Most people take their vision for granted, incorrectly assuming all is well because they can see “OK.” Trouble seeing in the distance or up close are signs of vision problems. But headaches, difficulty doing paperwork or trouble reading at any distance are also signs. If you have MS, Parkinson’s or had a stroke, a correctable eye coordination and/or eye movement problem could be contributing to low energy, double or blurry vision. Eye exams monitor your health, detect high blood pressure, diabetes and eye diseases which don’t have obvious signs. Yearly eye exams are vital to the quality of your life.
Community News
Sugar-Free Iced Coffee Cream Soda
Ingredients: 6 oz drip coffee, espresso, or cold press coffee; 6 oz Cream Soda Zevia®; a splash of cream or almond/soy/coconut milk; a handful of ice. Directions: Pour chilled coffee, Zevia® Cream Soda, and a splash of cream into a tall glass. Stir, add ice, and enjoy this healthy, refreshing summer drink!
(Recipe from www.zevia.com)
Wellness Tea of the Month
Appledream Goji Chokecherry Strawberry.
Don’t let the name fool you, this tea is sweet, smooth and delicious! With a medley of berries and citrus fruits, this tea both appeals to both the sweet and tangy flavour lovers. An explosion of fresh fruit and high in vitamin C! Enjoy this tea iced on a hot summer day! This fruit infusion contains apple bits, dragon fruit bits, sea buckthorn berries, chokeberries, goji berries, kiwi bits, pineapple bits, papaya bits, cranberry bits, blueberries, flavor, and added vitamin C.
Osteoarthritis & Exercise
1 in 6 Canadian adults has arthritis, the majority being osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a disease of the joint cartilage with multiple contributing factors including genetics, previous joint injury, body weight and muscle weakness. Pain associated with OA may cause individuals to avoid physical activity which can lead to secondary complications and worsening of symptoms. Physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription for conditions such as OA and can help you safely engage in exercise in a way that can decrease pain, increase strength, allow continued participation in activity and possibly prolong the life of your joint.
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that only affects diabetics. It occurs when the fragile vascular network that supplies the retina – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps us see – begins to swell or leak. During the beginning stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year, if you have diabetes. Once symptoms of diabetic retinopathy do develop, they can include dark or black spots in your visual field, or blurry vision, and it increases over time.
Smoking, Vaping and COVID-19
If you smoke or vape, are you at a higher risk of getting COVID-19? This is a common question, and since there is strong evidence that smoking can increase your risk of viral and bacterial infections (like colds and flus), it’s possible that it could increase your risk of getting COVID-19 as well. Smoking can weaken your body’s immune cells over time, making it harder to fight infections, and also negatively impacts your lung function. Quitting smoking with the aid of treatments like laser therapy is a good way to help limit your risk of experiencing complications from COVID-19.
Print vs. Digital for Reading Comprehension
Research shows that students learn more effectively from print textbooks than computer or tablet screens. While students overwhelmingly preferred digital text over paper, one study clearly found that comprehension was significantly better when the student read a paper text. When the student was reading for general understanding like grasping the main idea, and details weren’t critical, digital was OK. However, comprehension was significantly improved when reading printed texts. Therefore, it would be a good idea to print any reading assignments for your children as much as possible, so they aren’t staring at the computer or digital device so much throughout the day.
Employment & Mental Illness
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.
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.
