Everyone wants meaning and purpose in life and that can include having employment with financial stability. Productive work has been identified as a leading factor in supporting positive mental health and in paving the way for a rich and fulfilling life in the community. For many individuals who struggle with mental health, obtaining employment or maintaining employment can be difficult, even though they have talents and skills. Fact is that employers hiring individuals with mental health concerns report good attendance, punctuality, motivation, and good work on par or greater than those of other employees.
Community News
Benefits of High-Quality Home Filters
The quality of the air inside our homes can have an effect on our allergies, illnesses, and long-term health. Almost all of the airborne particles in our living spaces are less than 1 micron in size and are invisible, which is why it’s so important to use a high-quality filter in our homes. These filters can remove common indoor air contaminants like viruses, bacteria, mold, harmful chemicals, pet dander, smoke, and dust, which can make us feel unwell. They also help prevent wear and tear on your HVAC system, helping you save money on operating costs and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Ask The Pharmacist
Q. What is Medication Non-Adherence?
A. Medication non-adherence is when a patient doesn’t take a medication, either willfully or inadvertently, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Studies have shown that 50% of Canadians do not take their prescription medications exactly as prescribed. The reasons for this vary from a lack of information, to being afraid to take medication or believing it doesn’t work, to an inability to follow instructions that may be too complex. Each year, medication non-adherence results in many hospital admissions. Your pharmacist can help provide you with the information you need to make the right decisions about when and how to take your medications.
Drug Free Wellness Solutions
VoxxLife combines the best of modern technology with decades of research in neuromuscular science to provide drug-free, non-invasive wellness solutions. These solutions offer the physical benefits of traditional OTC alternatives, without all the side effects. Human Performance Technology (HPT) is embedded in their socks, insoles and now wearable patches. The socks, with just the right amount of stretch, provide the pain relief and mobility support you want at home, work or at the gym. The convenient, trim-to-fit design of the insoles, fit easily into your everyday shoes for greater comfort and performance. The Neurotech Patches offer the benefits of HPT in a simple and convenient way for all aspects of your life.
Lifestyle Therapy for Acquired Brain Injury
Recovering from a brain injury, which includes stroke, is a full-time job. Doing errands, chores, and everyday tasks can be done within the boundaries of safety and in ways that promote recovery. It can be beneficial to take the stairs or walk to the store. Putting away silverware is a good way to work on repetitive practice of grasp and release of the hand. Folding clothes is an excellent way to incorporate bilateral training which is using the arm and hand at the same time. Doing simple tasks while focusing on the affected extremities will help improve overall coordination, strength and functional ability.
Managing Multiple Medications
Your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage multiple medications. *Synchronized Refill Dates. The quantities of your medication may be adjusted to coordinate refill dates. All medications can be refilled at one time reducing the number of visits to the pharmacy. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Extension of Expired Refills. Sometimes a prescription expires before you can see your doctor. Following an assessment, your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription.
Dealing with Grief & Trauma
Trauma and grief often go hand-in-hand, and learning how to mourn can be a crucial part of healing. Grief is the reactions that we must mourn through to shift to an active, shared response instead of a passive, isolated one. Six ways to help active mourning include: 1) Acknowledging the loss is real. 2) Interacting with the pain instead of avoiding it. 3) Honouring what you loved about who/what you are mourning. 4) Discovering the new you in the context of loss. 5) Finding meaning and purpose beyond what happened. 6) Getting ongoing support and talking with loved ones and/or a professional.
Your Choice of Skin Care Matters
Our skin is an organ that absorbs everything on it, passing it along through the bloodstream. This includes any skincare products we apply to our skin. Mainstream skincare and beauty products have a long shelf life and look and smell nice. However, most of them contain chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, formaldehyde, fragrances and propylene glycol. These can trigger or exacerbate an array of problems including allergies, hormone disruption and can even act as irritants and carcinogens. When looking for skin care products, look for brands that are truly transparent and list ingredients you understand.
Are You Having Fun?
As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!
Community Profile – Woodgrove Manor
For your loved one whose health demands a heightened level of care there is Trillium Boutique Senior Living. Footsteps from shopping and dining, and with easy accessibility to the Island’s northern communities, Woodgrove Manor is a 43-suite home, centrally located in Nanaimo. Nestled in the scenic Woodgrove neighbourhood, its interiors are inspired by nature, bringing the outdoors in with oversized windows and natural light. Nurses provide 24-hour support for long-term residents’ unique health challenges, from falls and immobility to memory loss and dementia. The homes are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Safe Senior Living Communities
With COVID-19 outbreaks in long term care homes, many independent (IL) and assisted living (AL) retirement communities have proven to be safe and supportive environments for seniors during these times. For seniors living on their own, buying groceries, staying connected and maintaining physical and mental health have become increasingly daunting. Retirement Living might be the solution to the challenges Covid-19 has presented by offering hospitality and support services in a safe setting. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, reach out to some local retirement communities and inquire about their COVID-19 response plan and how they have modified their operations to continue creating meaningful engagement for their residents.
