YTW Seniors 20210728

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, July 28, 2021

A13

just for

SENIORS Our Monthly Feature

...For Seniors and about Seniors

Age not stopping pair of umpires A pair of seniors have been calling balls and strikes for baseball, fastball, and softball games in the Yorkton area for a combined 50 years, with no signs of calling it quits just yet.

One of those umpires is Orville Holland, who was originally born in Whitebeech and moved to Yorkton in 1981.

He said he started umping after his son started getting older and stuck with it to continue being involved with the game.

“I started out as a coach when my son played baseball, and it just kept going from there. When he went to the senior age, I started umping,” he said. “I started taking my umpire course, more for my own knowledge of the rules of the game, and it just kept going from there.”

It’s been 20 plus years for Holland behind the plate, and one of his

favourite moments is getting a chance to umpire a game with his son.

“I’ve done pretty much every level in the baseball system. The only game that really comes to mind, and I umped the bases, was my son was 14 when we did the major league here, and he umpired the plate, which is quite the feat for somebody who is only 14-years-old. I look like it, and as a young umpire, he did a really good job.”

Now that Holland has hit 72, he said that depending on his health, he plans to continue to ump games and knows he has at least one more year.

“I’ve thought about it the last four or five years and keep getting asked to do it again. This year I cut back. I didn’t do any baseball; it’s just getting too hard. I’ve some health issues, so it’s a little bit more than I can handle sometimes.”

Garry Jopko has been umping everything from fastball, softball, and baseball over his 30 years. ginally from the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, and moved to Rhein in 1984, and seven years later, he would ump his first game. A slow-pitch game at York Lake.

He said that he got into umping as a way to stay involved in the game after playing for a brief time.

As for a highlight from his three decades, he looks back at umping a major tournament.

“The highlight for me and my aspirations was doing the two the fastball Canadian Championships.

I enjoyed those very much; You get to umpire with other people from other parts of the province, you learn, you get to umpire teams from around the province.”

The other umpire is Garry Jopko, who has been calling games for the last 30 years.

Jopko, who is ori-

Jopko said overall, it’s been a long and satisfying career and that he has no plans on calling it quits.

“I’ll keep going until my body says ‘it’s time to hang up the counter.’”

As for the future of umping, Holland said that he encourages people who enjoy the game to get involved with umping as there is a huge shortage.

“You have to just want to do it. Being involved with the sport itself, understanding it. A lot of kids that play the game will continue on with something, one way or another. It’s just a way

to stay involved, and it helps promote the sport.”

Jopko said that you have to enjoy the game to be a good umpire.

“It is not the easier job in the world; you will have fans on you, you will have coaches on you, and you sometimes get backtalk from the players themselves. To be an umpire, one has to develop a thick skin.”

He said in terms of getting more umpires; he encourages people who enjoy the game or are former players to give umping a shot by attending clinics or just volunteering to be an ump.

— YTW Staff

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

“Your ears deserve an audiologist” 18-1st Avenue North Yorkton, Sask.

JACQUIE MVULA

306-782-1793

M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner

www.yorktonhearing.com

LET US HELP YOU DEFINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE

348 Morrison Drive, Yorkton 306-782-0005 @espritlifestyle www.espritlifestyle.com

Photo taken prior to Covid-19.

A14

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week

just for SENIORS

July 2021

Practices for safe gardening Many people take up gardening after they retire, and with good reason. In addition to being an enjoyable hobby, it provides a number of physical and mental health benefits. Here are a few tips to help you safely garden.

1. Warm up before you get started by stretching your neck, back, shoulders and other muscles.

2. Adopt a comfortable posture.

Keep your back straight, work within arm’s reach and use knee pads.

3. Alternate between tasks to avoid tendinitis and other injuries caused by repetitive movements.

4. Use the right tools. Move around dirt and cumbersome equipment in a wheelbarrow.

5. Make sure to keep a water bottle nearby so you remember to stay hydrated.

6. Take breaks whenever you feel tired. On hot summer days, sit in the shade or retreat to an air-conditioned

space.

7. Handle pesticides with care and follow the directions. Or, better yet, learn how to control pests without using these dangerous products.

8. Avoid gardening between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strongest.

9. Wear a light-coloured, long-sleeve shirt and pants and a breathable, widebrimmed hat.

10. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, and wear sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays.

11. Keep the rows of your garden clear and put tools away when you’re done with them to avoid tripping and falling.

12. Opt for telescopic gardening tools rather than using a stepladder. Only climb a ladder if someone else holds it steady.

Pick up the tools and plants you need at a garden centre near you.

Factors to consider when buying a magnifying glass A magnifying glass can make it easier to read books, solve puzzles or enjoy a variety of other hobbies. Here are four things to consider when choosing one.

1. Lens size. The magnification power of a magnifying glass’ convex lens depends on its size and curvature. The smaller the lens and the greater the curvature, the larger objects will

appear.

2. Intended use. If you only need it on occasion, such as to read a menu, a hand-held magnifying glass will do the trick.

For more frequent use with brief tasks, consider a magnifying pendant.

Otherwise, a tabletop magnifier (either with a stand or clip) is practical for prolonged, handsfree use.

3. Portability. A pocket

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

PARKLAND MALL 277 BROADWAY ST. E., UNIT 33

306-783-9796 Your health. Made easier.™ Professional fees may apply.

magnifying glass is preferable for use outside the home, as it can easily fit in a pocket or bag.

Opt for a folding model, which has the added benefit of protecting the lens when it’s not being used.

4. Weight. Hand-held magnifying glasses can be difficult to hold for extended periods of time. Be sure to look

for a lightweight model.

Furthermore, keep in mind that while a builtin light is a practical feature, it’ll also make your magnifying glass heavier.

To ensure you find a magnifier that suits your needs, test out a variety of options in store. For even stronger magnification, consider getting a digital magnifying device.

Can eating berries improve your memory?

Berries are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C and several other nutrients. But did you know they may also support memory function? Here’s a look at how berries can give your brain a boost.

THE ROLE OF POLYPHENOLS For years, researchers around the world have been exploring whether the consumption of certain fruits can help prevent memory loss and other types of cognitive decline associated with

aging. Several studies indicate that polyphenols, a micronutrient found in plant-based foods such as blueberries and grapes, might be the key. While more research is needed, it seems that polyphenols may improve long-term memory function and help delay age-related cognitive decline.

WHICH FRUITS TO FAVOUR In addition to being present in blueberries and grapes, polyphenols can be found in black currants, elderberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and more. To reap the benefits of berries, enjoy them fresh, frozen or dried.

Eat them as a snack,

add them to a meal or drink them in a smoothie. Alternatively, you can opt to take a berry extract supplement, but be sure to consult your doctor beforehand.

To learn more about the health benefits of berries and other foods, book an appointment with a dietitian in your area.

F . a s r e n o f r d o e m v o worries. l o t r a e N

“I should have done this years ago.”

Locally Owned & Operated

TIME TO MOVE?

Consider Gladstone Seniors Residence • All the comforts of home; • Compassionate and caring staff; • Delicious home-cooked meals; • Non-denominational worship; • A full range of activities for your enjoyment.

Now available “Respite Suites” short and long term stays

Gladstone Seniors Residence Personal Care Home and Independent Living Residence your Best Choice in Yorkton

Make your next move to the Gladstone!

162 Dunlop St. Yorkton / Phone 306-828-2000

Taking care of all your sleep needs with a wide range of services Getting a good night’s sleep is the best thing you can do to improve your physical & mental health We’re now open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to serve you better.

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After hours available by appointment Our patients are our highest priority. We continue to offer our services to the public while following all the health and safety guidelines recommended by the Health Authorities. #SPBEXBZ 4U 8 :PSLUPO t Phone: 306-783-9888

XXX QBSLMBOEDQBQ DB t &NBJM JOGP!QBSLMBOEDQBQ DB

Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, July 28, 2021

A15

just for SENIORS

July 2021

Effective exercises for seniors Losing interest in an exercise regimen is a situation many fitness enthusiasts have confronted at one point or another. Overcoming a stale workout routine can be simple for young athletes, whose bodies can typically handle a wide range of physical activities. That flexibility allows younger athletes the chance to pursue any number of physical activities when their existing fitness regimens grow stale. But what about seniors who have grown tired of their workouts?

Even seniors who have lived active lifestyles since they were youngsters are likely to encounter certain physical limitations associated with aging. The likelihood of dealing with one or more physical limitations increases with age. CDC data indicates that 8 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 59 have three

or more physical limitations. That figure rises to 27 percent among adults age 80 and over.

Physical limitations may be a part of aging for many people, but such obstacles need not limit seniors looking to banish boredom from their workout routines.

In fact, many seniors

can successfully engage in a variety of exercises that benefit their bodies and are unlikely to grow stale.

• Water aerobics: Sometimes referred to as “aqua aerobics,” water aerobics may involve jogging in the water, leg lifts, arm curls, and other activities that can safely

be performed in a pool.

Water aerobics exercises are low impact, which can make them ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues like arthritis.

• Resistance band workouts: Resistance band workouts can be especially useful for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. Resistance

bands are inexpensive and don’t take up a lot of space, making them ideal for people who like to exercise at home but don’t have much space.

Resistance bands can be used to strengthen muscles in various parts of the body, including the legs, arms and back.

Resistance bands can be pulled or pushed in any direction, which allows for more versatility in a workout than weight machines and dumbbells. That versatility allows seniors to spice up their workout regimens when things get a little stale.

• Pilates: Pilates is another low-impact exercise that can be ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues. A community fitness program for seniors that promotes living through physical and social engagement, Pilates can help seniors build overall strength, stability and coordina-

tion. Seniors can experience improvements in strength and stability by committing to as little as 10 to 15 minutes of daily Pilates exercises.

• Strength training: Seniors on the lookout for something more challenging than a daily walk around the neighborhood should not overlook the benefits of strength training. The CDC notes that seniors who participate in strength training can stimulate the growth of muscle and bone, thereby reducing their risk for osteoporosis and frailty.

In fact, the CDC notes that people with health concerns like arthritis or heart disease often benefit the most from exercise regimens that include lifting weights a few times each week.

Physical limitations are a part of aging. But seniors need not let such limitations relegate them to repetitive, boring workouts.

U of R researchers explore the effects of COVID-19 on heart health The University of Regina Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies is contributing to COVID-19 research by assessing the disease’s impacts on the heart with a device that can fit in the palm of your hand.

“We want to characterize the COVID heart,” said Patrick Neary, professor of Kinesiology and Health Studies.

Over the last decade Neary has worked with a small cardiac sensor, developed by LLA Technologies in Kelowna, B.C., to assess how the heart is affected in people who have experienced concussions. Neary’s PhD student, Jyotpal Singh, is now using the sensor to study an expanded patient group. He’s collecting data from people with cardiac injury, respiratory conditions, pneumonia, and those who have, or had COVID19.

“We are casting quite a wide net to see how we can differentiate between different conditions using this small, cardiac sensor,” said Singh.

While the effects of COVID-19 disease on the lungs are well known, with critically ill patients put on ventilators to keep them breathing, much less is known about effects on the heart. The goal is to use the sensor to collect enough data to see if there is a noticeable pattern of cardiac response in COVID-19 patients. If there is then the sensor could become a useful tool when triaging patients in healthcare.

“We do know the heart is affected by COVID19,” said Neary. “We’re hoping to illustrate that quickly and effectively.”

Singh says the fact the device can be shipped anywhere also makes it effective for assessing patients in rural areas

who might have to drive hours for an echocardiogram.

“The device is very simple to use,” said Singh. “We can instruct people over the phone.

They can keep to their daily routines.”

To get devices on patients, Singh and Neary are partnering with physicians and cardiologists in hospitals and medical clinics in Regina, Alberta, and B.C. Neary says that care homes in Ontario have also expressed interest in being part of the research. Currently 100 sensors have been shipped, around half of Singh’s goal to have 200 participants in the study.

Singh also expects to make a connection between this study and previous research he coauthored two years ago on the effects of acute hypoxia (depletion of oxygen in the blood) on the heart. Using the

It really knocked him out Late one evening, Norm’s doorbell rang. When he answered the door, he found a six-foot-tall cockroach standing in front of him. The bug grabbed Norm by the collar, punched him in the eye, threw him across the living room and then ran off.

The next day, Norm went to see his doctor to have his bruised eye examined. “Ah, yes,” the doctor said when Norm explained what had happened to him. “There’s a nasty bug going around.”

HEARN’S WESTVIEW PHARMACY t 265 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton Free Delivery & Mail Out Service t Diabetic Supply Centre Ostomy Supplies t Full Prescription Service Patient Counselling t Minor Ailments Prescribing Free Flu Shots t Variety of Compression Stockings

Kinesiology lab’s hypoxia chamber to simulate an environment with less oxygen, participants wore the small cardiac sensor for 30 minutes.

From the data, Singh concluded that hypoxia negatively affects the mechanics of the heart.

“Advancing science

or technology fascinates me,” he says. “It’s exciting to take what we look at theoretically in the lab and apply it to a real-life setting in the healthcare system, where we can help try to ease stress.”

The research is funded through MITACS, a non-profit organization

that partners with industry and provincial and federal governments to deliver research training and programs across the country. “We are also thankful that LLA Technologies agreed to give us these devices to use and collect the data,” said Neary.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

SENIORS SAVE 25% on Regular priced (white price tag) Tablets and Capsules

#16-385 Broadway Street East Linden Square Mall, YORKTON

BG Denture Clinic Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 35 Years

Aircast Walking Boots & Sports Injury Devices First Aid Supplies & Bandages

Now Offering Free home Deliveries

OPEN

46 Broadway St. E. (Next to Cornerstone Credit Union) Yorkton,

Sask.

306-783-6350 t XXX UIFDBSJOHUFBN DPN

.POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN t 4BUVSEBZ BN QN t $MPTFE 4VOEBZT )PMJEBZT

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 25, 2021