Community News
Seniors and Stress

Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.

Wellness of “Real Wellth”

As we develop the concept of this new term “Real Wellth”, it is important to remember this is not a mis-spelling, it is an introduction of a new concept. The definition of “Wellth” is a connection between Wellness and Health (hence the conjunction of words). In the last tip, we focused on understanding what themes “wellness” has in our society today. These themes emphasize the need for consistent active engagement in one’s own personal growth to build personal wellness. Be Self-Full, and prioritize your wellness everyday!

Health Expo – Community Event

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living™ is thrilled to present the 2nd Annual Wellnessnews Health Expo on September 28th, 2019 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. The Expo is FREE. VIP tickets are available where you get your Wellnessnews or from any of the exhibitors. While not required to attend, tickets redeemed raise funds for Nanaimo Community Gardens Society. Check the Health Expo website for a list of over 100 exhibitors and 15+ health talks.

Regenerate Your Knees

When your knees chronically hurt you are told they are a sign of aging and degeneration, which is very true … but did you know there is a method of treatment to regenerate your knees? Prolozone therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that are especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization and aging. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins & minerals and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal. And as they heal, the circulation to the knees is re-established.

Hearing Aids You Can Recharge

Rechargeable hearing aids allow you the freedom to experience high quality sound without the worry of carrying spare batteries. Traditional hearing aid technology did not allow for this freedom; hearing aids required spares and replacement batteries. Utilising Li-ion battery, rechargeable aids allow you to carry on with your active life with simple and reliable charging. Li-ion is the battery technology utilising the power of lithium ions, this means you can reuse the same battery simply by recharging the hearing aids with the supplied charger.

Prescriptions From Your Pharmacist

Did you know that your doctor is not the only healthcare professional who can provide you with a prescription? The list of minor ailments that pharmacists can prescribe medication for continues to grow, helping to ease busy clinic waiting rooms and provide you with a convenient and safe alternative. Whether you have a rash or skin infection, are interested in birth control, or are dealing with cold or flu symptoms, your pharmacist can discuss your options with you to find the best treatment. Talk to your pharmacist today to get timely prescriptions for you and your loved ones.

The Hearing Loss/Alzheimer’s Connection

Recent research suggests that improving hearing loss with hearing aids reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In 2011, a team of Johns Hopkins medical school researchers discovered a significant association between hearing loss and the risk of developing these unwanted cognitive conditions. The worse someone’s hearing gets, the greater their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. The researchers believe their findings could have substantial implications for individuals and public health because hearing loss is treatable with hearing instruments. These findings underscore how important regular hearing tests are as part of preventative health care.

The Power of Touch

There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in your skin and 3000 on the tip of your finger. Whenever we get touched or when we receive a massage, our body releases endorphins that are natural pain- killers. Massage not only helps us relax, but it also gives our immune system a boost! Receiving a 45-minute massage has been found to increase the number of white blood cells that help defend the body from disease. Do you suffer from sleep problems? 60 minutes of massage have the same effect on your body as 7 to 8 hours of good sleep.

Meeting Family Dental Needs

Finding a dentist that can meet the needs of all members of your family is important. Kids often need different dental care than their parents do, whether it’s catching potential problems early or helping kids through losing their first teeth. Parents may be looking for advice on dental work or teeth whitening products for themselves. Whatever their dental needs may be, families often need flexibility when it comes to appointment scheduling and a dental team that can be there for sudden emergencies. Look for a dentist who has great rapport with the whole family, from youngest to oldest!

Mediterranean Health Principles

Research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the chance of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The individual foods within the diet are particularly beneficial to health – using a wide range of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs gives the body maximum access to sources of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The Mediterranean Diet offers a scientifically researched, affordable, balanced and health-promoting lifestyle choice. Help reduce your risk of a premature death and increase the chance of a healthy retirement.

Don’t Be an Obesity Statistic

About 26.7% of Canadians were obese in 2015, with projections that it will be 34% by 2025. This is a serious burden to the healthcare system. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, associated with obesity and inactivity, that increases the risk of high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Take stock of all of the sources of simple carbs in your diet, including staples like white potatoes, white flour, white rice, and pasta, as well as any obvious junk food. Favour instead low-starch and high-fibre vegetables, and get 20-30 minutes of dedicated exercise per day to reduce obesity risk.