Active Aging

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 | Active Aging Week 5 ctober will bring a bevy of information and activities to older adults on staying active and engaged as they age. At the top of that list will be the annual Active Aging Day open house at Winnipeg's Wellness Institute on October 5. It will be part of a fabulous smorgasbord of 55-plus events during October, with October also being Seniors and Elders month in Manitoba. Active Aging Day acts as a kick off to the broader events, explains Karin Whalen, Community Outreach Manager at the Wellness Institute. Whalen has been promoting health education and outreach for 30 years. "It's a time to recognize and look at all the great things that older adults are doing, and also offer them some education pertinent to aging that they might be interested in partaking in," she says. The free event is hosted in partnership with Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) and is sponsored by All Seniors Care, River Ridge I & II. It will take place at The Wellness Institute, located at Seven Oaks Hospital, from 9:30 to 1:30. While the event is geared towards adults over 55, Whalen notes it could also be worthwhile for caregivers. The day will begin with a keynote presentation from the Winnipeg Police Diversity and Crime Prevention Unit entitled Protecting Yourself: Frauds, Scams and Personal Safety. The keynote event is the only activity that requires registration to ensure there are enough seats for participants. Registration can be done online through wellnessinstitute.ca or by calling 204-632-3900. The keynote will also be repeated at 7 p.m. that evening for those that may be working, volunteering or otherwise engaged during the day. Following the keynote, the Wellness Institute gym will be open for activities, interactive exhibits, and stations that people can visit, as well as different exercise classes that they can participate in. There will be opportunities to try urban poling, floor curling, Zumba, yoga, and learn about foot care. The Wellness Institute, AAIM and their partners will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about their programs. "There's lots of things people can do to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases and illnesses and reduce their overall risk. Activity is one of those pieces, but social engagement is also important for enhanced mental health and a better sense of self-esteem," Whalen says. That's where the interactive stations come in, she adds. "They're devoted to demonstrations of physical activities, and we have some screenings focused on balance and coordination and brain health where age-related decline can happen. We can provide tips on how to prevent falls and mitigate cognitive decline." The overall idea is to provide those aged 55-plus with the tools they need to thrive. "We really want to showcase things that will help contribute to a better quality of life and maintain independence as individuals age, as that's a top concern for many – keeping their independence in life," she says. "We want to illustrate and provide information that will help support that." The main key is staying active. "Whether it be volunteering, belonging to a group, or going for a walk with a neighbor, all of those things contribute to your overall well-being," Whalen notes. "We really want to help people be the best they can be, recognizing there's a huge continuum." If you can't attend the open house on October 5, Whalen says that The Wellness Institute has a variety of educational sessions planned throughout the month on topics such as nutrition, mental health and fall prevention. These will be offered at different times of day and on various of platforms so that folks can participate when it's convenient for them. O the ever-evolving landscape of denture care, where tradition meets technology, the launch of the newly united Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic stands as a testament to the power of family legacy and the pursuit of excellence. Founded by second-generation Denturists Manny Minuk and Andy Koster, this clinic blends decades of experience with the latest advancements in denture fabrication, offering Manitobans a place of unwavering care and top-tier innovation. Manny Minuk and Andy Koster, both graduates of esteemed institutions – Manny from NAIT and Andy from Nova Scotia Community College – have embraced Denturism as more than a profession. To them, it's a family heritage. Learning the ropes side by side with their fathers, Joe Minuk and Tom Koster, Manny and Andy adopted the values of dedication, compassion, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of their field. The passing of the torch was a seamless transition, marked by Manny's acquisition of the Minuk Denture Clinic in 2018 and Andy taking over his father's clinic in 2017. This union of expertise gave birth to the Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic, a harmonious blend of two legacies with a shared vision: to provide the best possible denture care to their community. As well as being highly experienced in complex denture implant restorations, one of the crowning achievements of Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic lies in their embrace of groundbreaking technology. "By offering the latest in technology, we are able to help Manitobans seeking denture-related services with a variety of treatment options," says Andy Koster. Central to this technological prowess is the revolutionary CAD/CAM or Digital Denture. This cutting-edge approach involves crafting dentures through advanced digital scans and precise 3D printing or milling, increasing fit, strength and replicability. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with time constraints, such as travellers, and those in personal care homes. In a remarkable display of innovation, they have earned the distinction of being the first in Manitoba to possess milling capabilities for the fabrication of one piece titanium partial dentures. This achievement underscores their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of denture care and redefining the standards of client convenience. The clinic's commitment to tradition is equally as important. "Being family-owned and operated offers both tradition and technology all under one roof," says Manny Minuk. This mantra is not merely a catchphrase; it's a philosophy that extends to every aspect of patient care. The clinic prides itself on treating each individual who walks through their doors with the same kindness and attention they would offer to their own family. Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic isn't just a team of Denturists; it's a family of over 20 dedicated professionals, including Denturists, Dental Technicians, IT Technologists and Support Staff. The clinic's collaborative environment ensures that every client benefits from a multidisciplinary perspective, with Denturists pooling their insights to provide the most informed and tailored recommendations possible. If you or someone you know is in need of denture services, look no further than Minuk & Koster Denture Clinic. Call their office today at 204-589-6329 and take the first step toward a radiant smile that reflects both the legacy of the past and the promise of a brighter, more technologically-advanced future. In by Jim Bender MINUK & KOSTER DENTURE CLINICS JOIN FORCES

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