Living Well in Your Autumn Years

Living Well in Your Autumn Years

Submitted

Seniors of Vegreville and area enjoyed a day of learning, fun and fellowship at the 7th Annual Seniors Health and Wellness Day at the Vegreville Sunshine Club. This was hosted by VegMin Learning Society, Vegreville and District Family & Community Support Services, AHS – Health Promotion and a new partner this year, Kalyna Country Primary Care Network. Jeanette Footz, volunteer Emcee, kept the program moving smoothly throughout the day.

Karri Scherger, with Kalyna Country PCN emphasized the importance of caring for your feet and demonstrated how some common household objects can help you check their condition or apply lotion. It is important to keep the foot moisturized to avoid cracking and get medical help when needed.

Wise Owl Representative, Marieann Hussell, urged everyone to report fraud telephone calls to Crime Watch, Better Business Bureau or RCMP so the targeted areas and the types of calls can be monitored. Callers may be aggressive, offer time-limited offers or appeal to your emotions and try to get information personal people. DO NOT give them personal information such as credit card, bank account or Social Insurance number. One tip was to let the credit bureau know of the death of a family member so their identity cannot be used fraudulently.

Lyndsey Lepper with the Office of

Public Guardian provided information and written resources about financial, medical and personal decision-making. A will, Power of Attorney and Personal Directive are important documents for everyone to prepare.

A hearty lunch was provided by Dwayne Hlady and kitchen volunteers. In the afternoon participants could choose 2 of 3 topics of interest.

AHS Dietitian, Delone Abercrombie, delivered messages about the new Canada Food Guide. Is your plate half full of vegetables and fruit? It should be. Also, limit highly processed food, make water your drink of choice and read food labels to help you reduce your intake of sodium, sugar and fat content in premade foods.

Sarah Osko with Kalyna PCN demonstrated Nordic Poles which can be used for walking on many surfaces with the proper tips. Walking with poles activate 95% of the body’s muscles, including the legs, upper body and core. There are two techniques, one for rehabilitation and one for fitness. For fitness walking, the pole should be at a 45o angle to the ground with a straight but not locked arm.

Osteoporosis, Lynette Adamson of Kalyna PCN said, is a disease that can be prevented, but not cured. Check with your health provider to see if you are at risk for getting it and if calcium supplements will help. Vitamin D, particularly for Canadians, is important. D3 is preferred and 1000 units/day is recommended. It is important for bone health as it increases the absorption of calcium. There are no symptoms of reduced bone density, so screening is very important.

Sarah Osko had the group up on their feet doing some simple exercises to get the circulation going and the muscles extending. Exercise contributes to a healthier lifestyle: builds strength, helps with flexibility, boosts mental health, reduces stress, and increases energy levels. 150 minutes of exercise that gets the heart rate up per week is recommended. Check with your healthcare provider prior to starting.

Also addressing the crowd were Mary Jane Tkachyk from Alberta Seniors & Housing, Loretta Kroeker from Rural Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, and representatives from Health Canada who spoke briefly about potentially dangerous chemicals in homes.

A very big thank you is extended to Kinettes, Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary of Legion Branch #139, Royal Canadian Legion #139, Elks, Royal Purple and Rotary Club for their financial donations. Valuable volunteers who made this day possible were planners Melva Hossay, Marlene Podoborozny, Dwayne Hlady, and Marion Baxandall. We sincerely thank Anita Lemko, Ellen Essery, Jeanette Footz, and Sunshine Club volunteers for their contributions as well.

The afternoon wrapped up with door prizes and a 50/50 draw.

To get information about the classes or services offered by the hosting organizations, give them a call.