Summer is on its way and we want to ensure that you can hear all of it. Because hearing loss is gradual, it’s natural to almost “forget” the sounds you’re no longer hearing. You may have hearing loss if: * You are turning up the volume on the TV or radio * It’s challenging to hear children’s voices * It’s hard to hear when there are multiple conversations *You are asking people to repeat themselves often. A qualified Hearing Care Professional can confirm whether you’re missing sounds because of hearing loss. A quick and easy test is all it takes.
Community News
Looking at a Retirement Community
When should one start thinking about a retirement community? The answer is quite simple – before you HAVE to. Look at the various options for retirement living before you need to move. It will take the fear and stress away knowing that you have done your homework. Many communities today have wait lists so if you wait until you want or need to move, there may not be availability, or at least not in your first choice. All the retirement communities have people who are more than happy to show you around and answer all of your questions.
Dance for Health & Wellness
Dancing – it’s fun and so good for you. According to experts, dancing regularly improves your cardio fitness, muscle strength and tone, endurance, balance, motor skills, coordination, agility, flexibility and can be a factor in weight management. In addition, studies show that dancing is also great for the brain, as it improves memory and overall mental function. Meet new friends, express yourself through movement and enjoy all the health benefits of dancing. From Ballroom to Zumba, Parks and Recreation offers many types of dance. Contact our recreation experts and dance like nobody’s watching!
Choosing the Right Orthotic
Did you know there are three types of custom foot orthotics? Dynamic rehab orthotics work dynamically through gait and challenge target muscle groups in order to retrain the foot. They help achieve sustainable comfort and improve the body’s ability to balance. Accommodative orthotics are made from thermo-moldable foams and redistribute heavily pressurized plantar areas to reduce pain, which is helpful for the diabetic and high-arched arthritic foot. Rigid/semi-rigid orthotics have ¾ length stiffer thermo-plastic that supports the arches of the foot and corrects gait deficiencies. These are designed to compensate for muscle and joint dysfunctions.
World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day is Friday, May 17. It is an initiative of the World Hypertension League, an affiliate of the International Society of Hypertension. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of hypertension and to prevent and control this silent killer. The theme for this this year is Know Your Numbers. Do you know yours? The “textbook” normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Optimal blood pressure can vary and is based on several factors including your cardiovascular risk and age. Speak to your health care professional to learn about your optimal blood pressure numbers.
Ask The Expert
Q: My husband insists he has good vision because of all the carrots he is fond of eating. Is there any truth to this?
A: Yes, but probably not in the way he thinks. People truly deficient in Vitamin A or beta-carotene (as found in carrots) can suffer from poor night vision, but this is a real rarity in our community. Beta-carotene supplements were, up to recently, recommended to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Unfortunately, increased beta-carotene supplement consumption can increase the risk of cancer in smokers. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are related, but safer, supplements.
The First Step to Lasting Change
The hardest part of journey is that first step. Motivating yourself to taking that evening walk or that early morning run when the bed or couch is calling is one of the most important things you can do for yourself (and for those you love). Why you ask? Well, inertia, yup inertia! Getting that body moving, taking a few more steps a day will pay off immensely. In fact, the benefits of 30 mins of walking pays off in decreasing the likelihood of getting a chronic illness by an average of 30%! So it really is small steps to sustainable change!
Physiotherapy and the Golf Swing
Golfers today place a greater emphasis on physical fitness than their predecessors. This has been reflected in sport performance but also plays a role in injury prevention. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is an organization that studies the relationship between the human body and the golf swing. A golf specific movement screen is used by TPI certified professionals to assess body movements as they relate to the golf swing. A TPI physiotherapist takes the findings from a screen to develop an individualized treatment and exercise program which will help maximize efficiency and decrease stress on the body during the swing.
Kids in the Kitchen
Worried that your little ones don’t have enough variety in their diet? Here are some helpful tips to make meal times more enjoyable for everyone. Having children involved in the cooking process can be a good way to get your kids excited about foods, they are more likely to try a food that they had a hand in preparing. Children may need to be exposed to a new food up to fifteen times before they try it, give them time! Children also learn from watching others, sitting down and eating meals and snacks with them shows them that a variety of foods can be enjoyed.
New to Acupuncture? What to Expect..
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional state and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
You will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain your underlying imbalance, your time line of care and what types of treatment you will receive. Possible treatments may include using pins, using lasers, using AcuGraph, cupping, moxibustion, and ointments.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozonotherapy or Prolozone Therapy is the use of medical grade ozone, a highly reactive form of pure oxygen, to create a curative response in the body. The body has the potential to renew and regenerate itself. When it becomes sick it is because this potential has been blocked. The reactive properties of ozone stimulate the body to remove many of these impediments thus allowing the body to do what it does best – heal itself. Ozone speeds healing, detoxification and enhances brain function. It activates the immune system; it stimulates damaged joints and degenerative discs to regenerate and it can dramatically reduce or even eliminate many cases of chronic pain.
