There’s data that suggests approximately 30% of the world’s adult population suffers from one or more indicators of insomnia: difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or sleep that isn’t restorative. Insomnia is so challenging to treat is that it can have multiple causes, ranging from poor sleeping habits to mental health disorders. That means that, often, a holistic approach is necessary. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each kind of insomnia shows an imbalance of energy in a specific part of the body. The acupuncturist redirects the imbalanced flow of energy and helps to decrease anxiety, activate melatonin generation, initiate sleep, and lessen sleep disturbance and arousals at night.
Community News
April is IBS Awareness Month
Did you know that 13-20% of Canadians are living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome? IBS is a long-term condition of the gut that causes episodes of intense abdominal cramps, bloating and either constipation or diarrhea. On average, those living with IBS restrict their activities 73 days out of a year. In fact, IBS is the most burdensome chronic ailment report by patients with an average of 6 years between onset and diagnosis. Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy gut, and lessened IBS symptoms. See a Registered Holistic Nutritionist to help you manage your specific dietary needs.
Caregivers – Take Care
Recovery from a brain injury takes a long time. Caregivers need to be prepared for the hard work and long road ahead. Dedicated practice means millions of attempts to change the brain and allow the arm, leg or speech to recover. Be patient and supportive, but don’t do too much. Encourage independence. Don’t let yourself get to the end of your rope and burned out. Find ways to cope. Recognize when you need help and ask for it. Relationships evolve and change after a brain injury. Roles and personalities may change. Talk about it. Focus on the good in your life. Find support.
Community Profile
Bliss Yoga Studio and Wellness Centre is owned and operated by long-time Ladysmith residents, Clayton and Alison Strom. This cozy boutique studio and wellness centre in downtown Ladysmith is also their home. Whether you take one of the many unique or traditional yoga classes offered in the Studio or visit them downstairs in the Wellness Centre for alternative therapies for pain and injury, they look forward to meeting you. Clayton and Alison are proud to be Islanders and welcome all abilities, shapes, sizes and genders. Along your journey to health and wellness, they hope to help you find your personal path to bliss…
Tea and Toast Syndrome
“Tea and toast syndrome” refers to malnutrition in seniors when a lack of desire or inability to prepare and/or eat proper meals results in them relying on simpler meals like tea and toast. Seniors who skip meals almost daily, have gained/lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months, take medications, have dental issues, or have a disability can be at risk for malnutrition. Some common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, memory issues, digestive issues, a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and anemia. There are support services available to help seniors eat well and regularly!
Gambling Outreach Support
If you are looking for support or an alternative to counselling, you can easily access our team of outreach specialists. They can provide support, assist with personal goals and connect individuals and families with harm reduction resources and appropriate services. They are a resource that provides information, support, referrals, and accompaniment to resources, including: *peer support organizations (such as 12 Step groups or Smart Recovery), *online self-help resources, *community support organizations (legal services, housing services, community mental health services, and many others). They can be reached by phone, text messaging, web chat, or in person. All services are free of charge.
Not Getting Enough ZZZZ’s?
We know that a good diet and exercise will help keep us healthy but did you know that not getting enough sleep has a negative impact on your health? Short term problems include *Lack of alertness, *Impaired memory and ability to think, *Relationship stress and quality of life. Serious health issues related to insufficient sleep include, *Weight gain, *Increased risk of heart disease and stroke,* High Blood pressure, *Lack of sex drive. It is time to make sleep a priority. Let’s get sufficient sleep, starting tonight! Come in and discuss the various sleep products available to help you!
Digestive Health
Today we recognize the importance of having the right kind of bacteria in our gut. Probiotics are a certain type of bacteria that provides health benefits when eaten. The use of probiotics have been shown to reduce overall symptoms and abdominal pain. Clinical trials showed that probiotics are overall effective treatments for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Probiotics may also reduce the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the gut, speeding up the healing process of peptic ulcers. Experts agree that the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific. Speak to your pharmacist to determine which probiotic is right for you.
Related Fall Risks
In addition to decreased mobility, there are other risk factors that can lead to falling: Sensory Deficits; problems with sensation, whether it be with the eyes, ears or feeling in the feet, can increase your risk of falling. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Low Blood Pressure; when we quickly go from lying or sitting to standing, our blood pressure drops, this can interfere with balance, vision and coordination. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly and ensure you have good footing before taking a step.
Residential Care for a Loved One
It is hard to watch the health of your loved one decline. Making the decision to let someone else take over their care is often difficult. It is recommended that you begin the search for a care home before a crisis makes it necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes a medical emergency like a fall, takes the decision from your hands. Look for a place where they deliver genuine care and help residents to live life to its fullest and where they can feel at home. Exercising due diligence when choosing a home will pay off with a lot of peace of mind knowing that your loved one’s physical and medical challenges are met.
Active Lifestyle is Good for our Brain
We all know that an active lifestyle is good for our physical health; more and more research is showing how beneficial it is for our brains! Yes, walking, swimming, skating, dancing, tennis, yoga, tai chi…whatever you like is shown to have amazing benefits for keeping our brains healthy and slowing or stopping age-related brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Find a friend and get moving! Your body and brain will thank you! Need some ideas for getting or staying active? Contact us or check out the Spring and Summer Activity Guide.
