The holiday season can be tough for many including people with dementia, their families, and caregivers, but you are not alone. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can help you navigate through these difficult times. They can lend a listening ear and provide you with information, education, and support. Many of their programs are also available online including education sessions, support groups and the Minds in Motion® program, so you can join safely from the comfort of your own home. Contact the Alzheimer Society this holiday season to speak with someone who can help guide you through your next steps by visiting
alzheimer.mb.ca.
Community News
December Brain Teasers
1. What is a drill sergeant? 2. What is the perfect cure for dandruff? 3. Which is faster, hot or cold? 4. There’s a key that opens no doors but fills your stomach, what key is it? 5. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Brain Teaser Answers
1. An Army Dentist 2. Baldness 3. Hot’s faster. You can catch a cold 4. A turkey 5. Claustrophobic
Healthy Home, Happy Home
Now more than ever it’s important to maintain a clean and healthy home. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bleach and harsh chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria! Using purpose-built products can effectively disinfect your home the safe and proper way. It’s also important to remember to follow proper personal hygiene protocols like washing your hands thoroughly and often, and avoiding touching your face. With Movember in full swing this month, another great cleaning tip is to use a paper towel to line your sink before you groom your moustache to keep things tidy!
4 Foods for a Better Mood
When you’re reaching for your next snack or meal, consider the contents and how they impact your emotional state. Here are several mood-boosting foods that will help you not only feel full, but good too. 1. Trail Mix: Nuts and seeds contain depression-combating protein and fibre, while berries contain energy-boosting sugars. 2. Fatty Fish: Contain omega-3s, an essential nutrient for maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. 3. Fermented Foods: Contain probiotics, which are great for the gut, and therefore the brain. 4. Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have been linked to increased brain health (eat this in moderation, though).
Protect Your Mental Health in Winter
Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider for additional information and resources.
Every Month Should be Movember
Although Movember is a great yearly reminder to think about prostate, testicular and mental health, men should be focusing on their physical and mental well-being every month. It’s important for men to take charge of their own health. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through nutritional testing and supplementation. If an area is found to be weak or underperforming, specific, natural formulations can be taken to boost and maximize your body’s ability to function optimally, so you can have a better quality of life every month.
Community Announcement:
Re-New Mobility is excited to announce that its 665 Stafford St. location has moved to its NEW location at Unit 1-940 Lorimer Blvd. (by the Golf Dome), combining the warehouse and retail outlet to serve you better. Re-New Mobility has been helping people gain more mobility for more than 25 years. The business offers new and gently used products such as power chairs, scooters, grab bars, security poles, stair lifts, and much more. Services such as equipment rentals, in-home installation, and modification of products are also available. Shop online or in person and regain your independence with increased mobility!
November Book Club
Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Approach. by K. B. Harikumar. This book is a summary of prostate cancer, covering its incidence, epidemiology, and current treatment options. It also serves as an up-to-date review of the status of currently available alternative and complementary medicines for treating prostate cancer, including various plant extracts, herbal formulations, natural products, yoga, acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and Siddha medicines used in prostate cancer therapy.
We are Here to Help
You are not alone in your dementia journey. Whether you’ve noticed signs of dementia, recently received a diagnosis or need help navigating the next stages of the disease, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can help. The Society provides information, education and support for families. They’ve also moved some programming online including education sessions, support groups and the Minds in Motion® program, so you can join safely from the comfort of your own home. Alzheimer.mb.ca
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
