Benefit every cell in your body

Some people love it—exercise that is. They are people who, for years, have made physical activity a part of their daily life and are motivated by the ‘high’ they get. They even declare it to be addictive. Others are inspired by the prospect of weight loss and view exertion as a necessary, but disagree-able chore. They start with gusto, are left breath-less and sweaty, discover that after two weeks the scale has not moved one iota, get dispirited and quit. Maybe next year!
The benefits of exercise have been researched extensively. Glenn Gaesser, a professor of exer-cise physiology at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University in Phoenix, stresses that regular exercise offers many benefits well beyond burning calories. Exercise has a positive effect on pretty much every cell in your body—heart, bones, brain, muscles and all other organs. Fitness seems to provide better prospects for longevity than just trying to lose weight. Sharper thinking, less depression, reduced anxiety, better sleep, stronger bones and muscles, and easier weight management, along with a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancers of the breast, colon and other organs have been observed in people who embark on a regimen of even moderate activity.
Lack of time or limited abilities are roadblocks for commitment to a long-term exercise routine but, if one understands that exercise is any movement that increases the heart rate beyond resting levels, then it is not difficult to incorporate a lot of additional activity into one’s day. Replace some car journeys with walking, park at a distance from your destination and walk the rest of the way, use the stairs rather than lifts, or partake in light or vigorous exercises during television commercials.  
Make activity fun. Invite a friend to take a fitness class with you, join you on a brisk walk or go swim-ing. Take yoga, tai chi or Pilates. Play spirited music while cleaning house energetically. (Stop rolling your eyes.) Gradually increase your activity level. Even light exercise provides a huge range of benefits for the body and mind. 

Get moving. You will be the better for it.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is a fast-evolving technology that allows computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving abilities. It enables computers to identify people and objects in pictures and to understand language. Theoretically, the technology will evolve to the super AI level that not only has the ability to think, reason and learn, but will also possess cognitive abilities that surpass those of human beings. Even though it presents a vast array of positive, exciting applications in multiple fields, it also raises concerns regarding ethics, privacy and employment.

Retiring Colleagues

If you are aware of teacher friends and colleagues who are contemplating retirement this year let them know about ERTA and invite them to join. The first year is complimentary.

Registry Discount for Seniors

Effective April 1, 2024, people 65 years of age and older are eligible for a 25% discount on the cost of the medical exams required to renew their driver’s licence. 
Medical exams are mandatory for drivers aged 75, 80 and every two years thereafter. They must be performed by a physician or nurse practitioner to determine if a driver is medically fit to drive according to the provincial guidelines. 
How to claim reimbursement 
Seniors can receive a 25%refund on the cost of a driver’s medical examination by following a few simple steps.
1.    Complete the exam at your physician’s office. Get a receipt that includes your name, service provided, date and physician’s details (clinic, address, phone number) and the amount paid for the service. 
2.    Bring the receipt to your local registry office. 
3.    Upon receiving the medical receipt, a registry agent will verify eligibility then calculate the 25% discount and issue a credit.

Complete the exam at your physician’s office. Get a receipt that includes your name, service provided, date and physician’s details (clinic, address, phone number) and the amount paid for the service.

  1. Bring the receipt to your local registry office.
  2. Upon receiving the medical receipt, a registry agent will verify eligibility then calculate the 25% discount and issue a credit.

    The credit will be processed and you will receive a government-issued cheque that will be mailed to the address on your motor vehicles file within ten business days. 

To learn about a few restrictions that apply and to find out about other seniors’ discounts go online to alberta.ca/seniors-discount.