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.
Community News
Profile: Carelink Home Care
Carelink Home Care Inc. offers non-medical, in-home care for seniors with a variety of services to help them stay in the comfort of their own homes. Obianuju (JuwJuw) Obi, Carelink’s owner, has an extensive background as a caregiver and a Registered Nurse. She uses her experience and desires to make a difference in the community to guide all Carelink services. Their services are centred upon love, respect and understanding. More than 70 percent of individuals report that they want to remain at home as they age. Carelink Home Care and its dedicated staff can help them do just that.
Clean Eating Recipe
Butternut Squash Soup. Ingredients: 15 ml olive oil. 1 onion. 1 butternut squash. 2 celery stalks. 2 garlic cloves. 1 potato. 2 ml pepper. 1, 5 L vegetable broth. 250 ml cooking cream. Directions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté onions for 4 minutes. Add squash, celery, garlic, potato, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. In a blender, puree mixture into a smooth soup. Return soup to the saucepan and add cream. Reheat over low heat before serving. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely grated ginger and 1 tsp (5 mL) hot pepper flakes for a warm, spicy kick.
Words to Live By
“Just as a flower holds itself in the highest regard (no matter the conditions), so must we practice unconditionally loving ourselves.” Keith Macpherson
Single-Event Sports Betting
The CBC article, “Conservative MP says the Saskatchewan government has ‘dropped the ball’ on single-event sports betting, featured Waugh’s Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act”. Bill C-218, passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent in June 2021, came into force in August 2021. The legislation allows provinces and territories to conduct and manage single-event betting on any sporting event except horse racing. In November, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced that BC residents had placed more than $25 million in single-event sports bets within two months of the legalization. If you run into trouble, support is available. (https://bit.ly/3OJU3Um )
Move to Gain Strength and Mobility
After surgery or injury, it is often very important to exercise to regain strength and movement. If you have been told to exercise by your doctor or surgeon but are not sure exactly what that means, help is available. A kinesiologist can help you develop a strength training program to help with repetitive low back pain, hip pain and knee pain. Here are some tips for a smoother recovery after surgery or injury; ●Move as often as you can. ●Move with intention. ●Move within your pain free range of motion. We can help.
Eye Exams for Seniors
People 65 and older are encouraged to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Eye exams are so important because, as we age, there is a higher risk of eye disease or other conditions that can impair sight. Many conditions have no symptoms which makes regular eye exams even more critical. Eye conditions or problems that can be detected with an eye exam include: *Presbyopia – decreased ability to focus, *Cataracts – distorted or cloudy vision, *Diabetic Retinopathy, *Macular degeneration – central vision loss and *Glaucoma – the “silent thief of sight.” Schedule your eye exam with us today.
Health Fun Facts
Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 percent.
Exercise will give you more energy, even when you’re tired.
Always look on the bright side: being an optimist can help you live longer.
Product Profile: VoxxLife Wearable Technology
Over the past five years, Great Socks for All has introduced pain relief and enhanced balance to the people on Vancouver Island. A Canadian, searching for drug free pain relief for his mother’s MS symptoms, spent several years and millions of dollars analysing brainstem functionality and the peripheral nervous system. The result of the research is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet. This pattern is incorporated into VOXXLife socks and insoles. Benefits include enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain, enhanced postural stability and balance, improved mobility and higher energy levels.
It is Important to Stay Active
As we age, it is important to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. Being active can stave off falls, increase independence and help prevent illness like a stroke, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. As the days get shorter and colder, it may become more difficult to motivate yourself to move your body and stay active. Try to be active with something you really enjoy such as walking with a friend, dancing or biking. If it is fun, you are much more likely to stick with it. Start slow and work your way up to 30 minutes a day.
Wellness Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo is the place to be on September 23 & 24 to Explore, Indulge, Escape & Shop. It is all about wellbeing, empowerment, fashion, friends and fun. Lots of great things to explore with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, fashion shows and over $3000 in prizes. FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See you there!
