My Wellings | The Wellings

08/23/202408/23/2024

Books We Couldn’t Put Down

As avid readers, we constantly search for stories that spark the imagination and keep us turning pages late into the night.

If you’re like us and love getting lost in a good book, check out these top-selling novels that have taken Canada by storm in 2024:

Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
It is a thrilling tale of deception and suspense in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Secrets unravel as everyone’s lies come to light, keeping you guessing until the end.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
It is a romantic novel about love lost and found, set against the picturesque backdrop of a lakeside town. This story explores second chances and the power of memories.
The Defector by Chris Hadfield
It is an intense espionage thriller that blends action with space exploration, written by Canada’s astronaut. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Happy reading!

in Carefreedom Living®, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

08/16/202408/16/2024

Embracing the Journey: Finding Your Path at 55 and Beyond

The Journey
by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations –
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
determined to save
the only life you could save.

in Carefreedom Living®, Uncategorized Posted by My Wellings

08/09/202408/02/2024

Where’s the Science? Seniors Demand Proven Ideas for Better Health

Hello, fabulous readers!

Have you ever noticed how much health advice is floating around out there?

It’s like everyone, and their cat has a miracle cure for aging gracefully.

But let’s be honest—do we need another “miracle” cream that claims to make us look 20 years younger?

Probably not.

We need solid, proven science to guide our journey to better health and well-being.

So, let’s dive into where the science is and why we should demand ideas with a proven track record of helping us thrive!

First up, let’s talk tech. Remember when a watch was just a watch? Well, those days are long gone! Now, we’ve got wearables that track everything from our heart rate to how well we slept last night (or didn’t, thanks to that 3 AM bathroom trip). But here’s the kicker—these aren’t just fancy gadgets. They use generative AI to create personalized health recommendations just for you. That’s right, your smartwatch might know more about your fitness needs than your grandkids do!

Studies show personalized health plans based on real-time data can significantly improve health outcomes. So, next time someone offers you a generic workout plan, just show them your AI-generated regimen and say, “Thanks, but my watch has got this!”

Now, let’s chat about products. We’ve all been bombarded with ads for “all-natural” this and “organic” that. But did you know that more and more people are ditching these in favor of clinically proven options? That’s right. Folks choose products backed by scientific research over those boasting about their clean labels.

For example, when it comes to supplements or medications, clinical effectiveness is becoming the gold standard. This means that what you’re taking has been tested and proven to work. So, next time you’re shopping for vitamins, remember to look for those with the science seal of approval. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be satisfied knowing you’re investing in something that genuinely works.

In this age of influencers, it’s easy to get swayed by someone with a million followers promoting the latest health fad. But here’s a news flash—doctors are making a comeback! More people trust their healthcare providers for advice on mindfulness, sleep, and overall health products.

Doctor recommendations carry a lot of weight because they’re based on years of training and experience. So, the next time you’re looking for health advice, remember to turn to your trusted medical professional rather than that flashy Instagram post. After all, would you instead take advice from someone who spent years studying medicine or someone who spent years perfecting their selfie game?

Look for ideas and products with a proven record of helping us.

Let’s embrace technology, trust clinical research, and seek advice from professionals who know their stuff.

Because when it comes to our health and well-being, we deserve nothing but the best.

Stay healthy, stay happy, and keep laughing—it’s good for the soul!

in Health and Fitness Posted by My Wellings

07/26/202407/19/2024

Get Ready to Cheer: Go for Gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics 🥇

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are nearly here, and the excitement is building.

As a spirited Wellings community, we’re gearing up to support our incredible Canadian athletes as they strive for gold.

This is more than just a sports event;

it’s a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and national pride.

From thrilling races to breathtaking performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Canada will participate in various sports at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Here’s a list of the sports and some of the notable athletes and teams:

3×3 Basketball: Featuring athletes like Kacie Bosch and Katherine Plouffe.
Archery: With competitors such as Eric Peters and Virginie Chénier.
Artistic Gymnastics: Athletes include Ellie Black and Aurélie Tran.
Artistic Swimming: Competitors like Jacqueline Simoneau and Audrey Lamothe.
Athletics: Stars include Andre De Grasse, Damian Warner, and Aaron Brown.
Badminton: Featuring Michelle Li and Nyl Yakura.
Basketball (Women): With players like Aaliyah Edwards and Kia Nurse.
Beach Volleyball
Boxing
Breaking
Canoe/Kayak Slalom and Canoe/Kayak Sprint: Athletes include Connor Fitzpatrick and Pierre-Luc Poulin.
Cycling – BMX: Molly Simpson.
Cycling – Mountain Bike: Isabella Holmgren and Gunnar Holmgren.
Cycling – Road: Mike Woods and Derek Gee.
Cycling – Track: Lauriane Genest and Kelsey Mitchell.
Diving: Caeli McKay and Nathan Zsombor-Murray.
Equestrian: Featuring Jill Irving and Naïma Moreira Laliberté.
Fencing: Jessica Guo and Daniel Gu.
Golf: Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson.
Judo
Rowing
Rugby (Women)
Sailing
Shooting
Skateboarding
Soccer (Women)
Surfing
Swimming: Stars like Summer McIntosh, Kylie Masse, and Penny Oleksiak.
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Trampoline
Triathlon
Volleyball (Men)
Water Polo (Women)
Weightlifting
Wrestling

Let’s cheer our hearts out and make unforgettable memories together as we support Team Canada in Paris 2024!

Go, Canada Go!

in Health and Fitness Posted by My Wellings

07/12/202407/12/2024

Discover the Best Drinks from Every Province in Canada

Embark on a delightful journey across Canada with our guide to the best drinks from each province.

Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, fine wines, or unique cocktails, there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s raise a glass and toast to the rich flavors and traditions that make each province special.

British Columbia: Savor the sweet luxury of BC Icewine.

Alberta: Enjoy the classic Canadian Caesar cocktail.

Saskatchewan: Sip on a refreshing Great Western Pilsner.

Manitoba: Indulge in the renowned Crown Royal Whisky.

Ontario: Taste the exquisite Niagara Wines.

Quebec: Warm up with a traditional Caribou.

New Brunswick: Try the Slocum Maple Smash – a perfect blend of moonshine (or vodka), maple syrup, and lemon juice.

Nova Scotia: Relish the historic Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale.

Prince Edward Island: Discover the botanical flavors of PEI Gin.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Experience the legendary Screech Rum.

These drinks highlight the unique flavors of each province and bring a taste of Canada right to your home.

Whether hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a quiet evening, or exploring new flavors, these beverages will surely delight you.

Cheers to new tastes and adventures!

in Food and Recipes Posted by My Wellings

07/05/202407/05/2024

73-Year Old Sets Skydiving Record

Larry Connor and four U.S. Air Force specialists leaped from a balloon in the skies over New Mexico.

They linked arms while freefalling before deploying their parachutes perilously close to the ground.

The Alpha 5 team, comprising 73-year-old adventurer Larry Connor and four current and former U.S. Air Force Special Warfare pararescue specialists, ascended to just over 38,000 feet in a specially adapted balloon before their record-setting jump.

This team of skydivers, led by Connor—a private astronaut who was part of the first private mission to the International Space Station in 2022—achieved a new record for the highest HALO (high altitude, low open) formation skydive.

Connor leaped from the balloon and linked arms while freefalling at speeds of up to 189 miles per hour.

They separated and deployed their parachutes when they were just 4,000 feet above the ground.

Proving that age is just a number, these skydivers go to new heights, showing the world that the sky’s the limit no matter how old you are.

in Carefreedom Living®, Health and Fitness Posted by My Wellings

06/21/202406/21/2024

Flex Your Brain Muscles with These Captivating Math Puzzles

Are you ready to give your brain a fun workout from the comfort of your home?

We’ve compiled a collection of engaging math puzzles perfect for sparking lively discussions.

Whether you’re challenging a neighbor or enjoying some leisurely problem-solving on your own, these puzzles are sure to add an extra zing to your day.

Be sure to look for the solutions at the end of this blog article!

The Monty Hall Problem

Imagine being on a game show with three doors: one hides a prize, and the others hide nothing exciting. You pick a door, say No. 1, but before it’s opened, the host—who knows what’s behind the doors—opens another door, say No. 3, which reveals no prize. He then asks if you want to switch to door No. 2. What would you do? Are your chances better if you switch?

The Missing Dollar Riddle

Three friends share a $30 hotel room, paying $10 each. Later, they found out they were overcharged $5, so the hotel sent the bellhop back with the refund. Unable to divide the money evenly among the three, the bellhop gives each friend $1 and keeps $2 for himself. Each friend now paid $9, totaling $27. The bellhop has $2. But where’s the missing dollar?

Cheryl’s Birthday Puzzle

Cheryl tells her friends Albert and Bernard 10 possible birthday dates. She whispers the month to Albert and the day to Bernard. Based on what they know and say, can you figure out Cheryl’s exact birthday?

The Four 4s

How creative can you get with the number 4? Using exactly four 4s and any operations, try to create equations that result in numbers from 0 to 100. For instance, to get 16, you might write $4 + 4 + 4 + 4$. What other numbers can you find?

The Farmer, Fox, Chicken, and Grain Puzzle

A farmer must get a fox, a chicken, and a grain sack across a river in a small boat that only holds one item besides himself. If he leaves the fox with the chicken, the chicken won’t last long, and the same goes for the chicken with the grain. What’s his strategy for getting everything across safely?

Solutions

Have you thought them over?

Let’s check your solutions:

Monty Hall Problem: Switching doors is better because your chances of winning become 2/3.
Missing Dollar Riddle: There’s no missing dollar. The $27 total includes the $25 room cost and the $2 the bellhop keeps. The math adds up perfectly.
Cheryl’s Birthday Puzzle: This puzzle depends on the clues given about what Albert and Bernard know. Each setup might have a different answer, so check your clues.
The Four 4s: There are many possible solutions here, and it’s a great exercise in creative thinking.
Farmer, Fox, Chicken, and Grain Puzzle: Take the chicken across first. Return for the fox, taking the chicken back. Leave the chicken, take the grain across, then finally come back for the chicken.

We hope you enjoy these brain teasers.

It’s a great way to keep our minds sharp and have some fun along the way.

Happy puzzling, everyone.

in Health and Fitness, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

06/07/202406/07/2024

Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage

In the quiet, picturesque town of Cape Cod, a group of senior women were on a mission to find something meaningful to do.

They had spent their lives raising families, building careers, and contributing to their communities.

Now, in their golden years, they sought a new purpose, something that would bring them together and make a difference.

It all started with Susan Baur, a spirited 84-year-old with a passion for swimming and a keen eye for the environment.

During one of her daily swims, Susan noticed the increasing amount of trash littering the bottom of the ponds she loved so much.

Disturbed by the pollution, she wondered if there was a way to make a difference.

Susan shared her concerns with her friends, a group of like-minded women over the age of 64.

They were all looking for a new way to stay active and engaged. Inspired by Susan’s idea, they formed a group dedicated to cleaning up the underwater garbage in their local ponds.

The group started small, with just seven members. They called themselves the Cape Cod Cleaners and set out to make a difference. Each member had to pass a swim test, proving they could swim a mile in about half an hour—a testament to their dedication and physical fitness.

The women embarked on their underwater missions in pairs, always accompanied by a kayaker for safety. They explored various ponds across Cape Cod, uncovering treasures and trash alike. From century-old bottles to modern plastic bottles and vaping pens, their discoveries told a story of the changing times and the ongoing battle against pollution.

The Cape Cod Cleaners’ primary objective was to keep the ponds clear of underwater garbage, mainly plastic, to safeguard the environment. But the group quickly became much more than a cleanup club. It was a testament to the power of collective action and purpose-driven initiatives.

Marci Johnson, one of the group’s members, found solace in these underwater missions during her battle with breast cancer. The serene quiet of the underwater environment provided peace and helped heal the aftershocks of her illness. The group’s camaraderie and shared sense of purpose brought joy and laughter into their lives.

Word of the Cape Cod Cleaners’ efforts spread, and the group grew from seven to 23 members within just a year. Inspired by the group’s dedication and success, women across Cape Cod wanted to join the cause.

These incredible women have shown that making a difference is possible and incredibly rewarding.

Dive in, join the fun, and discover the joy of purposeful living—no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

05/24/202405/24/2024

Best Friends Forever: Origin Stories

Friendship weaves through the fabric of life, offering comfort, joy, and unforgettable memories. Here are some heartwarming stories of friendships that have stood the test of time, proving that authentic connections can flourish under any circumstances.

Dinner Buddies: The ROMEO Club

After losing his wife, David retreats from social activities, seeking solitude. However, his friend Tony wasn’t ready to let him slip away. Tony invited David for dinner weekly, a tradition he relentlessly maintained despite numerous refusals. Eventually, David gave in, and what started as a reluctant outing evolved into a weekly ritual. This group, which they fondly named ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), became a cornerstone in David’s life, providing him with companionship and a renewed zest for life during his golden years.

Childhood Friends to Comrades: A Bond Forged in Battle

Two friends maintained a rare and profound bond from the kindergarten playgrounds to the military front lines. Enlisting together and ensuring they were placed in the same unit, they faced life’s gravest dangers. During a critical moment on the battlefield, when one was injured, the other defied orders to save his friend, a daring act that epitomized the depth of their friendship. This act of bravery highlighted their unwavering support for each other, a testament to their lifelong bond.

Sisters by Chance: Julia and Cassandra

Julia Tinetti and Cassandra Madison met while working at a bar, immediately clicking over shared interests and similar backgrounds. Their friendship, marked by laughter and mutual support, took a dramatic turn when a DNA test revealed they were biological sisters. This discovery transformed their relationship, deepening their bond and adding a beautiful familial layer to their strong connection.

Consoling Notes: Patricia and Mary Lou

In the quiet solitude of a cemetery, two grieving mothers, Patricia and Mary Lou, found solace in each other’s company. They started a unique tradition of exchanging inspirational notes under a rock at the cemetery. This small act of kindness grew into a deep, supportive friendship that helped them cope with their sons’ immense loss. Over time, their meetings extended beyond the cemetery to regular coffee dates, where they shared their grief and the joys of life.

These stories of enduring friendships remind us of the profound impact that deep, meaningful connections can have on our lives.

True friendships can provide unwavering support and enrich our lives unimaginably, whether formed in youth or later years.

in Carefreedom Living®, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

05/10/202405/10/2024

Embrace a Stress-Free Lifestyle for a Happier, Healthier You

In the bustling rhythm of modern life, stress often finds a way to tag along, but imagine a life where stress takes a back seat, allowing you to thrive.

Cultivating a stress-free lifestyle isn’t just an excellent idea—it’s essential for boosting your overall health and happiness.

Every cell in your body will thank you for it.

Let’s dive into why reducing stress is crucial.

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to challenges, but when it lingers too long, it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and depression.

Recognizing the need to manage stress is your first step toward a healthier life.

Now, how can you transform this knowledge into action?

Start with something as simple as mindful meditation. It’s incredible how sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can bring profound calmness and clarity to your mind, easing the day’s stress. Pair this with some form of physical activity you love, whether dancing in your living room, jogging in the park, or striking poses on a yoga mat. Exercise keeps you fit and releases endorphins, those excellent chemicals that make you feel good.

What about food?

Eating well plays a crucial role in how you feel. Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet can stabilize your mood and energy, which helps keep stress at bay. And let’s not forget the power of a good night’s sleep. Strive for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help your body recover and reduce stress levels.

Socializing is another joyful way to beat stress.

Spending time with friends and family and sharing laughs and support can strengthen your resilience to life’s pressures. It’s all about building a network of love and support around you.

Efficient time management can also reduce stress.

By learning to prioritize your tasks and saying no when your plate is too full, you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed. For those moments when you need instant stress relief, try some quick relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to calm your mind and ease tension.

Integrating these practices into daily life will significantly improve physical health, mental well-being, and productivity. Effectively managing stress opens the door to a more fulfilling and creative life.

So, while stress might be a standard part of life, it doesn’t have to control your life.

Start with small, manageable changes today, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Here’s to a happier, healthier you.

in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings