Most of us remember where we were on August 14, 2003, when more than 50 million North Americans found themselves without power for days.  The ice storm in 2013 knocked out power even longer in some areas, and of course, we’re all experiencing the current pandemic.  These are just a few examples of how things can happen quickly and often without warning.

Now is the perfect time to prepare for events like blackouts, severe storms, flooding, extreme heat and other emergency situations.  The government of Canada has created a website to help do just that, with lots of great tips, resources and a checklist for assembling a home Emergency Kit.

With little effort, you can enjoy the peace of mind preparedness brings.  Stay safe everyone!

Visit UnlockFood.ca, a Dieticians of Canada website, to read about eating well as we get older.  Find tips on grocery shopping, cooking for one, keeping a healthy weight, nutrition and brain health, managing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, digestion and osteoporosis, healthy recipes and even how age affects taste buds and how to keep the flavour in food.  They also offer a printable guide on healthy eating for older adults and general advice on nutrition and dietary issues during COVID-19.

Stay healthy everyone!

In a Twitter message from Mayor Frank Scarpitti:

“The City of Markham is taking a thoughtful and measured approach to reopening some its outdoor facilities, while ensuring that community safety comes first.  Here’s what you need to know.”

Also, read the latest newsletter from Markham Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish.

With restaurants closed and people limiting their grocery store shopping, delivery meal kits have experienced a surge in popularity.  These subscription services deliver fresh ingredients with your choice of recipes ranging from simple to gourmet.  Most offer free delivery and allow you to cancel at any time.  Sound interesting?  Check out their current offers:

HelloFresh 50% Off 1st + 25% Off next 2

Chefs Plate 50% off

GoodFood 3 free meals

Cook It See website for offers

Fresh City Farms Organic grocery & meal delivery.  Free shipping until Aug 31 + $20 off first purchase with coupon code VEGFEST

PC Chef from President’s Choice is another option but they aren’t currently offering discounts and a $5 delivery fee applies.

Need help deciding?  Read the Food Network article from last year “We Tested 4 Popular Canadian Meal Delivery Kits.  Here’s How They Compared” and visit the website 2020 Meal Kit Reviews and Comparisons.

Between March 6, 2020 and May 1, 2020:

Canadian reports of COVID-19 fraud: 766

Canadian victims of COVID-19 fraud: 188

Lost to COVID-19 fraud: $1.2M

In these times of uncertainty, fraudsters have become increasingly opportunistic.  Whether tricking people into revealing their personal and financial information, clicking on malicious links, making donations to phoney charities or relief efforts.. scams are taking place in person, over the phone, by email and by text.  CityNews reports that seniors can be especially vulnerable.  Read the article or watch the video here.

Here are some examples of COVID-19 related fraud:

• Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or filters to protect from COVID-19 and door-to-door sales people selling household decontamination services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood
• Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19 tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
• Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
• Government departments sending out COVID-themed phishing emails tricking you into opening malicious attachments or tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
• Financial advisers pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease or offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs.
• Private companies offering fake COVID-19 tests for sale

I’ve recently learned that some of our members and instructors are currently enjoying exercising at home with Jenny McClendon videos.  Jenny is a fitness enthusiast with over 26 years experience in fitness training and group instruction and is also a licensed Physical Therapist. She has a love for teaching seniors and beginners in hopes that they know that it’s never too late to start an exercise program.

Browse all her YouTube videos and be sure to check out her beginner Line Dance video.

Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku, refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The Japanese words “Shinrin-yoku” translate into English as “Forest Bathing.”

In the Fall of 2018, the City of Markham completed construction of four Shinrin-yoku trails in local parks. These trails offer interpretive signage, seating, and are designed to be easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities.  The locations of the trails are Pomona Mills Park, Toogood Pond Park, Springdale Park and Valley, and Rouge Valley Park.

With the exception of benches being off-limits, these trails are open to be safely enjoyed while practicing physical distancing.

Do you suffer from chronic pain or have mobility issues and would like to give Yoga a try?  Developed by the therapists at the Chronic Pain Service at Toronto Rehab, this 25 minute Chair Yoga video was created to provide a gentle and chronic pain friendly exercise option.  Or try their gentler 10 minute version with an emphasis on breathing.

Remember, finding ways to keep moving everyday is one of the best ways to manage your pain.