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Rockin' & Talkin' - Never too late to take steps to being healthy

Zee Chevalier's monthly report on the Clinton Senior's Association.

Candy hearts in pastel colors, chocolates in heart-shaped boxes,

Flowers tied with satin bows, all speak the same language...

“Be mine, Valentine.”

-  Cindi Phillips

Every month of the calendar has designated days. February includes Groundhog Day, National Flag Day, Valentine’s Day, Heritage Day in the Yukon, to name a few. I could fill half the pages of The Journal telling you how, when and why these days came to be earmarked as such, but if you really want to know more about a special day, use the references at the library, or Google it on your computer, or ask a school age child or grandchild to research it for you at the school library.

February has been singled out as National Heart month. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is making a difference and is saving lives in Canada. Over the past 60 years some astounding discoveries and advancements in the field of heart and stroke research have led to a 75 per cent decline in the death rate from the disease. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 2014 report, 165,000 Canadians were survivors of heart ailments. Accessing rehabilitation programs is extremely important for survivors’ health.

A 2013 report claims that women have a 16 per cent higher rate of dying after a heart attack than men and are five times more likely to die from heart disease than from breast cancer. Yet most of us don’t recognize the signs of a heart attack or know the heart healthy habits that could save us. Listed here are leading factors that cause heart attacks:

1. High blood pressure, 2. Smoking, 3. Diabetes, 4. Obesity, 5. Family History, 6. Too little exercise, 7. High cholesterol, 8. Too much stress, and 9. Menopause.

Smart prevention can cut your risk by up to 80 per cent. To learn more about heart disease contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation or talk to your doctor or to the nurse at the Wellness Clinic. Even small, steady changes towards a healthier life can mean a stronger, more efficient heart.

The Foot Care Clinic will be held at the Seniors Centre, 217 Smith Ave. on Feb. 13 and 14. To discuss your foot health or to book an appointment call Colleen Thom, RN  CAFCN at 250-374-1735.

The next regular General meeting of the Clinton Seniors Association will be held at the Clinton Seniors Centre on Thursday, Feb. 19 following a noon lunch.

Keep in mind that the Daffodil Tea will be Wednesday, March 18 at the Clinton Memorial Hall. Cut daffodils and potted miniature daffodils and strawberry shortcake will be available.

Last month I wrote that making major life changes all at once in the form of New Year’s resolutions can be overwhelming and unrealistic and I suggested that instead you focus on one theme each month in 2015.

In January we considered nutrition.

Let’s think about Family and Relationship Building in February. When the day to day living gets us stressed out, we tend to neglect the ones we care about the most. This month let’s try to put the emphasis on positive interaction with those we love.

Healthy family relationships help all members of a family feel safe and connected to one another. While all families go through good and difficult times, a family with healthy relationships is still able to interact with one another in a safe and respectful way. Positive interaction between family members can make children feel secure and loved which helps their brain development. It can help to overcome difficulties with children’s eating, sleeping, learning and behaviour.

Happy Birthday to Catherine Marcoux Feb. 16, to Ann Trembath Feb. 21 and to Isabel Haining on Feb. 27.

Zee Chevalier