Some of the less known benefits of exercise include: • Improved Muscle Tone and Bone Density – As we age, we tend to lose both muscle tone and bone density which can make us vulnerable to injuries. Hormones released when we exercise help our muscles absorb amino acids promoting muscle growth. • More Energy – the more we move, the more energy we will have. Feeling a bit sleepy? Go for a stroll. • Sleep Better – The energy we dispense during exercise leads to better, higher-quality sleep. Participating in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week could lead to a significant improvement in sleep quality.

Participating in exercise is widely known to be beneficial to our health. Here are a couple less talked about benefits of exercise that may encourage all of us to get off the couch and dedicate ourselves to a regular workout routine: • Feel Happier – Exercise increases the production of endorphins that produce positive feelings. To feel happier, we just need to start moving! • Get More Brainpower – Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This improves brain function and enhances memory. For information on Parks and Recreation programs to help you get moving, please visit our website.

There is a different way to dramatically improve your sleep. Introducing a body pillow into your sleep system can bring back a good night sleep. Many of us have been told that the mattress is the key to everything when it comes to sleeping well. We’re here to tell you that this is only one part of it. The three pillars to a good night sleep involve temperature, alignment and support. The biggest game changer of all of them is working on your alignment. A body pillow can stop your shoulders and hips from collapsing; your body has less pain and you get time to heal. Sweet dreams.

Foot Reflexology is the application of specific finger pressure techniques on feet, combined with acupressure with focus on reflex points and their connection to our body’s organs. It is a wonderful, natural, health therapy and analysis tool. It improves circulation of blood, encourages lymphatic drainage, rejuvenates life energy, and eases pain within other body parts. The body is fostered to detox and heal itself.

Shiatsu is a Japanese hands-on therapeutic massage working the meridians and pressure points throughout the body. This non-invasive therapy addresses a wide range of body ailments such as muscle tension, stress, chronic pain and digestive issues. Shiatsu uses a firm steady pressure to release tension allowing the practitioner to probe deeper, stimulating circulation of vital nutrients. The practitioner is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony providing valuable insight and body awareness for the client.

Walkers of all ages have discovered that with proper training, Urban poling, or Nordic walking, is a healthy activity suited for improving quality of life. Proven benefits include increased balance & stability, increase in mobility and improved strength. A 2011 study on Nordic walking with Parkinson’s clients found pain, balance and health related quality of life were improved. If you would like to try Urban poling but not sure of where to start, attend our workshop on May 23 at Lakeside Gardens Retirement Community.

Mindfulness is a buzz word these days and many counsellors are teaching it. So, what is it really? In a nutshell, mindfulness is the art of focussing in on the present moment. When you focus on the present moment, you cannot also be worrying about the future or obsessing about the past. The present moment is all we really have, and it is a gateway into a richer and more authentic experience of life. Studies show that it increases happiness and decreases stress. It starts with the breath, paying attention, accepting and being compassionate towards yourself.

Summertime is when many of us pick up an iron and head out on the golf course, or grab a paddle to hit the water in our kayaks or canoes. Unfortunately, these plans sometimes can get sidelined by shoulder injuries. There are some simple things you can do to prevent these from happening. Making sure you warm up your shoulder, back, and neck muscles before you head out is one of them. To learn more, come join us for our next Health Night on May 28! Reserve your seat today.