Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, July 27, 2022
A9
just for
SENIORS Our Monthly Feature
...For Seniors and about Seniors
Building sleds a passion for Kweens By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Sometimes when you want a certain snowmobile model they are near impossible to find based on age and rarity. At other times you have a vision for a certain sled, but a model suiting that vision was never produced. So what do you do at that point? Well if you are John Kweens you get out some paper and start designing what you want. The Churchbridge area snowmobile guru has shown a knack for creating unique sled designs from the ground up, as well as being something of a master sleuth when it comes to searching out parts to simply recreate certain sleds from the snow up. Kweens had one of his more unusual creations at the second annual Tapps Sports Lounge & Grill car show on the weekend. Looking a bit like some off-world scout vehicle for traversing the surface of another planet, the machine was actually a scratch built dual track snowmobile. So why fashion a sled like that? “I like two track snowmobile. The first snowmobile I ever drove was a ’68 Alpine (Ski Doo) with twin tracks,” he explained. The sled on display was not his first foray into building a twin tracked sled. “I built my first twin track snowmobile in 1980,” said Kweens, adding it was largely a flop. “It weighed too much,” he said with a smile. So it was back to the drawing board, the unit on display weighing in at a sleeker 500 pounds. The ride is also better, with a suspension Kweens said is much like a car in the sense the driver is nestled between the suspension units. The sled features two 7.5-inch-wide by 114-inchlong lugged rubber tracks
John Kweens of Yorktom in his scratch built sled. made from an 83 9700 Blizzard 16.5-inch-wide track, with 1 1/8-inch strip cut from the middle of the track to centre the drive windows, the tracks flat clips are removed from each track and replaced with upright clips in the opposite way to the other upright clips. “This allows to have one rear slide rail suspension per track with doubled up wheels, tightener and shock from an 81 9500 Blizzard Plus,” detailed a leaflet on the sled. For power Kweens turned again to a Blizzard, utilizing a 1981 original 9500 Blizzard Plus Rotax L/C rotary induced engine – type 454. Cooling the engine are two ‘81 9500 Blizzard Plus tunnel heat exchangers.
The driver slips into a go-cart race seat, the effect looking not unlike an F1 race car, with an aftermarket home bent windshield, trim, and motorcycle mirrors. There is also an aftermarket rear spoiler. The sled looks sleek, but has its limitations. Kweens said because of the narrow tracks and still somewhat hefty weight once the driver is seated, he sticks to groomed trails, usually only taking it out for the occasional vintage snowmobile derby. There have been offers on the sled, but Kweens has held on to the ride. “It’s my favourite because I ride it,” he said. Other sleds he has built have come and gone
over the years. “People want stuff I build,” he said, adding some of the sleds he built end up being raced, while several have gone into private collections. So what is next for Kweens? He’s building a 1978 Ski Doo from the ground
SENIORS SAVE 25% on Regular priced (white price tag) Tablets and Capsules
#16-385 Broadway Street East Linden Square Mall, YORKTON
ginal parts to find there. He estimates it will take $15K to access all the parts. Retired as a millwright, Kweens said building snowmobiles uses his past training and keeps him both busy in his tiny shop, and happy with what he creates.
Near to loved ones. Far from worries. TIME TO MOVE?
i* TIPVME IBWF EPOF UIJT ZFBST BHP w
t t t t t t
EVERY WEDNESDAY
up. “I’m building it for myself …I’m kind of a diehard Ski Doo fan,” said Kweens, adding it will be all original, but put together from parts acquired all over the place – many stateside because there is simply more inventory of ori-
Consider Gladstone Seniors Residence
"MM UIF DPNGPSUT PG IPNF Now available $PNQBTTJPOBUF BOE DBSJOH TUBGG “Respite Suites” %FMJDJPVT IPNF DPPLFE NFBMT short and long /PO EFOPNJOBUJPOBM XPSTIJQ term stays " GVMM SBOHF PG BDUJWJUJFT Rents from GPS ZPVS FOKPZNFOU $1500.00 /P $PWJE PVUCSFBLT Gladstone Seniors Residence Personal Care Home and Independent Living Residence your Best Choice in Yorkton
Integrated Life Care Make your next move to the Gladstone! %VOMPQ 4U :PSLUPO 1IPOF
A10
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week
just for SENIORS
July 2022
What you need to know about compression stockings
Bridge: a great pastime Bridge is a card game that’s played with four players divided into two teams. Each team must try to find a contract that allows them to score the most points. This is determined by bidding, which consists of establishing the denomination, with or without a trump suit, and the bid or number of tricks for the contract. The team with the highest bid then wins the number of tricks announced. Playing bridge has a host of benefits. It’s an inexpensive pastime that
can allow you to maintain a stimulating social life and meet new people. It also helps improve your memory and concentration. Bridge isn’t a game of chance. It’s a strategy game that requires reasoning, mental calculation, creativity and decision-making skills. It’s a real mental exercise and may even help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. If you want to give this card game a try, look for a bridge club in your area.
Have you heard about the benefits of using compression stockings? These therapeutic devices exert pressure on the veins in your legs to improve circulation and reduce discomfort and swelling. They’re tightest at the ankle and gradually loosen towards the top of the leg. Compression stockings are suitable for various individuals, including people who spend hours on their feet, frequent flyers and pregnant women. Compression stockings are also often recommended for seniors with venous insufficiency. This condition is often caused by a lack of physical activity or a poor cardiorespiratory system. Compression stockings are available in several lengths and can help with swollen legs, varicose veins and calf pain. Care and use
Compression stockings aren’t like ordinary socks. For example, they must be washed by hand and air dried. Additionally, you must follow specific instructions to put them on without damaging them. Fortunately, you can purchase accessories to help make this task easier. Visit your local pharmacy to find a pair of compression stockings that meet your needs.
Nutrition tips for seniors Eating healthy, nutritious foods gives you the energy you need to go about your daily life and stay in good shape. For seniors, it’s essential to have a varied diet to help maintain independence and quality of life. Here are some healthy eating tips to follow as you age. 50 to 59 years old At this age, women should focus on eating foods that help reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. For example, they should reduce their sugar intake and consume foods like soy and flaxseed, which are good sources of phytoestrogens. On the other hand, men should reduce their consumption of
red meat and saturated fats to help prevent prostate cancer. They should also include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins and fish in their diet. Both aging men and women can benefit from eating more protein to help prevent their muscle mass from deteriorating. 60 to 69 years old As you age, your metabolism gradually slows down. Therefore, you don’t need to consume as many calories as you used to. However, you must ensure you’re still getting enough calcium, vitamins and nutrients by eating the appropriate foods. If you lack the necessary appetite, you may need to supplement your diet with qua lity meal-replacement bars or drinks.
Consult a health care professional for advice. 70 years and older Hunger is less of an issue at this age. Therefore, the goal is to consume enough pro-
tein to meet your nutritional needs while still eating plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables and starches. You may also need to take vitamin and mineral supple-
ments to strengthen your immune system. On top of maintaining a healthy weight, fuelling your body with healthy foods can help pre-
vent muscle and bone loss and the onset of disease. Consult your doctor or a dietitiannutritionist to help you adopt healthy eating habits.
How to avoid heat stress As you age, it’s more difficult for your body to regulate heat, which can result in health complications. Here are some tips to help you survive the hot summer days ahead. Keep your space cool If you don’t have an air conditioner, use fans to circulate the air in your home. Close curtains and windows during the day to block out the hot sun and
open them on cooler nights to lower the temperature inside.
alcohol and coffee. Refresh yourself Try to keep your
body at a healthy temperature. You can do this by taking refresh-
Hydrate regularly Seniors are less likely to feel thirsty than younger people. Therefore, it’s important to prevent dehydration by drinking frequently, even before you feel thirsty. Drink cool water, eat juicy fruits and vegetables and avoid drinks that can dehydrate you, like
ing showers or baths, swimming or covering your skin with wet towels. Limit your activities Avoid strenuous activities that raise your body temperature and create discomfort. On hot days, do outdoor activities in the shade
and wear appropriate clothing and accessories like a hat and sunglasses. Heat stress shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you or a loved one are affected by it, contact a health professional immediately.
Did you know? Your Pharmacist can write you a prescription for a variety of minor ailments. Ask us about your treatment options. Open 7 days a week
HEARN’S WESTVIEW PHARMACY P H A R M A C H O I C E
t 265 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton
PARKLAND MALL
Your number 1 pharmacy for diabetic supplies and advice. Ask us about the new libre sensor and free sharps containers
277 BROADWAY ST. E., UNIT 33
306-783-9796
Free Delivery & Mail Out Service Diabetic Supply Centre Ostomy Supplies t Full Prescription Service Patient Counselling t Minor Ailments Prescribing Free Flu Shots t Variety of Compression Stockings Aircast Walking Boots & Sports Injury Devices First Aid Supplies & Bandages
Your health. Made easier.™ Professional fees may apply.
Free Home Deliveries
OPEN
.POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN t 4BUVSEBZ BN QN Closed Sundays & Holidays
Transferring your prescription is easy.* Simply provide us with the information of your current pharmacy, and we’ll do the rest!
*Not all prescriptions are transferrable. Ask your personal pharmacist for more details.
Meet your personal pharmacist today!
17 - 259 Hamilton Rd 306-782-2000 www.medicineshoppeyorkton.com
Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, July 27, 2022
A11
just for SENIORS
July 2022
A day with the critters A number of senior residents at Aspira Yorkton Crossing recently took a short road trip to the Good Spirit Petting Zoo. Submitted Photos by Bonnie Rohaynsky
4 tips for assisting an elderly relative from a distance Caring for an elderly relative can be demanding at the best of times. However, if you live far away, it can make things even more difficult. Whether your loved one resides in a different city or country, here are a few strategies for taking care of them from afar. 1. Develop a network of contacts Build a network of people who can help your elderly relative when
you’re not around. For example, you could ask a trustworthy friend or family member to regularly check in on them. Additionally, you can hire a health-care professional to conduct visits. Make sure you give your loved one a list of people they can contact if they can’t reach you. 2. Make the most of your visits During your visits, assist your loved one with as many of their
immediate and future needs as possible. For example, you could help them stock up on groceries, prepare meals, sort medication and schedule appointments. 3. Check in regularly Frequently checking in with your loved one allows you to stay on top of their health and habits. On top of face-to-face visits, you can call, email or video chat to keep in touch.
An elderly couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, “Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.” The other man said, “What is the name of the restaurant?” The first man thought and thought and finally said, “What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... the one that’s red and has thorns.” “Do you mean a rose?” “Yes, that’s the one,” replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, “Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”
4. Prepare financial resources If you’ll need to travel or take time off work to accompany your loved one to a medical appointment, it’s a good idea to make room in your budget for this expense. Additionally, some non-profit organizations offer friendly calls or visits to seniors. Find out if a service like this is available in your loved one’s region.
The Yorkton & District Horticultural Society invites you to their
Fruit, Flower & Vegetable Show Wednesday, August 10 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Parkland Mall, Yorkton Admission is free, everyone welcome!
just for SENIORS - IN PRINT AND ONLINE MONTHLY We want your feedback. Do you have a story idea or know a senior who should be highlighted? Contact us by phone 306-782-2465 or email sales@yorktonthisweek.com
OUR NEXT FEATURE - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022