Eat Well, Live Well by Patricia Beaver, VON Client Co-ordinator VON Middlesex-Elgin believes a healthy diet is essential to feeling well and enjoying life to the fullest. Health-promoting nutrients from a variety of healthy foods are essential to get the nutrients you need to promote and protect health, provide energy, prevent muscle and bone loss and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart conditions or diabetes. Dieticians and physicians promote healthy eating habits and obtaining essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables which may include fresh spinach, sweet potatoes, or a vegetable stir fry maintain strength and overall health. A key part of aging, independent living and enjoying a quality of life is knowing the impact of cooking and getting enough of the different nutrients from proteins and calcium-rich foods to keep bones and muscles healthy, for example, adding fortified milk alternatives such as unsweetened almond milk instead of water to prepare cream soups, hot cereals, mixes or stew. It is important to eat whole grain products such as oatmeal, buckwheat, bulgur, barley or quinoa for energy, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Try brown rice, bran muffins, whole wheat pasta, or wild rice in your menu options. Proteins are made up of chemical building blocks called amino acids and are an essential part of a healthy diet. As we age, one of the major threats to independent living is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Proteins
from eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, peas, lentils and soy products build and repair muscles and bones, make hormones and enzymes as well as generate energy. As a person ages, challenges and changes in the body impact appetite, digestion, and lifestyle which may make it more difficult to get to a grocery store, prepare meals, or cook prepared foods. Changes in lifestyle may also mean less income, isolation, caregiving for a loved one, or variations in health that require medication, impacting taste and appetite. It is a good idea to stock your pantry with a variety of non-perishable food items, such as peanut butter, skim milk powder, canned fruits, vegetables, pasta sauce, fish, beans, or whole grain rice, pasta, and oatmeal. VON Middlesex-Elgin offers another option for adults 55+ or adults with a disability – Meals on Wheels. This is a healthy food delivery service by volunteers to promote a pathway to wellness. Nourishing hot and frozen meals bridge the gap between unexpected hospitalizations and long-term sustainable independence. Fresh meal service is prepared by accredited organizations like Metcalfe Gardens St. Thomas, and delivered by a team of dedicated volunteers. The price of hot meals includes an entrée, soup or salad, and dessert. Each meal is suited to dietary situations -- diabetic, gluten-free, lactose- free, vegetarian, sodium-restricted, minced, or regular, unrestricted diets. All meal deliveries are also an opportunity for a reassurance check. For more information, please contact VON Middlesex-Elgin @ 519-637-6408. 2024 Fall Leaf and
Yard Waste Collection October 22 – November 29, 2024 Residents will have an opportunity to place organic material out in paper bags or bundles every week on their waste collection day during this period. Only material set out in paper bags will be collected. Material placed out in plastic bags will not be collected and will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Residents are still encouraged to utilize their green cart to their fullest ability. Acceptable Material Includes: Grass, leaves, weeds, plants and brush (no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 inches in diameter) Acceptable Set outs incude: • Material set out in paper yard waste bags weighing no more than 45 lbs. • Bundles of brush weighing no more than 45 lbs. The Community Recycling Centre at 330 South Edgeware Road accepts leaf and yard waste from St. Thomas residents free of charge (5 Bag Maximum) for those who do not wish to utilize the curbside program.
COZY UP
TO A HEALTHY FALL
Stay safe and healthy as you settle back into routine. It’s time to embrace the coziness of fall while keeping health and safety top of mind. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca for tips on food safety, infectious disease prevention, and school health preparedness to ensure your autumn is safe and enjoyable.
For more information call 519-631-1680 ext. 4258 or go to www.stthomas.ca Please have all material out by 7am on your collection day.
swpublichealth.ca 1-800-922-0096
Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024
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