Resources

Positive Thinking & Happiness

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Websites

Greater Good | https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life, University of California, Berkeley.

 

The Happiness Project | http://www.happiness-project.com/

 

Videos

David S. Sobel, MD, MPH: Healthy Pleasures, The New Science of Happiness | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rTkDWe0Zec&feature=youtu.be

 

DocMikeEvans: The Science of Subjective Well Being, a.k.a. Happiness | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPbjK3MmjL0&t=16s 

 

Reframe Health Lab: The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Stress by Mike Evans MD | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6402QJp52M

 

Audio Programs

Naparstek, Belleruth. Health Journeys Guided Imagery | https://www.healthjourneys.com/ 

 

Regan, Catherine and Seidel, Rick. Relaxation for Mind and Body Boulder, CO: Bull Publishing, 1996.

 

Weil, Andrew, and Martin Rossman. Self-Healing with Guided Imagery. Louisville, CO: Sounds True, 2006.

 

Print

Ben-Shahar, Tal. Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007.

Benson, Herbert, and Miriam Z. Klipper. The Relaxation Response. San Francisco: Quill, 2000.

Burns, David D. The Feeling Good Handbook, rev. ed. New York: Plume, 1999.

Burns, David: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Harper, 2008

Davis, Martha, Elizabeth Eshelman, and Matthew McKay. The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. Oakland, Calif.: New Harbinger, 2019.

Diener, Ed, and Robert Biswas-Diener. Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 2008.

Emmons, Robert A: Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity, Jossey-Bass, 2013.

Emmons, Robert A. Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.

Emmons, Robert A. The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks. Gala, 2016. 

Gillihan, Seth: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry. Althea 2018.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Delta, 2005.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. New York: Hyperion, 2005.

Lyubomirsky, Sonia. The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin, 2008.

Lyubomirsky, S The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn't, What Shouldn't Make You Happy, but Does. Penguin Press, 2013

McGonigal, Jane. SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully . 2015.

McKay, Matthew, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning. Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life, 4th ed. Oakland, Calif.: New Harbinger, 2011.

Ornstein, Robert, and David Sobel. Healthy Pleasures. Cambridge, Mass.: Perseus, 1989.

Pennebaker, James W. and Evans, John: Expressive Writing: Words that Heal. 2014.

Pennebaker, James W. and Joshua Smith. Opening Up by Writing it Down: How Expressive Writing Improves Health and Eases Emotional Pain. The Guilford Press, 2016.

Rubin, Gretchen. The Happiness Project. Tenth Anniversary Edition: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. Harper, 2018

Selignman, Martin. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being New York: Free Press, 2011.

Sobel, David, and Robert Ornstein. The Healthy Mind, Healthy Body Handbook (also published under the title The Mind and Body Health Handbook). Los Altos, Calif.: DRx, 1996.

Wiiliams, Florence: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. Norton, 2017.

Wiseman, Robert:  59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot. MacMillan 2009

 

Arthritis

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Websites

Arthritis Foundation | https://www.arthritis.org/

Official website of The Arthritis Foundation, also available in Spanish includes a blog, resource finder and helpline. 

- Living with Arthritis https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/ 

- Walk with Ease Program https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/walk-with-ease/ 

 

National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases | https://www.niams.nih.gov/ 

Government agency. Search arthritis, osteoporosis, and other topics:

- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis

 

Programs

Fit & Strong! | https://www.fitandstrong.org

- An exercise program for adults with arthritis

 

Print

Shlotzhauer, T. L. (2014). Living with rheumatoid arthritis. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Sex & Intimacy with Chronic Conditions

Websites

ALS Society of Canada: Sexuality, Intimacy and ALS Fact sheet | https://als.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fact-Sheet-Sexuality-intimacy-and-ALS_FINAL.pdf

 

American Association for Retired Persons: Sex and Intimacy | https://www.aarp.org/home-family/sex-intimacy/ 

 

American Diabetes Association | http://www.diabetes.org

American Academy of Family Physicians: Chronic Illness and sexual functioning | https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0115/p347.html 

 

American Heart Association

 

Diabetes Canada

 

Heart & Stroke Canada

 

Mayo Clinic

 

National Institute on Aging: Sexuality in later life | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life

 

Psychology Today: A Good Sex Life is Possible Even with Chronic Pain | https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ease-pain/202103/good-sex-life-is-possible-even-chronic-pain

 

Sexuality after SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) | https://www.sexualitysci.org 

For information and videos on a variety of issues related to sex, love and intimacy for people living with spinal cord injuries. 

 

WebMD: Pain Management, Maintaining Intimacy | https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-maintaining-intimacy



High Blood Pressure

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Websites

American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org

Nonprofit organization offering healthy living tips and information about different heart related health topics, caregiver support and community forums. 

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure | https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/ 

 

Mayo Clinic: Video - How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/how-to-measure-blood-pressure/vid-20084749

 

Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure (hypertension) | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410

 

Medline Plus: High Blood Pressure | https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html 

 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute plans, conducts, and supports research, clinical trials, and observational studies related to the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases, and sleep disorders. 

 

Videos

Mayo Clinic: How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/how-to-measure-blood-pressure/vid-20084749 

 

Medline Plus: Hypertension Overview | https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000072.htm

 

National Association of Community Health Centers: How to use your home blood pressure monitor | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tGyRJxbYpQ 

Heart Disease / Congestive Heart Failure

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Websites

American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org

Nonprofit organization offering healthy living tips and information about different heart related health topics, caregiver support and community forums. 

 

American Stroke Association | https://www.strokeassociation.org/en 

A division of the American Heart Association providing information about stroke and life after stroke, along with financial resources, support networks and more. 

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Heart and Stroke Canada | https://www.heartandstroke.ca

- Women’s risk factors | https://www.heartandstroke.ca/women/womens-risk-factors

 

Kaiser Permanente: Your guide to heart health | https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health/care/!ut/p/a0/DcdBCsAgDATAF8nee-srWnNbJKhgokjo--tlYCB4Ic6vV0afznGei3rovppyRzqOaHggkLVZjcg-U2FpimV2_9KWcfA!/ 

 

Mayo Clinic

 

Medline Plus

 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute plans, conducts, and supports research, clinical trials, and observational studies related to the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases, and sleep disorders. 

 

Office on Women’s Health: Heart Disease and women https://www.womenshealth.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke/heart-disease/heart-disease-and-women 

 

WebMD

 

WomenHeart | http://www.womenheart.org/

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Website offers information about preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease, help to find a support network and blog. 

 

Print

Cohen, Barry. Coronary Heart Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment 2019.

Heller, Maria. The DASH Diet Action Plan: Proven to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol without Medication. 2014.

Ornish, Dean and Anne Ornish. Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases. Ballantine, 2019.

Rippe, James M. Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease for Dummies. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2015.

Taylor, Jill Bolte. My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey. New York: Viking, 2009.



Healthy Eating

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Food Guides

 

US dietary guidelines | https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials

Canadian dietary guidelines | https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

 

Websites

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | https://www.eatright.org
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals founded in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, the Academy represents more than 100,000 credentialed practitioners and is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

American Cancer Society | https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/nutrition/benefits.html

American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating

American Diabetes Association | https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition
- Create My Plate. https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/eating-healthy

Center for Science in the Public Interest | https://www.cspinet.org


Food and Nutrition Information Center | https://www.nal.usda.gov/programs/fnic

Harvard School of Public Healthhttps://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/


International Food Information Council Foundation | https://www.foodinsight.org


Mayo Clinic | Nutrition and Healthy Eating https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/basics/nutrition-basics/hlv-20049477


University Health News | https://universityhealthnews.com/health-publications/


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Online nutrition tools https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/basic-nutrition/online-tools


U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | “Heart Healthy Home Cooking, African American Style” https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/cooking.pdf


U.S. Food and Drug Administration | ChooseMyPlate.gov https://www.myplate.gov/


Veterans Administration Caregiver Support | https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
- Nutrition and Health information https://www.nutrition.va.gov/


National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
|
DASH Eating Plan https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan


Nutrition.gov
|
https://www.nutrition.gov/
Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, the website features information about basic nutrition, diets for various health conditions, dietary supplements, food assistance programs and more.

 

Videos

Voice of America News: Grocery Store Tours Emphasizing Healthy Choices | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUdLl1RDhEA 

A YouTube video of a brief tour that provides tips for healthy good choices. 

 

Applications

My Fitness Pal  | https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

A free, easy to use food and activity tracker that you can use on your computer or smartphone. 

Exercise & Physical Activity

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Programs

Silver Sneakers | http://www.silversneakers.com
Check this site’s menu tabs and scroll down the homepage to find and check eligibility for classes, find locations in your area, and more information about programs.

 

Physical activity guidelines

Australia | https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians

Canada | https://csepguidelines.ca  

United States | https://health.gov/paguidelines/

 

Websites

Enhance Fitness | https://projectenhance.org/enhancefitness/

Low-cost, evidence-based group exercise and falls prevention program to help older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. 

 

Evidence-based Leadership Council | http://www.eblcprograms.org

Proven evidence-based programs (EBPs) in the following categories: chronic disease and medication management, depression, falls management and physical activity. 

 

Go4Life from the National Institute on Aging | HealthInAging.org

Exercise and Physical Activity | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, designed to help older adults fit exercise and physical activity into their daily life.

 

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability | https://www.nchpad.org/

NCHPAD is the premier resource for information on physical activity, health promotion, and disability, serving persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disability across the lifespan. NCHPAD’s website features a variety of resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations and can be found online.

 

National Institute on Aging: Exercise and Physical Activity | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity 

 

WebMD: The 7 Minute Workout | https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/the-7-minute-workout-slideshow 

 

Videos

Canadian Lung Association: Exercise and COPD | https://youtu.be/DFemC5giG1Y 

 

Flint Rehabilitation Devices, LLC: Core Exercises for Stroke Patients to Improve Balance and Walking | https://youtu.be/dGBqTLtdVuA 

 

Kaiser Permanente Thrive: Seated Upper Body Exercise | https://youtu.be/R6Nr-VaFcqM 

 

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic Fitness | https://youtu.be/PmDArJJjG4c 

 

Sit and Be Fit | https://www.sitandbefit.org/

Recommended video workouts for those with various conditions including: osteoporosis, diabetes, COPD, neuropathy, arthritis, parkinsons and other conditions. This program offers the classes through public television, streaming, YouTube, and DVDs.

 

Silver Sneakers: 7-Minute Yoga Workout for Older Adults | https://youtu.be/NDLad2vOHkU

 

Audiobooks

Exercises for Chronic Conditions | https://www.bullpub.com/exercises-for-chronic-conditions.html

Audio CD self-management resource 

 

Moving Easy Program | https://www.bullpub.com/catalog-moving-easy.html

Audio CD that guides you through gentle exercise sessions. The recording is also available as a downloadable MP3. 

 

Videos

DocMikeEvans: 23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?  | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo 

 

Dr. Michelle Segar: No Sweat: Lasting Motivation to Exercise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoNFjf9ltMo 

 

Print

Segar, Michelle: No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness, 2015. Also online resources: https://michellesegar.com/book/

 

Brain Health

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Brochures

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation 

 

Caregiving - Canadian Resources

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Alzheimer Society of Canada – Find your area’s Alzheimer Society
https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/find-your-areas-alzheimer-society

Brain Injury Canada
https://braininjurycanada.ca/


Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health
– Supporting the mental health of older adults by connecting people, ideas & resources
https://ccsmh.ca/


Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
https://cnpea.ca/
- Find help by province and territory: https://cnpea.ca/en/what-is-elder-abuse/get-help


Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence – Support and empower caregivers and care providers by advancing the knowledge and capacity of the caregiving field and advocating visionary social policy 
https://canadiancaregiving.org/

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence – Caregiver resources by province and territory
https://canadiancaregiving.org/caregivers/caregiver-resources/

Carers Canada – Leading national advocacy and awareness for caregivers
https://www.carerscanada.ca/


Canadian Dental Care Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental.html


Canadian Frailty Network

https://www.cfn-nce.ca/frailty-matters/living-with-frailty/avoiding-falls/


Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health 
https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health

Canadian Pharmacists Expanded Scope of Practice
https://www.pharmacists.ca/advocacy/scope-of-practice/


Canadian Red Cross – Friendly Calls Program
https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/community-health-services-in-canada/friendly-calls-program

Dial 2-1-1 – To connect to community services (24 hours a day; Canada-wide)
- 211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services.
- The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web.
- 211 helps connect people to the right information and services, making their pathway to care and resources a guided and trusted one.
https://211.ca/


Dial 9-8-8 – Canada’s national suicide crisis helpline
https://988.ca/

Families and caregivers - Benefits and services for family, including survivors and caregivers
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/language_selection_page?destination=/node/117

A Friendly Voice – For older adults aged 55 and above living in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces only
https://afriendlyvoice.ca/

Government of Canada Victim Services Directory
https://www.justice.gc.ca/

Government of Canada Employment Insurance (EI) Caregiving Benefits
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html

Government of Canada - Health Information 
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
-
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases.html


Government of Canada
- Retirement Living - Seniors Housing 
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/retirement-planning/cost-seniors-housing.html

Health Canada Safe Medication Use
https://safemedicationuse.ca/tools_resources/tips_prescriptionlabel.html


Healthy Eating
- Canada's Food Guide - https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
- Diabetes Canada - https://diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-(3)/impact-stories/a-new-way-to-look-at-your-plate
- Dietitians of Canada Unlockfood - www.unlockfood.ca


Medical Cannabis
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2024-04/Medical-Use-of-Cannabis-and-Cannabinoids-en.pdf


National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE)
https://www.nicenet.ca/

Physical Activity/Exercise
- Active Aging Canada – Resources for Staying Active at Home - https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/participants/get-active/healthy-living/active--aging-at-home.htm
- Senior Adult Fitness Exercises (SAFE) – McGill University Health Centre - https://safe-seniors.com


Public Health Agency of Canada Stop Family Violence

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html


Service Canada – Programs and services for seniors
- List of programs and services
- Toll-free telephone number
- List of resources by province or territory
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html

Veterans Affairs Canada
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/families-and-caregivers


Veterans Affairs Canada Care at Home Resource Guide

https://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/en/publications/resource-guides-and-information/care-home-resource-guide

Women’s Shelters Canada – If you’re a woman experiencing abuse, there is someone you can reach out to anytime, day or night
A shelter is more than a place to stay. It’s the first step in finding the support and services you need, no matter where you are.
https://sheltersafe.ca/