As it is Thanksgiving weekend, a word to the wise for everyone in the fall of 2024. The turkey has a cautionary tale for us. He’s been down on the farm with a bunch of like-minded birds. Food, both delicious and nutritious has been provided daily. He is living his best life without a care in the world. But then one day, just around this time of year.…

The long and easy summer days are over. October is the beginning of flu and cold season, with COVID 19 apparently showing up year round. Sharing a meal with family? Enjoying a night out in a restaurant? Attending a concert? Do you have an annoying little voice in your head wondering if there is risk?

Ignoring that voice won’t help. Doing something about it can. This is the expert advice: wash your hands often, keep vaccinations up to date, wear a mask when in crowds and indoors, eat your fruits and vegetables and get plenty of sleep.

Stay safe this Thanksgiving and be thankful for good health.

Once again we have to thank our Social Committee team for going above and beyond to arrange a Canada Day party to remember. The weather was perfect this year and everything was decorated in red and white. Roy provided music, as usual. With two serving stations everyone was able to sit down together to eat. Just look at all the smiling faces.

It is always exciting to see the pool being prepared for the summer season – the cleaning, the small touchups and finally the blue blue water. Our private resort is in its glory this time of year promising lazy days by the pool.

A warning though – the sun can be damaging. Parents of young children know the importance of protecting young skin from the sun. And as we age, the risk of skin damage increases. Older skin is also fragile. Our immune systems become weaker. And over our lives we have accumulated ever more sun exposure.  That’s why skin cancer is so prevalent in older people.

Here’s some advice for us all: Aim for the shade, especially when near water and sand which reflect the sun rays, and especially in middle of the day. Always wear sunscreen, even on rainy days. Sun protective clothing is a wise choice when outdoors. Know the signs of skin cancer and look for changes in moles, and birthmarks. If you find something out of the ordinary, see a doctor quickly.

Now grab a hat and safely enjoy the summery weather.

This year the theme for Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics, and we are encouraged to commit to achieving a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. The plastic waste choking our waterways and piling up on land is unsightly and harmful to wildlife.

Plastics are known to be a danger to human health. The chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can both decrease or increase endocrine activity in humans and cause adverse health effects. It is found in plastic beverage containers, dinnerware, protective linings of food cans and toys. It is associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer, and is a risk to fetuses and babies.

Phthalates, chemicals the make plastic flexible have been linked to weight gain and insulin resistance, decreased levels of sex hormones, and other disruptions of the human reproductive system both for females and males. These chemicals can migrate into food that has been wrapped in plastic.

Tomorrow is Earth Day 2024. As we celebrate our wonderful Earth, we are challenged to find ways to transition away from plastics – for the sake of the planet, and our better health.