Community News
Head for the Hills

Physical and mental health go together, as one works to care for the other, in so many ways. A personal reminder of this was when I participated in the Eden Foundation’s cycling event, “Head for the Hills”. I started a training regime of cycling multiple times per week; which was not easy, but I had a goal, so I pushed away the excuses and got moving. The benefits came instantly, with increased energy and a much-improved attitude towards life. The sense of accomplishment afterwards felt so wonderful! Physical activity is one of the best remedies for ensuring your mental and physical health. What have YOU done for your health lately?

Using Over The Counter Medications Safely

Over the counter medications can treat many conditions and make you feel better but not all of them may be appropriate for you! For example, certain OTC medications may not be recommended if a patient has high blood pressure or if they’re pregnant. Certain OTC medications may also interact with other prescription meds that a patient has. If a healthcare professional has told you that the OTC medication is safe to use, also make sure you are following the directions properly! Contact your pharmacist to find out if you can safely use your OTC medications of if you have any other health related questions!

Meet the Practitioner

Denturist Maggie Makaruk DD, has practiced at Anna’s Denture Clinic for the last 18 years. Anna’s Denture Clinic is a boutique denture clinic that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Maggie personally customizes your treatment plan for your particular needs and requirements. She gives her complete attention to detail to ensure the best fit and aesthetic, so that your dentures meet or exceed all your expectations and you’ll have that perfect smile! Maggie makes herself available to answer any and all questions to make you comfortable during the treatment and well beyond.

Suffering From Heel Pain?

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive overstretching of the ligaments that support the arch. Having proper supportive footwear, along with gel heel insoles, will help with your symptoms and make walking more tolerable. Be sure to roll the arch of your foot first thing in the morning and wear slippers on hardwood and laminate flooring at home to cushion the heel and avoid further inflammation. Pain relieving modalities such as ultrasound, acupuncture, and shockwave therapy, along with appropriate stretches and exercises, can also help reduce pain and inflammation and get you healing the proper way.

Benefits of Blue Light-Blocking Glasses

Exposure to artificial light at the wrong times of day is one of the largest often-overlooked health risks of living in the 21st century. Blocking blue light serves an important biological purpose, helping to regulate your internal clock to control sleep patterns and other body functions; avoiding blue light at night is crucial to protecting your health. One of the least expensive and simplest ways to protect your body’s internal rhythm, and thereby support healthy sleep and a lowered risk of many chronic diseases, is to wear blue-light-blocking glasses at night.

What You Don’t Hear

When someone has moderate hearing loss they will hear relatively well if you are talking to them face to face in a quiet environment. They will not hear well if you are walking away from them, in a different room, or if noise is present. People with hearing loss may be unaware of the extent of it: that’s where loved ones come in. Family members who have grown frustrated with them not being able to hear are the ones to prompt them to get a hearing test. Encourage them to have their hearing tested, you will be doing them and yourself a big favour in the long run.

The Painless Facelift

A microcurrent facial is often referred to as a “natural” facelift. This safe and painless facial helps erase fine lines and wrinkles, while firming your skin and defining your features. A microcurrent facial emits extremely low-voltage electrical currents (hence, ‘micro’ current), which mirror your own body’s electrical currents, on a cellular level to repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Cosmetic microcurrent is beneficial for improvement in the appearance of aged and slackened skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, dark circles and puffiness, enlarged pores, and muscle tone.

Retiring Successfully

People are living longer these days, and sometimes retirement requires supplemental income. Retiring early can mean that what you have saved isn’t enough to cover your costs long-term. Before making the decision to retire early, it’s important that you think carefully about your finances. Having an in-depth conversation about your finances with your advisor can ensure you make the best decision possible about retiring. Semi-retirement could be an option, giving you time to save more money or cover costs while on the road to full retirement. Working with your advisor to understand your situation can ensure you retire successfully.

Painful Ingrown Toenails

Q: What are ingrown toenails? A: These almost always occur on the big toe, and can cause significant pain, as well have the potential for infection. Causes can include tight shoes, poor or improper nail care, and genetic predisposition. Treating ingrown toenails involves clearing up any infection that might be present and removing the part of the nail that is growing into the toe. Having a podiatrist do it, under local anesthesia, if necessary, is the best way. To avoid ingrown toenails, cut your toenails regularly straight across instead of rounding the corners or edges, and wear shoes that have adequate width and depth, and are not too tight.

Learning Difficulties and After-School Programs

Does your child seem to be putting forth more energy at school than their peers are? Is it starting to affect their self-esteem, grades, and social connections? There are programs that can help to strengthen your child’s ability by aiding their brain to change and grow through the principle of neuroplasticity. After-school options can help you and your child to boost their brain power and set them on a path of academic success. If you’re willing to put them in after-school sports programs to help exercise their bodies, why not place them in after-school programs that can help stimulate their minds?

New Addition to the Team

Warmest welcome to our newest addition to the veterinary team – Dr. Hebe Lin of Crescent Beach, BC. Dr. Lin brings years of experience breeding border collies to our team, and has special interest in ophthalmology as well. We have been fortunate enough to have her intern with us and get special training with our specialist referral team. For those of you wanting to communicate in Mandarin, that is Dr. Lin’s native tongue. Please help us welcome her to the practice as we build more relationships with you and your pets.