adults, Anxiety/Stress Management Sessions, and Pranic Healing at Renaissance Centre, 844 Autumnwood Dr., call Colette at 204-256-6750, ext. 23
Community Profile: Core Mental Health
At Core Mental Health Support & Education, our focus is on anxiety and depression, as these are the most common mental health issues facing Canadians today. We provide one-on-one and group peer support, as well as education programs for individuals, families, and organizations. Our mission is to support, educate, and encourage Manitobans of all ages to optimize their mental health and well-being; positively impacting employment, education, and relationships in the home and community. We ensure that all individuals who are suffering from mental health concerns will receive timely and effective support in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment.
A Botox Alternative
Botox is a quick fix that inhibits the muscle movements that cause expression lines. This immobilizes the muscle for esthetic effect, but can sometimes cause the muscle to atrophy. This is beneficial for those who want to achieve a more slimming appearance to their faces, but a great alternative to Botox is microcurrent treatments, which help to lift the face and plump the skin. Microcurrent treatments encourage cell physiology and growth by mirroring the natural current flow of the body. The process is also non-invasive, so no needles are required, helping patients to breathe a sigh of relief.
The State of Wellness
It is very easy to speak of wellness as being in that state where one feels good. While this is one of the main features of it, wellness also includes feeling strong, content, and confident in that quiet knowledge that no matter what happens, you will come out on top… a winner. This is the feeling and confidence that becomes the norm for those who have the experience of being connected in body, mind, and soul to the essence of who they really are.
This state of being is achievable when we integrate the physical body and the emotional body.
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule that they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
