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.
Community News
Ask The Expert
Q. I just noticed that I can see certain things better without my glasses now. They’re new glasses, I just got them three years ago. What’s up with that?
A: Three years is actually more than enough time for your eyes to change, or for something to go wrong with your glasses. You can bring back your glasses to where you bought them to see what the issue is, but it sure sounds like you’re due for an eye exam in any case. Time goes by pretty quickly for just about everyone.
Diabetes Management
Do you know your ABCDESSS of diabetes management? Diabetes Canada (Diabetes.ca) recently updated the Canadian guidelines for staying healthy with diabetes. Each letter of the acronym ABCDESSS stands for a specific aspect of diabetes care. For example, A = A1C, which should be at target (usually less than 7%). Other examples include E (for exercise and healthy eating), and S (self-management, screening, and stop smoking). If you are a diabetic, now is a good time to talk to your healthcare professional to review and refine your diabetes management strategies based on the latest scientific evidence in the new guidelines.
Kombucha for Digestion and Trust
Most people will agree that one virtue which is presently widely compromised, is our ability to Trust. Another pervasive issue in society today is general digestive malaise. It is interesting to note that in terms of Chinese medicine’s Five Element Theory, the Virtue related to the digestive system (spleen, pancreas, stomach), is the Virtue of Trust. Good digestion is also regarded as the foundation of health because when our digestion is poor, other maladies follow, yet when digestion is strong, good health is sure to follow. In theory, kombucha, known to improve digestion, will also improve our lack of Trust!
Aging & Knee Pain
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 contain ligaments or cartilage, which typically have only 1/10th the circulation that is seen in other connective tissues. This makes them especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization/aging, which further compromises circulation. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins and minerals, and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal.
Osteoarthritis & Exercise
1 in 6 Canadian adults has arthritis, the majority being osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a disease of the joint cartilage with multiple contributing factors including genetics, previous joint injury, body weight and muscle weakness. Pain associated with OA may cause individuals to avoid physical activity which can lead to secondary complications and worsening of symptoms. Physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription for conditions such as OA and can help you safely engage in exercise in a way that can decrease pain, increase strength, allow continued participation in activity and possibly prolong the life of your joint.
Holiday Shopping Opportunity
How would you like to look after all your gift giving needs and support a worthwhile cause at the same time? The Clements Centre for Community Living is pleased to present The Holiday Bazaar on November 10th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at 5856 Clements Street, Duncan. Come and shop for hand and homemade products ranging from pottery to jewelry and baked goods; all made by local vendors as well as clients and caregivers of the centre. Enjoy a Soup and Sandwich lunch for only $5.00 in the dining room. Clements Centre has 175 adults with developmental disabilities. The Holiday Bazaar helps fund adult services and support for them.
Product Review: Pure Green Energy
Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.
Your Immune System Out in the Cold
You have probably been told to bundle up in cold weather so that you don’t become sick. The truth is, cold weather or not, it takes exposure to a virus or bacteria to cause an infection. In fact, going outside and getting more physical activity can prevent sickness. One reason why infections may become more prevalent during cold, wet weather is that more people spend time indoors, clustering together and increasing the likelihood of transmission from one person to another. Getting more rest is a good thing to help a weakened immune system. Your local healthfood/supplement store can also advise you on how to keep your immune system healthy.
Benefits of Visiting with Seniors
Visiting with seniors is mutually rewarding. You can be a comfort, provide assistance as permitted, socialize and learn as well as share histories and experiences. Seniors have so much to offer through the exploration of their life achievements. Visitors will be amazed; activities, entertainment and more are always at hand at Independent Living Centres. Spending time with seniors, especially family, reinforces bonds of love and respect. These carry on even during times when they have less contact with friends and family. It is important for the physical and mental health of both visitors and residents; nothing replaces the personal touch.
Dentures Are Not Just for Seniors
Many people think that dentures are just for senior citizens. However more people wear dentures than you might think. Here are some signs that you may need dentures, or partial dentures, now or in the future: *Gaps between your teeth or your teeth are loose and shifting *Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums *One or more missing teeth *Struggle with eating some types of foods. *Hiding your smile because of missing or damaged teeth. Take the time to care for your teeth so you can keep them as long as possible! If you do need dentures, there are many options available to you.
