Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world.

Kindness is good for both our physical and mental health. Research shows being kind has many benefits, such as lower blood pressure, fewer aches and pains, less stress and more relaxed feelings.

Here are ways to get involved:

Perform Acts of Kindness, throughout the day, consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or complimenting a colleague.

Spread Positivity: Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.

Volunteer: Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.

Teach Kindness: Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.

Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.

Donate: Make a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.

#SpreadKindness #WorldKindnessDay #RandomActsofKindness

– Watch your portions – Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits, people with diabetes should choose more vegetables than fruit as most vegetables have less sugar. Divide the other half of your plate between protein food and whole grain foods

– Eat healthy carbohydrates & be consistent with meals at regular times of day – Low-glycemic index foods such as legumes, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables can help control blood sugar, protect you from heart disease and stroke, & can make you feel full longer.

– Eat more whole foods & less highly processed foods – Highly processed foods & drinks are prepared with excess sodium, sugar & saturated fat. Instead plan ahead & choose whole foods & prepare most of your meals at home.

– Eat more vegetables & fruit – At each meal & as a healthy snack, choose fresh, frozen or canned vegetables & fruits. Eat whole or cut vegetables & fruits instead of drinking juices (fruit juice & concentrates are high in sugar).

– Limit sugars & sweets – Such as regular pop, desserts, candies, jam & honey. The more sugar you eat, the higher your blood sugar will be. Other alternative sweeteners can be useful.

– Choose ‘good’ fats – Good fats (unsaturated) are found in foods like olive oil, canola oil, other vegetable oils, avocado, soft margarine, nuts, seeds, & oily fish like trout and salmon. Bad fats (saturated) on the other hand, can increase your cholesterol level and your risk of heart disease. Choose foods with saturated fat less often: butter, red meat, cakes, pastries, deep fried foods & high fat dairy products. Choose healthy proteins including plant-based protein & lower fat dairy products more often.

– Drink Water – Make water your beverage of choice. Water is a sugar-free & calorie-free way to quench your thirst and stay hydrated. Drinking regular pop and fruit juice will raise your blood sugar. Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may cause you to gain weight; it is best to use alcohol in moderation.

#diabetesawareness #ABHealth

Emergency? Dial 911!

In case of a medical emergency, don’t hesitate — call 911 immediately for help.

#811 #HealthConcern #Medical #EmergencyMedicine #ABHealth

Early signs of a cold are red eyes, a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. Other symptoms that may occur include headache, stuffy nose, watering eyes, hacking cough, chills, muscle aches, and general malaise (ill-feeling) lasting from 2 to 7 days, some cases may last for two weeks.

The common cold may be accompanied by:

• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx or “voice box”)

• Tracheitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the trachea or “wind pipe”)

• Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial membranes)

• Ear infection

• Worsening of asthma

These inflammations may make one more susceptible to more serious complications such as: sinusitis (inflammation of sinus membranes) and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).

Treating the symptoms with non-prescription medicines may help as does getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.

Good health habits are important in preventing the spread of the common cold including:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water

• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available

• Avoiding close contact with people that are sick

• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or use a tissue (throw away the tissue immediately, and wash your hands)

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Using good hygiene practices, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces likely to be contaminated and touched by others

#CCOHS #Govtof Canada #AB Health #commoncold #coldandfluseason