Submitted by: Connie Beaudry, Resource Coordinator
36 people attended the Coffee and A Chat this month, sessions were at the Northern Neighbors Birch River Drop In Center, and the Swan River Senior Citizen Center. They were held January 28th, & 30th 2025, and all started at 10 am. This month’s topics were Addictions and Strive to Thrive. Unfortunately, Geoff from Alzheimer’s Society had to cancel Benito Drop in Center session, thus a decision was made to cancel the sessions for another time when the weather is more conducive to travel.
Monica Parsons our community addictions worker started the day with a very interactive presentation about all types of substance abuse. Older adults have an increased vulnerability to the effects of alcohol and drugs, and they experience more harm associated with them compared to younger adults. Even drugs you’ve used your whole life can affect you differently as you age. 1½ oz. of hard liquor, 6 oz. of wine or 1 beer are considered as one serving of alcohol. If you have a healthy young liver it may take up to 2hrs for your body to process the one service. Interesting isn’t it. So… not a cup of coffee, nor water or nor a cold shower can sober you up, only time and a healthy liver can do that. Up to 21% of older adults have a substance use disorder. Help is available at Canadian coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health at www.ccsmh.ca, info@ccsmh.ca or call 1-888-214-7080 extension 102.
Katie Kroeker our community dietitian talked with us about a Prairie Mountain Health Program “Strive to Thrive” a free 5-week program where participants explore their symptoms of wellness and improve their mental health. Healthy and effective ways of coping with stress and gaining resilience to life challenges can be hard to maintain sometimes, so we can all use a little help. Through the program, participants will develop skills, knowledge, and practices to empower them to thrive! We learned how to take deep breaths from our bellies, which in turn can ease anxiety. She states that there does not have to be strict rules to meals, eat a balanced diet of a variety of dark colored foods, these are high in nutrients and vitamins. Eat meals regularly, stay hydrated and do what is right for your body.
Social Wellness, Emotional Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Physical Wellness, Environmental Wellness, Financial Wellness, Occupational Wellness. If the precluding wellness markers are all in balance, you will have a better chance of overcoming potential health crisis, find it easier to stay positive and be grateful for what we Have!
As usual Katie did cook food in front of us. Quesadillas! The morning sessions ended with lively conversations with new acquaintances while enjoying a light soup, salad, fresh Quesadillas and of course yummy sweets made by our local people at the Senior Centers.
We are looking forward to February’s lineup of sessions, Canadian Dental Plan with Service Canada Shayne and Grief, how it can affect your ability to socialize with Ferland, Margaret & Reg.
As usual the blood pressure self-testing monitoring station will be set up. Have a great winter season and we will see you February 2025!