January 2024 issue GWSA Sentinel online

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4 (Continued from page 3) ask whether the caller would like to talk to someone in English or French, if they would like to speak with a responder who has experience supporting First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or children if they are under the age of 18. Stanlick said he isn’t sure what call volumes will look like upon launching, and asks that people stay on the line even if there is a bit of a wait. However, if lines are busy, the caller will be routed to another agency that could be anywhere in Ontario or Canada, said Joanna Young Evans, executive director of Compass. “You will never be on hold, have to leave a message, there will always be a warm voice at the end of the line. It’s not about the partners, it’s about the service – we are merely a conduit for people to get help," she said. As the 9-8-8 line is meant as an urgent response, Stanlick said he encourages people to continue calling HERE 24/7 for ongoing support and referrals. “We continue to see a lot of need in the community,” he said, adding that people may be dealing with more pressures than they have in the past, including high cost of living, substance use and mental health concerns. “The need is there, and we know that from the number of calls that we get, the need is not going away,” he said. “So having this opportunity is another welcome addition to the menu of services that people can access.” WHY WE LOVE THE START OF A NEW YEAR! I always try to look at New Year as a fresh opportunity to “Better Myself”. This year I am going to stay away from saying that I will get my backyard done, or get a storage shed built, or clean out my car, or get rid of my large Stephen King book collection, or my Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman, Superman, or GI Joe collectibles, or my Chatty Cathy Dolls or Barbie Dolls, or my toy VW car/camper collection, and so on and so on and so on! Instead, I’m going to focus on the following four things; Embrace Gratitude Exercise on a regular basis (no matter the exercise) Eat Healthier (My addiction is ice-cream!) Brain Health So, tell me Why You Love The Start of A New Year? I will include some of them in my February Message From The Board (no names needed). You never know when an idea can generate a positive response or action in another person! FALL PREVENTION TIPS I’m going to close off this message with a reminder of some things you can do to prevent falls: • Exercise daily to build strength and improve balance. • Wear safe footwear. • Have regular eye checkups. • Make your home safer. • Remove clutter and tripping hazards. • Add railings on all stairs and grab bars in the bathroom. • Have good lighting, particularly on stairs. • Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about your risk. Check out the WDG Public Health website for more valuable information! https://wdgpublichealth.ca/healthcareproviders/falls-prevention COMING UP! I am already excited about the February Message From The Board as I will be writing about Artificial Intelligence (AI). What is it? How does it impact us? AI is an important topic that has become an integral part of our every day life. I have heard it said by many that Artificial Intelligence will allow the unimaginable to become within our grasp! (Maybe I won’t get rid of my Star Trek collectibles!) On behalf of GWSA President, Pat Gage, and the GWSA Board, keep enjoying all that the GWSA Membership has to offer! Donna Keating Vice Chair/Vice President Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) donna.keating@gwsa-guelph.ca The Sentinel - December 2023 — Vol. 48, No. 5
5 THE EDITOR’S PAGE by Linda Green WINTER — SENIORS’ SAFETY During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for everyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses -- especially for seniors. Here is some helpful advice for preventing common winter dangers we face. Avoid Slipping on Ice: Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. Unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence for seniors, especially during the winter months. Often these falls cause major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma and major lacerations. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles, and stay inside until the roads are clear. Replace a worn cane tip to making walking easier. Take off shoes as soon as you return indoors because often snow and ice attach to the soles and, once melted, can lead to slippery conditions inside. Dress for Warmth: Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia -- a condition where the body temperature dips too low. Don’t let indoor temperatures go too low and dress in layers. Going outside? Wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. In very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs. Your body temperature should never dip below 95 degrees -- if it does, get medical assistance immediately. Check the Car: Driving during the winter can be hazardous for anyone. But it is especially dangerous for older people, who may not drive as often anymore or whose reflexes may not be as quick as they once were. Get your car serviced before wintertime hits -- or ask a family member to bring it to a garage for you. Checking things like the oil, tires, battery and wipers can make a big difference on winter roads. Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out. Stockpile warm blankets. Longer power outages can spoil the food in your refrigerator and freezer so keep a supply of nonperishable foods that can be eaten cold on hand. If the power goes out, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Move around a lot to raise your body temperature. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector and buying an updated one if you need to. The most important tip to keep in mind during the colder months is to ask for help. If you need to clear your property of snow and ice, don’t hesitate to ask a family member or neighbour, or hire a professional. Arrange rides to the grocery store and doctor’s appointments. There are shuttle services specifically for seniors. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Special Printing For Members Do you have a need for printing (i.e., bookmarks, booklets, calendars, dinner menus/programs, club bylaws, annual reports), large or small quantities, black & white print (10¢ per page) or colour (30¢ per page)? If so, please contact Carol Croft or Linda Green, either in the Sentinel office (we’re not here all the time, though) or by email at sentinel@gwsaguelph.ca, or leave a message at the front desk. You must be a GWSA member to take advantage of this. We will try to accommodate you with your project as much as we can. Personal Donations Online donations to the GWSA are done through Canada Helps. Canada Helps is a registered Canadian charity and non-profit social enterprise. Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ guelphwellington-seniors-association/ to access Canada Helps. Their mission is to increase charitable giving, and it’s critical that they pass along as much as possible out of every dollar they collect. You receive a tax receipt for 100% of the value of your donation. January 5, 2024 is the deadline for submissions for the February Sentinel. Email submissions to: sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca or drop yours off at the Evergreen Front Desk. Distribution of the February issue is on January 25, 2024. Editor is not responsible for quality of submitted photos (but we’ll do our best). The Sentinel - January 2024
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Page 3: The Guelph/Wellington Seniors Assoc
Page 7 and 8: 7 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - Margaret W.
Page 9 and 10: (Continued from page 8) Board Room
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Page 13 and 14: GWSA Groups & Activities Contact In
Page 15 and 16: 15 (Continued from page 14) Ski Clu
Page 17 and 18: 17 SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS OF NOTE “Our
Page 19 and 20: 12:30-4p Quilting 1-3p Euchre 1-4p
Page 21 and 22: 21 The Elliott Community is Guelph
Page 23 and 24: 23 The Sentinel - January 2024
Page 25 and 26: 25 CANADA WINTER CARNIVAL Bring the
Page 27 and 28: 27 Article Written by: Spectrum Hea
Page 29 and 30: 29 Scarves, mittens, and hats are a
Page 31 and 32: RECREATION & LEISURE PROGRAMS for S
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Page 37 and 38: Tax Relief Provisions for Low Incom
Page 39 and 40: 39 Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Explor

January 2024 issue GWSA Sentinel online

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