The green season is upon us and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Many people dread this yearly task; the best way to tackle it is to go low and slow. Go through one drawer or cupboard a day to get the ball rolling in the right direction without taxing yourself. In the bathroom, look for expired medications. Collect these and take them to the pharmacy for proper disposal. Ask for help. Decluttering with the help of a friend can make the task much easier. Or call us to help you! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind, and home.
Community News
Navigating Your End-of-Life Planning
The phrase “getting our affairs in order” is commonly associated with preparing for the end of life. However, it’s important to understand that organizing our affairs is beneficial at any stage of life. Estate planning is a crucial step towards ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death and also ensuring your medical and financial affairs are in order during your life in the event of incapacity. Come join us for this free session at St. Patrick’s Parish, located at 2060 Haultain Street in Victoria, on Wednesday, April 24 from 1:30 to 3:30.
April Brain Teasers
1. Working past age 65 is linked to a shorter life, a study found. TRUE or FALSE? 2. Sitting for more than three hours a day can cut two years off a person’s life expectancy. TRUE or FALSE? 3. Reading in dim light will harm your eyes. TRUE OR FALSE?
Brain Teaser Answers
1. FALSE; it’s linked to a longer life. 2. TRUE. 3. FALSE; it may make them more tired, but won’t ruin your eyesight.
Healthy Zucchini Carrot Squares
2 zucchinis grated; 1/2 medium sweet onion grated; 1 large carrot grated; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup whole wheat pancake/waffle mix; 4 large eggs lightly beaten; 1/2 cup olive oil. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with non-stick baking spray. Remove excess liquid from veggies and add to a large bowl. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic power, cheese, pancake mix, eggs and oil until well combined. Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brain Teasers
1. Which hormone is often called the ‘stress hormone’? 2. What is the smallest bone in the human body? 3. What does a sphygmomanometer measure 4. What is the strongest muscle in your body?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Doctor, can you give me something for my sleep walking?” she asked. “No, you need the exercise,” the doctor replied.
Nourishing Seniors, Building Communities
In retirement communities, mealtimes are vital for seniors, fostering socialization and delivering essential nutrients. To ensure a wholesome diet, communities prioritize well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seniors, prone to health risks, must maintain good nutrition to avoid weight loss, depression, and weakened immune systems. The National Resource Centre on Nutrition and Aging reports that over 5.5 million seniors are facing food insecurity. Retirement communities address nutritional challenges by providing chef-prepared communal meals. This approach ensures proper nutrition, fosters a social atmosphere, and creates a well-rounded dining experience for residents.
Focus on What You Want
When someone heads towards their goals rather than trying to move away or reduce something, the outcome is more positively directed. By looking for something rewarding, success has a better chance of taking place. It also helps to focus on what you want to bring into being, as opposed to dwelling on what you don’t want anymore. A positive attitude is very powerful. When you have a positive attitude, negative thoughts are much less likely to come to mind. Positive thinking can help control stress and improve health.
The WellnessHub Vancouver Island
Looking for more local health and wellness information? Check out the WellnessHub Vancouver Island. It features hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products, health tips on a variety of topics, podcasts, reviews and more. It is easy to search, access and share information. Our health and wellness resources also include our printed newsletters, the “Wellness Wednesday” radio show podcasts and health and wellness events. Spring is a great time to start new activities and adopt healthy habits to keep you active and well all year long.
Our Bodies Need Antioxidants
A balanced diet is important for providing the nutrients our cells need on a daily basis. In spite of an otherwise healthy diet, exposure to toxins and sunlight may result in cell damage caused by free radicals. We may be able to slow cell damage by increasing the amount of antioxidants in our diet. The antioxidant capacities of foods are measured on a scale called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale. High on the ORAC scale are berries, including blueberries, raspberries, pomegranates, strawberries, and goji berries. At the top of the scale is the Aronia berry – a fabulous source of antioxidants.
