At work, it is easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed or confused during times of uncertainty. However, research has shown that when meetings start with intentional gratitude and a short debrief at the end, collective intelligence and productivity increase substantially. How does it work? Put a standing item of reflection/gratitude/quick win in the agenda template and assign someone to share a positive note. When the meeting is over, check-in to ensure you met your objectives, everyone was heard, and everyone is ready to move upwards and onwards. For resources to support workplace health and performance visit WellnessWorksCanada.ca.
Community News
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss can often sneak up on you, as it tends to present differently from hearing loss related to other causes. Rather than making noises seem quieter, it instead causes a distortion in hearing, making it difficult to pick up certain frequency ranges. This is caused by the degradation of the Cochlea, which occurs from repeated, long-term exposure to loud noises. Things like using a lawnmower, listening to loud music, or using noisy equipment at work can all lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Avoiding noisy environments and using hearing protection can help prevent this issue.
Acupuncture and the Aging Process
Although aging is an unavoidable part of life, aging well is something we can all strive for. The risk of disease and disability often increases as we age, but taking steps to protect our health can help limit some of the common ailments that we expect to face as seniors. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture in particular, can help with symptoms of aging from an energy perspective, rather than just the typical hormonal perspective. This holistic approach can help treat inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions like hypertension, fibromyalgia, and arthritis safely and effectively, even alongside Western Medicine treatments.
Wellness Tea of the Month
Appledream Goji Chokecherry Strawberry.
Don’t let the name fool you, this tea is sweet, smooth and delicious! With a medley of berries and citrus fruits, this tea both appeals to both the sweet and tangy flavour lovers. An explosion of fresh fruit and high in vitamin C! Enjoy this tea iced on a hot summer day! This fruit infusion contains apple bits, dragon fruit bits, sea buckthorn berries, chokeberries, goji berries, kiwi bits, pineapple bits, papaya bits, cranberry bits, blueberries, flavor, and added vitamin C.
Advice from a Travel Expert
With all that is going on in the world, here is some sage advice for when you travel. Always purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical, cancellation and interruption. This is what is going to help you not only if you need medical care, but also if there are travel advisories, flight cancellations, and other unexpected world events. Always use a travel advisor. Wouldn’t you like to have someone else advocating for you and solving your travel problems? Remember to leave contact details of where you will be with a family member or friend.
Benefits of Resistance Training
Many people associate resistance training with strictly muscle growth, but there are many other benefits from incorporating this type of training into your exercise regimen. Resistance training builds strength and tone to help protect your joints from injury. It improves balance to help you remain independent and reduce the chance of falls. Resistance training helps with weight management, as your body will burn more calories when you gain more muscle mass. Talk to your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to begin resistance training. An exercise professional can then help you develop a safe and effective program.
Citrus Oils Are Happy Oils!
Besides smelling amazing, citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange offer many health benefits. Limonene or D-Limonene, a natural compound found in citrus oils, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Citrus oils have a positive effect on the lymphatic system, which helps your body detoxify. This can also help with problems such as poor circulation, allergies, cellulite, and fluid retention. The scent of citrus oils is a great mood booster, and you can add these oils to dish soap, hand soap, a carrier oil (for massage), or room freshening spray to enjoy them all day long!
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
When someone is fearful of falling, they start to avoid everyday activities by staying at home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This physical deterioration increases the risk of falling and if a fall does occur, it further heightens the fear. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions; remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars and wear sensible shoes. Consider joining a group session designed especially to teach balance exercises for fall prevention.
Need Cosmetic Dentures?
Teeth have three main functions: chewing food, lip support, and speech. The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence and your overall quality of life. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your face. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible. A new set of cosmetic dentures can instantly improve your appearance and remove facial flaws. Age is inevitable, but cosmetic dentures can help brighten your smile and make you feel young again!
Which Sunscreen is Best?
Summer is here! Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.
Seasonal Allergies or Covid-19?
Red, itchy, and watery eyes are symptoms of seasonal allergies (or a cold). If these symptoms manifest when you are outside on a dry, windy day and not inside, that’s allergy. Covid-19 is a respiratory illness and fever is a common symptom, while it’s not associated with seasonal allergies. You should keep track of what worsens your symptoms if you are not feeling well. If you’re not sure call your local eye doctor to book an appointment. Eye care practices have added safety measures like virtual visits, patient visits are staggered, everything is sterilized in between appointments, face masks, gloves and safety shields are used to reduce your Covid-19 risk.
