A8
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 | Sasktoday.ca | Yorkton This Week
just for
SENIORS Our Monthly Feature
...For Seniors and about Seniors
Burkell honoured by local curling club By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer Craig Burkell was installed Tuesday as the newest life member of the Yorkton Curling Club. In order to become a life member there are three criteria that must be met. First you need to be at least 60 years of age. “Our inductee has that covered. At 82 he continues to curl and is still a force to be reckoned with on the ice,” explained club president Bev Fuchs at the presentation ceremony. Secondly, you must have been a club member for a minimum of 20 years. “This particular curler has been a fulltime club member since 1972 – that’s 50 years,” said Fuchs. The third criteria is that they need to have held at least one leadership position within our organization – again our candidate has this covered. “He was the office manager from 1981 – 1983. Our club was very
hectic back in those days. There would be 96 teams in the Men’s Open Spiel, 64 in the Ladies Bonspiel and 64 teams entered in the Farmers with waiting lists. That is a lot of teams to keep track of and a lot of draws to make – all done manually with cardboard and stickpins,” said Fuchs. “He has been the club president, served as bonspiel chairperson for many events, he and his wife were co-chairs for a provincial mixed championship and as a board member in the early 70’s he played a part in the decision to move the curling facility to the current location. “These are only a few of the many contributions this gentleman and his family have made and continue to make to our club and the sport of curling.” “It really is an honour,” said Burkell moments after the announcement. Burkell said he has actually been involved with the local club for longer than noted. “I started curling in
1954 in the old rink,” he said. “I was actually part of the club in the early ‘60s as well.” He then took a few years off, only to return to the fold for the long haul. So what keeps Burkell throwing – or now pushing rocks – all these years? “It’s the fun and camaraderie,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing being around all the other curlers.” Through the year’s interest in the sport has seemed to wane with the local bonspiel attracting far fewer teams than the 96 mentioned. “Yes it has and I don’t know just what’s happened,” offered Burkell, looking back fondly on the heyday 1980s. Burkell said back then the club was running two draws almost every night of the week and the UCT Club even having its own draw Saturday mornings. That is not the case now, and Burkell said it likely relates to fewer curlers in the 20-to-40 age group which today seems
Craig Burkell is now a life member of the Yorkton Curling Club. The recognition was bestowed recently by club president Bev Fuchs. to involved in other things. It might also relate inpart to fewer farmers too. “The smaller clubs, there are not as many rural people out there,” said Burkell. “... When I was growing up in the 50s
the thing we looked forward to was curling.” And it still is for Burkell who curls twice a week with the local seniors group. While enjoying the camaraderie as he always has, he notes he is still involved
because of the push stick delivery now allowed, adding his knees would have him retired years ago if he still needed to get down in the hack. As it is he has some shots still to make, he said.
Tips for choosing a walk-in bathtub Walk-in bathtubs are designed for people with mobility issues. They come with a watertight door and tend to be equipped with a bench and grab bars. Here are four tips to help you choose the right model for your needs. 1. CONSIDER HOW IT OPENS The door to a walk-in bathtub can open either
inward or outward. If you’re in a wheelchair or use a walker, look for a model with a door that swings outward. 2. THINK LONGTERM When choosing a bathtub, keep in mind that your mobility may further diminish as you age. Therefore, you may want to select a model with safety features that will come in
You’re invited to our
5 ANNIVERSARY th
CELEBRATION!
Monday, January 16th GX94 radio will be on location 1-5 pm, plus in-pharmacy specials and giveaways! Join the celebration! 17 - 259 Hamilton Rd • 306-782-2000
handy later. 3. DISCERN YOUR NEEDS Determine whether you’ll use your bath daily or only occasionally. If you plan on using your tub often, ask yourself if you prefer sitting or lying down and if you want jets for a therapeutic experience. 4. REFLECT ON THE FILLING SYSTEM Walk-in bathtubs often take a long time to fill and must be completely emptied before you can get out. Consequently, you may want a model with a quick-fill system and two drains. Before making your choice, consult a professional who can help you evaluate your needs.
Tips to help seniors stay warm in winter Seniors are sensitive to the cold due to metabolic changes that make it difficult
for them to generate enough heat. Here are four tips for staying warm this winter.
Did you know? Your Pharmacist can write you a prescription for a variety of minor ailments.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
SENIORS SAVE 25% on
Regular priced (white price tag) Tablets and Capsules
#16-385 Broadway Street East Linden Square Mall, YORKTON
Ask us about your treatment options. Open 7 days a week
PARKLAND MALL 277 BROADWAY ST. E., UNIT 33
306-783-9796 Your health. Made easier.™ Professional fees may apply.
1. ADJUST THE HEAT Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. If you want to keep your electricity bill down, increase the heat in rooms you frequently use and lower it everywhere else. 2. DRESS APPROPRIATELY Wear wool clothing as much as possible. This material keeps you warmer than fabrics like cotton and polyester. Don’t forget to keep your hands, feet and head covered too. This is where you lose most of your body heat. Plus, wearing thick socks and slippers will prevent your feet from touching cold floors. When going outdoors, wear several Continued on Page 9
Yorkton This Week | Sasktoday.ca | Wednesday, December 28, 2022
A9
just for SENIORS
December 2022
Discover the benefits of video games for seniors Video games provide entertainment and come in a variety of genres to engage peo ple of all interests. Did you know that they also hold potential benefits for seniors? Improved cognitive function Recent studies from Montreal focused on the effects of video games on the aging brain. Using MRIs before the study and again at the end, researchers established that doing puzzles or playing games of logic positively affected the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with memory. Of the three groups in the study, one group played 3-D video games, one did no particular activity and one took piano lessons, a different type of learning. The subjects who played video games saw their hippocam-
pus increase in volume more than the other two groups. This benefit may be transferrable to other areas of life where tasks require similar types of cognitive effort. Mental and physical benefits Depending on the type of game, the benefits can vary. Playing video games improved fine motor skills and shortened reaction times. Beyond memory and cognitive function, certain games improved attention spans, critical thought and emotional health while increasing the ability to do multiple tasks simultaneously. Other observations included increased physical activity, which has its own benefits. Visit a gaming or electronics store in your area to start building your video game library.
Is it time to review your meds? As you age, your body may become more sensitive to the effects of certain drugs, and some may cease being appropriate for your needs. Here’s what you should know about reviewing your medication. WHO TO CONSULT
Ask your pharmacist or doctor to review your medications with you. If you speak with your pharmacist, they’ll contact your doctor if a change in your prescription is needed. Be sure to mention any over-the-counter drugs or herbal rem-
edies you frequently use. WHAT TO CHECK It’s important to regularly evaluate your medications and their side effects. This will help you identify if the drugs you take still meet your needs. You can also ask about the possibil-
ity of changing your treatment for one that’s safer. Reducing your prescribed dose, or discontinuing altogether, may also be options. Remember to ask about a followup appointment to ensure the right decision was made. Ideally, you should review the medications you take at least once a year to ensure they still benefit you.
HEARN’S WESTVIEW PHARMACY P H A R M A C H O I C E
306.783.4331 • 265 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton Your number 1 pharmacy for diabetic supplies and advice. Ask us about the new libre sensor and free sharps containers Free Delivery & Mail Out Service Diabetic Supply Centre Ostomy Supplies • Full Prescription Service Patient Counselling • Minor Ailments Prescribing Free Flu Shots • Variety of Compression Stockings Aircast Walking Boots & Sports Injury Devices First Aid Supplies & Bandages Free Home Deliveries
OPEN
Monday-Friday 9am - 8pm • Saturday 9am - 5pm Closed Sundays & Holidays
Near to loved ones. Far from worries. TIME TO MOVE?
WARM Continued from Page 8 layers of clothing to ensure you stay warm. 3. EAT WELL To stay warm, your body needs to burn a fair amount of calories. Consequently, eating a balanced diet can help you fight the cold. Be sure to eat hot, hearty meals and drink plenty of water. Sipping herbal tea throughout the day is a great way to stay warm and hydrated. 4. USE ACCESSORIES If necessary, use a heated blanket when watching TV or put a hot water bottle in your bed a few minutes before you go to sleep. If despite your best efforts you still struggle to stay warm, make sure to consult your doctor.
“I should have done this years ago.”
Consider Gladstone Seniors Residence
All the comforts of home; Now available Compassionate and caring staff; “Respite Suites” Delicious home-cooked meals; short and long Non-denominational worship; term stays A full range of activities Rents from for your enjoyment. $1500.00 • No Covid-19 outbreaks • • • • •
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! 162 Dunlop St. Yorkton / Phone 306-828-2000
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, JANUARY 25, 2023