Keep yourself Healthy!

NEWSLETTER

Keep yourself Healthy!

Are there ways to improve your immune system? This is certainly a big focus for people right now!
There is the obvious of course – the basics of taking care of yourself… getting adequate sleep, fluids, eating healthy balanced consistent meals, washing your hashes properly and regularly, getting physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight... But what else can help?

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – not only high in antioxidants, fiber and many essential
vitamins, when eating citrus fruits, you are getting ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Vitamin C may help reduce cold duration and severity. Eat plenty of dark leafy green vegetables – kale, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, potatoes, oranges, strawberries, lemons, limes.

Zinc – zinc is a major micronutrient for our immune system. Where do you find zinc? Oysters, chicken, baked beans, pork chops, lobster, beef, pumpkin seeds are of the highest sources. There are smaller amounts found in other legumes and whole grains however the bioavailability of zinc from legumes and wholes grains tends to be much lower because of phytates that bind zinc and reduce its absorption. Ways to increase zinc bioavailability include soaking beans, grains, and seeds in water for several hours before cooking them and allowing them to sit after soaking until sprouts form.

Fluids – as always, fluids offer much benefit all year round, not just when nursing a cold. Fluids help to carry important nutrients and vitamins throughout our body, absorb nutrients and of course, get rid of unused waste. Hot fluids – besides offering comfort when we are feeling ill, they may help increase nasal airflow and loosen respiratory secretions!

Vitamin D – we tend to think “bones” but this important vitamin also plays a role in our immune system. Even though this is the sunshine vitamin, it is actually difficult to get our needs
consistently met this way! Foods you can consume to increase dietary vitamin D are cod liver oil, trout, salmon, mushrooms, fortified milks, sardines, eggs.

Before you start running to the store to purchase supplements that may enhance your immune system, remember, a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle are the best methods of keeping
immune system top notch! If you feel your diet is lacking in a certain area, make sure you speak to a health professional like a dietitian or pharmacist who can help you decide if you need
something additional added! It is important not to just start taking supplements as everything in our body works together in an elaborate system. By taking one thing you may actually be
reducing another important factor in your body or causing harm! More is not necessarily better.

Hilltop Highlights and Events

March 28, 2026
HVH Programming Highlights Pictures
March 25, 2026
Notice of Mock Disaster 
March 25, 2026
As a Resident of Harbour View Haven; 7. “You have the right to receive opportunities for rehabilitation of functional abilities and assistance towards independence, consistent with your individual requirements.” Residents have access to regular services of health care professionals that can assist in areas of rehabilitation or
March 25, 2026
Mealtimes at HVH At our last Resident Council meeting, it was discussed and primarily opted for, flipping our bigger meal from noon to supper time. With providing a very large breakfast, followed by the large main meal for lunch, many residents are too full to consume that meal (which contains most of their daily calories and protein). Due to this, many are quite hungry by supper time when the lighter meal is served. With residents’ input, we are looking at moving our largest meal to supper time.  Benefits of this include: Improved satiety throughout the evening Less hypoglycemia with morning blood sugars Increased likelihood of consuming the large, main meal The ability to sleep in & have a late breakfast, without compromising intake of the larger meal Stay tuned for results of our residents’ votes! ~ Food Services Team
March 25, 2026
April Events
March 25, 2026
Harbour View Haven extends a huge and heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our volunteers.  Your continued dedication and support is greatly appreciated.
March 25, 2026
Family Council Meeting
January 27, 2026
February Events
January 27, 2026
February is African Heritage Month
Show More