Safety on Ice
With winter arriving soon, we are reminded of the tricky, icy walkways, driveways, and paths we will have to make our way through in the months ahead. A slip on the ice can lead to serious and even fatal injuries; don’t let that happen to you! The best thing you can do to prevent this is to plan ahead.
It’s important to have warm snow boots that have good traction on ice. Walking poles with spikes that can bite into ice can help provide stability while walking outside. External cleats (such as YakTrax) are also useful on slippery ice.
Safe Falling
No fall is ever completely safe, but there are ways to lower your chance of getting hurt.
Many people instinctively put their hands out when they fall — but that can lead to broken wrists or arms. Instead, try to stay relaxed, bend your knees, tuck in your chin, and aim to land on your butt. Let your body roll to the side to help absorb the impact more safely.
Taking a safe falling workshop, in which you can practice change the body’s instincts, is a great idea at any age.
Improving Balance and Stability
Here are 2 simple exercises to improve balance and stability:
- Standing Half Moon Side Bend: Stand with your feet apart. Lift your arms (or keep your hands on your hips if that’s easier). Gently lean to one side and feel the stretch. Breathe and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Do this twice a day a few times a week.
- Toppling Tree: Stand with your feet apart. Lift your arms up (or keep hands on your hips). Step one foot forward gently lean forward, lifting your back leg behind you only go as far as you can while staying steady. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch sides. Repeat twice a few times a week.
Yoga, tai chi, and pilates (to improve core strength) are all also very helpful for this.
Take Your Time
All the safety equipment and balance in the world won’t help a person who is in a hurry and not paying attention. Taking a few extra seconds to approach slippery steps and sidewalks mindfully and carefully can save weeks or months of misery later.
Voluntary Pension Contributions
Did you know you may contribute up to an additional 3% of your salary each year to RRSPs or to your ELCIC Pension Plan?
Canada Revenue Agency allows a total yearly contribution of 18% of an employee’s salary. The required contributions to the ELCIC Pension Plan are 15%: 7% member-deducted and 8% employer remitted on your behalf. That leaves you the remaining 3% that you can contribute.
If you would like to make additional voluntary pension contributions, please complete the Voluntary Contributions form and email it to our office. Contributions may start and stop at anytime.
It's Never Too Late for a Financial Planner!
Do you have a financial planner? If the answer is yes, that is great! If your answer is no, it’s not too late.
Managing your investments is not an easy task. A financial planner can help optimize your income streams, manage taxes, and plan for healthcare costs, vacations and life in retirement!
A financial planner will assist you in defining clear goals and help you achieve them, reducing financial stress and giving you control over your future. You will benefit from their knowledge and experience with regards to financial rules, regulations and investment products.
One way to find a good financial planner is to seek recommendations from people you trust (family, friends). Look for the type of education, training and experience prospective candidates have. Ask them questions to assess if they have the qualifications that you are looking for. You do not have to go with the first planner you meet!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoon salt
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, hand shredded
4 oz mozzarella cheese, hand shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg, whisked
1/4 cup finely sliced green onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix all ingredients in a blender until a chunky batter comes together.
- Pour batter into greased or lined muffin tin. Sprinkle with your optional topping.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the tops gently spring back when you press into them.
Conflict Resolution
Theme: Conflict Resolution
Expert: Dr. Kayleigh-Ann Clegg, PhD
Ask an Expert Question / Concern: “I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but it feels like everyone’s tired and on edge. I find myself being shorter-fused and I’ve had more than one conflict with a coworker who I already find difficult to work with. How do I handle this?”
Description: ‘Tis the season for celebrating, for relaxing, for being with family and friends – but ’tis also the season when tensions tend to run high and conflicts tend to crop up. Being able to manage those conflicts is essential for maintaining your relationships and your well-being this holiday season.
Join CloudMD this month to learn effective conflict resolution skills, including techniques for active listening, empathy, constructive communication, and de-escalation. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate difficult conversations and foster harmonious relationships.
Date: November 12
Time: 12:00 ET
We welcome your questions & feedback!
please write to us: admin@elcicgsi.ca
or call toll free: 1-877-352-4247 (in Winnipeg 204-984-9181)
information and resources can also be found on the GSI website