SCOA Globe Walk

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Did You Know…

Did you know that Cyber Seniors is now offering a number of free webinars next week from September 14th – 18th. 2020. CLICK HERE to access a full schedule of daily webinars.

We would encourage to check out:

Seniors’ Exercise Class with RC Fitnez Studio, Monday, Sept 14, 9:00 am Eastern Time Register

Instructor: Renee Burwell-Billie
Zumba Gold is a lower-intensity version of the typical Zumba class and is designed to provide a suitable option for older adults seeking alternative means of reaching their exercise goals.  Zumba Gold builds cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working the muscles of the hips, legs, and arms with dance moves. Zumba Gold is designed to be approachable by all populations, regardless of fitness levels, and can be done sitting or standing.
Don’t worry if you miss the live class on Monday, there will be a video posted after the session that you can access HERE.
Also, if you have never heard of Cyber-Seniors here is a fun clip of a movie they made in 2014 about partnering with high school students to teach seniors how to use the internet.


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Tips for staying comfortable & safe in the summer heat

Although we haven’t seen extreme heat yet (only unrelenting wind), it is only a matter of time.  Even if you love the heat, remember to take some precautions to stay safe.  Enjoy the summer!

1. Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration is the root of many heat related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks – they can contribute to dehydration.

2.  Wear Appropriate Clothes

When it’s hot out, wear light colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and don’t forget a hat (wide-brimmed is best)

3. Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours

The best time to run errands (avoid crowded places) or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature tends to be cooler.  Keep your windows & blinds shut during the hottest part of the day.  If possible use fans if you don’t have air conditioning

4. Take it Easy

Avoid exercise or strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out

5. Watch the Heat Index

When there’s a lot of moisture in their air (high humidity), the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired.

6. Seek Air-conditioned Environments

If your home is not air-conditioned, you should consider finding an air-conditioned place to spend time during extreme heat.  Ask a friend or family member to take you, or take a taxi. Walking or waiting for a bus would defeat the purpose.  If there is no convenient access to any air-conditioned place consider a cool bath or shower

7. Know the Warning Signs of Heat-related Illness

Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, confusion and breathing problems are all warning signs that help should be sought immediately.  Be mindful of dry flushed skin or not sweating, even though it is very hot.


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Watch this for inspiration …

We have our own version of “Captain Tom” the British WWII veteran who raised money for the health service – except she is older and female (she is also a veteran).  She may be “nearly blind” and 101, but nothing will keep Joy Saunders from using her daily walk for a good cause.  Joy is planning to walk her .8km route 102 times before her 102nd birthday in October for charity.

Saunders thinks she’ll easily reach her goal “long before” her birthday.  “I don’t want to waste any time because I might not make the last round, you know. I’m not going to live forever,” Saunders said with a chuckle.

Donations will go to the VON. The VON nurses and staff go into people’s homes “no matter what,” Saunders said, “which is especially nerve-racking in the middle of a pandemic”. Two of the victims of the recent mass shooting were VON nurses.

(from CBC news)


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Without you …

In my excitement on posting our amazing 2020 Globe Walk success, I forgot to mention the very important part played by our sponsors, funders and partners. Globe Walk would not be possible without their generous contributions.

On behalf of all SCOA Globe Walk teams, participants, volunteers and staff:

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS & PARTNERS:

Richard's New LogoCIFDakotaSSFA

MedFIM-logoCity

 

 

 

 


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What a recovery – April Kilometres …

Globe Walkers have certainly made the most of their time during the Covid lockdown.  While some teams lost some members (temporarily), many participants doubled down on their exercise regimens.  Globe Walkers produced results that were close to January totals (and higher than March).

The total kilometres earned in April was 222,603!  Amazing!

How does it feel to be looking out over the Great Wall of China (WE MADE IT!)

Here is a snapshot of our 2020 journey. 

7-wonders-of-the-ancient-world-map-8_World Atlas

This season, the Saskatoon teams were joined by teams from Regina.  They completed their first successful  Globe Walk season.  We look forward to seeing them back next year, and to helping them grow the way we did.

Thanks to all 2020 Globe Walkers, from both cities, for making a success of this season in spite of a pandemic.  And thanks to all of our dedicated Captains who helped motivate us.

We hope everyone continues to exercise over the summer.  The Globe Walk season may be over but the positive benefits of exercise will continue (and who knows – the weather might even get warm).

Our coordinators and volunteers from both Saskatoon and Regina, look forward to working with all of our teams again when Globe Walk 2021 begins. A new season with a new goal. 

We will continue to post here over the summer – so check back often!  Stay safe and well everyone.  A high five and a pat on the back for all of you!

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Social Distancing & Exercise

CBC has recently posted an article, and a series of exercise videos, that older adults can do indoors while practising social distancing (or any time).  The first is a fun cardio/strength routine.  If you like it, this instructor has many more on his YouTube channel.  Feel free to share with others.

The next video addresses balance and shows some exercises you can do to increase balance and decrease the chance of falls.

If you would like to see more and know more,  here is the link to the CBC article.

https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/online-workouts-for-seniors-and-how-to-pick-the-right-one-for-you-1.5508773

 


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Seniors are missed during pandemic …

This is a great article on how much and in how many ways older adults contribute to society.  This is from CBC News (Manitoba), but you can rest assured that it is the same in Saskatchewan.  The article also address the fear that the pandemic may feed ageist stereotypes.

“From Families to Community Groups, Seniors are Sorely Missed During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Here is the link:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/seniors-missing-link-pandemic-1.5550119


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Saskatchewan’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan

Phase 1, set to begin May 4, will see restrictions lifted on certain medical services alongside a focus on outdoor recreation:

  • Medical services including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment.
  • Facilities to accommodate low-risk outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.
  • Online reservations for campgrounds, which are then to be opened on June 1.
  • Golf courses will reopen with restrictions beginning May 15.

Phase 2, set to begin May 19, will include the opening of retail businesses and personal services not initially allowed under Saskatchewan’s state of emergency:

  • Clothing stores, sporting good stores, vaping supply shops, bookstores, jewelry stores, boat and ATV dealerships, accessory stores, music stores, electronic stores, pawnshops and travel agencies.
  • Personal services including hairdressers, registered massage therapists, acupuncturists and acupressurists.

Businesses are expected to continue practising physical distancing and implement screening measures if physical distancing is not possible.

Phase 3, to be enacted at a date still to be determined, will see the reopening of the remaining personal services and a relaxing of the restrictions on public gatherings:

  • Aestheticians, tattoo artists, cosmetologists, electrologists, manicurists, pedicurists, suntanning parlours, body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services and other personal service providers.
  • Restaurant and food services, to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
  • Gyms.
  • Child-care centres.
  • Licensed establishments.
  • Limits on public gatherings will increase to 15 people.

Phase 4, on a date also yet to be determined, will see further openings:

  • Casinos, bingo halls, curling rinks, swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, movie theatres, museums and similar facilities.
  • Seasonal programming, such as camps, recreational activities and athletic activities.
  • Limits on public gatherings will increase to 30 people.

Phase 5, which Moe said will be dependent on factors such as the COVID-19 case count, will include the lifting of long-term restrictions.

Visitation restrictions are still in place for long-term care facilities, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes.