Community News
Help at the Push of a Button

Sometimes it can be very difficult to accept help. Many seniors feel that if they accept help they are losing their independence. They think that admitting that they need help tells the world that they are no longer able to live on their own. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone at home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Since the jaw bones have few nerve endings, the placement of dental implants causes only minor surgical discomfort. Bone grafting may have a little more discomfort associated with it. Many patients are able to work within a day of surgery. Any post-operative discomfort is controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients are placed on a soft diet and antibiotics for a few days and told to use an antiseptic mouth rinse several times daily. If sutures are necessary, they will be removed 7 to 14 days after the implants are placed. New techniques developed are always geared to improving patient comfort.

Chemainus Theater Memberships

Did you know that the Chemainus Theater membership program provides wings to the Chemainus Theatre Festival, supporting each season of programming? Donations to the membership program provides foundational support enabling them to plan confidently, and expand their theatrical & education programing. In return (along with their eternal gratitude) they strive to open up the world of Chemainus Theatre through exclusive member events and have a lot of fun at the same time. In 2019, exclusive events include Fireside Chats, Dress Rehearsals, the ever popular Season Launch Party and Member Day. Contact the theater about the various levels of membership available.

Time to Clear Out the Clutter!

Is your house filled with stuff from too many trips to the thrift store, from storing things for the kids who moved out years ago or from holding on to possessions of a loved one who passed. Too much clutter can affect mental health. It is stressful to be in a cluttered environment because of its excessive visual stimuli. It also signals to our brains that our work is never done and creates guilt, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed! When it is all too much, bring in help to sort things and to take it away to be reused and recycled. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

Community Profile – Amplifon

Amplifon is a global leader in hearing healthcare, helping over 5 million people worldwide. Yet, there’s still a taboo in society surrounding hearing loss. The longer a person delays getting help, the more challenging it is to assist with speech “discrimination” or understanding sounds. Several studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss experience an overload of the brain’s cognitive functions — which may lead to an earlier onset of dementia. Be proactive and schedule a complimentary hearing test with your Amplifon team in Nanaimo and complete the journey to better hearing.

How Loud is Too Loud?

We use decibels (dB) when we describe sound levels. Noise is considered too loud and potentially damaging when it exceeds 85 dB. Normal speech is 55 dB, a chainsaw is 95 dB, and a handgun blast can be as much as 160 dB. As a general rule, if you have to raise your voice over the noise, you should be wearing hearing protection. Levels over 120 dB can cause permanent damage even after one brief exposure. Avoid loud noise and when that is not possible, wear ear protection. If you suspect hearing loss, consult your hearing professional.

Pharmacy at Home Program

Taking multiple medications has become a way of life for many older adults and it can become a struggle to keep everything straight. Taking medications correctly is essential for treating health conditions and managing symptoms. The Pharmacy at Home program offers a complimentary, 100% patient-focused pharmacy service conducted in the comfort of your own home. The pharmacist comes to you and provides medication management, free prescription pickup and delivery and support for health and wellness. Other benefits include: personalized customer service, convenience and 25% off over-the-counter/non-prescription medications, supplements and home health products.

Concerts in the Park

What could be better this summer than listening to great music in one of Nanaimo’s most beautiful parks? The City of Nanaimo is pleased to offer free “Concerts in the Park” at both Maffeo Sutton Park and Bowen Park in July and August. Bring a picnic, your lawn chair, and take in some of Nanaimo’s amazing local talent featuring a variety of music that is great for the whole family.
For all the details, please visit our website at recreation.nanaimo.ca.
The City of Nanaimo wishes you a happy and active summer!

Planning a Service

Losing a loved one is difficult. For those tasked with planning an end of life service, the experience can be overwhelming. There are decision to be made regarding music, flowers, catering, who might wish to provide a eulogy and more. The options are abundant. As society evolves, so too do the ways in which we choose to express our grief and plan events to honour deceased loved ones or yourself if you are pre-planning. Not everyone approves of current trends and there is a delicate balance between honouring the deceased by infusing trends and being respectful to your loved one. Planning help is available.

Beauty is More than Skin Deep

At first glance skin defines how we see ourselves. It defines race, represents beauty, identifies us and gives clues about health. Skin is an amazing multi-function organ, the largest organ of the body. Skin easily absorbs lotions, potions, cosmetics & personal care products. Its past time to rethink what we put on our skin. Imagine that everything that you put on your skin is being absorbed into your body. Many are toxic hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and/or carcinogenic. This is where essential oils are your friend. Our bodies love REAL essential oils. DIY is both quick and simple.

Here is a simple safe sunscreen recipe to add to your safe & simple DIY products.

Safe Sunscreen Recipe

  • ½ cup Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup Fractionated coconut oil
  • ¼ cup beeswax
  • 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E
  • 2 tablespoons Shea Butter
  • 12 drops doTERRA Helicrysum Essential Oil

Dissolve first 3 ingredients over a double boiler, stir in next 3 ingredients. Once blended remove from heat and add essential oil. Once solid, use an electric mixer to whip in air and create a light cream.

 

Lee Hindrichs, RN (retired), ProactiveHealthstyle.com

Product Profile: eMuza Mobility

Are you limiting activities and travel because they involve too much walking? eMuza Mobility scooters are a combination of modern design and ultimate versatility, giving you the mobility you need without compromising style. After three years of research and design, this elegant and sleek mobility scooter has maximized functionality. eMuza Mobility scooters are empowering our friends and loved ones to live active lives! Plane, train, cruise, RV, or in the back of your vehicle, the eMuza scooters can go almost anywhere! They are eligible for Extended Health Care. Test Drives available at the Wellington Market, 3922 Corunna in Nanaimo on August 17th.