55 Plus Blog;
We will post news that is relevant to our membership here.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
We wanted to share some tips on how you can take care of your mental and physical health.
Self-care means taking time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some self-care tips:
*Become active! Regular exercise can have a positive impact on both your emotional and physical health. Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical exercise 3 or 4 times a week.
*Set a Routine. Establishing a routine for meals, work, exercise, quiet time, and bedtime helps you get things done and take time for yourself.
*Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A well-balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
*Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
*Establish Social Supports. It is important to have people in your life that you can count on. It helps to have someone you can talk to when you have a bad day or are struggling with a problem. Unfortunately, it can be hard to make friends, and if living away from home, it may be difficult to be away from friends and family.
*Learn to Relax and/or try a relaxing activity. Use relaxation strategies to lower your overall tension and stress levels. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
*Manage your time, set goals and priorities. Learning to manage your time more effectively can reduce stress. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
*Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
*Avoid alcohol and drugs. If you have problems with anxiety, it is never a good idea to use alcohol or drugs to help you cope. If you think you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, talk to your doctor.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take time for these strategies have a positive effect!
Make Your Community Count – Census 2026
Starting May 4, 2026, households across Canada will receive their Census letter.
It may seem simple however the impact is significant.
Census data helps shape decisions around health care, housing, and community services. Strong participation, especially from older adults, helps ensure their needs are reflected in the supports and programs that matter most.
When people take part in the census, it helps:
Check out these articles:
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/census/census-engagement/community-supporter/articles/encourage-completion#strong-communities
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/census/census-engagement/community-supporter/articles/encourage-completion#census-helps-community
Be Ready: Emergency Preparedness
@ St. Vital Library
Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time, so being prepared matters. Participants will learn about local hazards and risks, how to create an emergency plan, how to assemble an emergency kit, and why social and support networks are essential during emergencies.
Offered in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross.
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Registration is required:
https://wpl.libcal.com/event/4011050?fbclid=IwY2xjawRfFXpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxc2o3UUZ4eU8yVVRZMnZ3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrsm5NNp0-glnBl2QMFsHX_Q1unQ-i3dGYZYw4R2mLl1ON7nmYqFTF0Od9gs_aem_9NFtYPZM0IRjL-BLZMNZ7g
PCCA is inviting the public to this year’s carving show. With carving from traditional to decoys, birds, fish and others, we are sure that a walk through our show’s displays will be an adventure that will both amaze you with the artistic abilities of our participants and also stimulate your imagination.
LOCATION: Pembina Curling Club, 1341 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg
DATES: Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 9:00am to 4:00 pm each day.
Cost is $7.00 per person per day at the door with children under 12 free.
THEME ACTIVITY “THE ENCHANTED FOREST”: Carvers of all expertise levels are invited to participate in this display and submit a carving that reflects something one might encounter in an enchanted forest. Carvings should be roughly 4 inches tall and can be of any style. We hope this activity will give all participants a fun way to participate in a collective project!
WORKSHOPS: Saturday and Sunday, some carving clubs will provide opportunities for the public to get hands-on experience with carving. There will be activities for children and adults. Full details will appear on our website in February.
MERCHANDISE: Due to popular demand, the Garage Sale is back. Items for sale will include: books; magazines; wood; tools and more. In addition to the Garage Sale, books, tools, food and clothing will be available to be purchased. Vendors such as Artist Emporium and Canadian Woodworkers will be featured.
COCKTAIL CARVING AUCTION IS A SHOW HIGHLIGHT AT 2:00PM Sunday. This is an opportunity for the public to support PCCA & take home a unique carving that fits in a cocktail glass. The auction is a huge support to our show and a popular opportunity for people to take home a treasured carving. We would appreciate as many contributions as possible and encourage all to participate in the auction!
RAFFLES: Robert Heath’s “Hummingbird” carving (see above) will be the Prairie Canada Major Award raffle. Tickets for this raffle will only be sold at the show. There will be many other silent auction raffles of carving related items such as equipment merchandise and carvings that will be of interest to many as well as opportunities to purchase Prairie Canada souvenir merchandise. Your purchases support our show and provide opportunity to go home with some spectacular artwork or supplies.
Presented by the City of Winnipeg Transit
Sign-up can be done online. https://winnipeg.zoom.us/meeting/register/vUEOo1mBSPuU8t83S0OiuQ
You can also join by phone without the need to pre-register. To join by phone (audio only): Dial: 204 272 7920 Enter meeting ID: 975 6408 0035 Enter passcode: 123456
Upcoming sessions:
Navigating Our Transit System — Tuesday, April 14, 12p.m. – 1 p.m.
Winnipeg Transit Plus — Tuesday, April 21, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
On-Request — Tuesday, April 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Using the Winnipeg Transit+ On-Request App — Tuesday, May 5, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Drop in for help with technology questions! No registration required. Bring your own phone, tablet, or laptop and ask about:
We will do our best to answer your questions, giving you the confidence to use technology on your own.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 3-4pm in the Meeting Room
Monday, May 4, 2026, from 3-4pm in the Meeting Room
Monday, June 1, 2026, from 3-4pm in the Meeting Room
Artificial intelligence is making scams harder to spot, and fraudsters are using new tools to make their messages, calls, and impersonations feel alarmingly real. Staying alert to a few key warning signs can make a big difference in protecting yourself and your family.
Technology may be evolving, but simple habits still offer strong protection.
When in doubt: Hang up. Verify with family. Make a report.
- From the WPS E-Watch
Health Canada is taking this opportunity to share some important information regarding the upcoming renewal period for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), set to start April 15, 2026. Canadian residents who would like to apply for coverage for the 2025-2026 benefit year ending on June 30, 2026, can continue to do so until April 14, 2026.
Every year, Canadian residents covered under the plan must renew their coverage to confirm that they continue to meet all eligibility requirements and to maintain their coverage for the next benefit year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). All current CDCP members, who have enrolled prior to April 14, 2026, will receive a notification from the Government of Canada informing them that they must renew between April 15 and June 1, 2026 with instructions on how to do so,to avoid a potential gap in coverage. During the renewal period, Canadian resident who have yet to enroll in the CDCP will not be able to submit an application. Applications will open on June 2, 2026, for the 2026-2027 benefit year.
To be able to renew, CDCP members must have filed their 2025 tax return and received their Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. CDCP members can renew their coverage through their My Service Canada Account (MSCA), online at Canada.ca/dental, or by phone at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).
CDCP members will be informed of their continued eligibility and any potential updates to their co-payment level (if applicable) for the new benefit year once their eligibility has been assessed.
CDCP members who miss the renewal deadline or no longer meet the eligibility requirements, will have their coverage end on June 30, 2026. They will receive a notification that their coverage is ending.
Canadian residents can still renew after the deadline, as long as they continue to meet all of the plan’s eligibility requirements, by submitting a new application, however, they risk experiencing a gap in their coverage. Any oral health care services received during a gap in coverage will not be covered nor reimbursed retroactively.
From the Government of Canada
March is Fraud Prevention Month, and this year’s theme is “Fraud: The Hidden Crime.” This theme reminds us how fraud often remains out of sight, because it is under-reported and because it is hidden behind convincing technology, across borders, and within everyday online interactions.
Fraud continues to be one of the leading crimes affecting older adults, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods and tactics. Staying alert and supporting one another is therefore essential!
Talking about fraud can be uncomfortable or upsetting, and that’s completely normal. It’s important to remember that fraud can impact anyone regardless of their age, education or background. You are not alone in this fight!
Common scams targeting older adults and how to avoid them
Grandparent scam Scammers impersonate a grandchild or relative in urgent trouble, claiming an accident, arrest or medical emergency. They pressure victims to send money immediately, while insisting they keep it a secret. Protect yourself by reaching out directly to the family member using a known phone number, and never send money under pressure.
Investment scam Scammers promise high returns with little or no risk. They often use fake credentials and high-pressure tactics, presenting themselves with professional‑looking materials to appear legitimate. Once money is sent, scammers disappear! Cryptocurrency scams have become prevalent, where fraudsters boast of successful investments to persuade victims, and use fake online trading platforms to convince individuals to send money or cryptocurrency.
Always do thorough research, verify registrations with provincial securities regulators, and never rush into an investment decision.
Romance scams Scammers create fake online profiles on dating sites or social media to forge emotional connections with victims, ultimately requesting money for reasons such as travel expenses or medical emergencies. They may even offer to “coach” you on fake crypto investments. They typically avoid in‑person meetings and provide inconsistent personal details. Protect yourself by being cautious with relationships that move quickly and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Bank investigator scams Impersonating bank staff, law enforcement or security investigators, scammers claim that your account has been compromised and instruct you to withdraw or transfer funds to a “safe” account that belongs to the scammer. Remember, legitimate banks will never ask you to move your money. Always verify directly with your bank!
Recovery scams Following a fraud incident, scammers may contact victims, pretending to be from police, government, banks or recovery services. They claim they can help recover lost funds for a fee, preying on the victim’s hope and urgency. Some victims may search online for help, but this can lead them to fake recovery company websites that exploit their vulnerability.
More ways to protect yourself and others
No matter what new technologies or methods scammers use, your best defence against fraud is to recognize, reject and report!
Stay safe, and share this message with your networks, friends and family.
Ode’imin-Women’s Health Clinic, formerly known as The Birth Centre, is currently running very low on newborn-sized hats or beanies.
For those people who love to knit or crochet, we’d gladly accept newborn-sized hats or beanies. They will be given to little ones born at Ode’imin.
Archwood 55 Plus Inc is a non-profit organization serving seniors 55 plus located at 565 Guilbault Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 0R2
