Community News
Weight Loss: The Real Truth

Weight loss is something that many of us are considering, so what is a safe weight loss goal? A weight loss goal of 1-2 lbs per week is sustainable and possible. The key word here is sustainable. There are lots of fad diets out there that promise and sometimes even deliver the weight loss levels promised. Weight loss is about changes that you make to both your activity levels as well as your food intake. The real equation for weight loss is the difference between calories in and calories out. It really is as simple as that.

Manitoba Fitness Council, ManitobaFitnessCouncil.ca

Ask The Expert

Q: I can’t get comfortable vision for my computer with my progressive lenses. Do I have to get something different?

A: Yes, if you’re using a computer for long periods of time then you’d likely get a lot of benefit from some glasses focused specifically for your computer work. Standard progressive lenses might not have enough usable areas for the focusing distance of a computer. There are a number of different lens designs for this. Ask about it the next time you get your eyes checked.

Dr. Alex Kennedy, MosaicVisionCare.com

Preventing Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually during spring, summer or fall when certain plants pollinate. Did you know that seasonal allergies can be prevented by taking an antihistamine before symptoms start? Antihistamines work better if you start using them daily before you expect to be exposed to the allergen. Many of the newer antihistamines are once a day dosing. If one antihistamine proves to be ineffective, switching to another one may help. All antihistamines can be sedating if taken in higher doses, but the newer antihistamines are generally fine if taken as directed.

Catherine McCann, BScPharm, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, MedicineShoppePharmacy.ca

TRE® for Tension, Stress and Trauma

Are you suffering from the effects of tension, stress or trauma? TRE® is a series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. TRE® safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking/vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance. It is based on the fundamental idea, backed by recent research, that stress, tension and trauma are both psychological and physical. Sessions are now available in Nanaimo.

Meghan Gorosh, Founder, Elan Wellness, Elan-wellness.com

Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis. Just the word alone brings thoughts of pain and medication. What many people don’t realize is that there are multiple types of arthritis that are generally classified as being either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Some are due to joint degeneration caused by traumas and normal wear-and-tear through our younger years. Starting early on to care for our joints can minimize or prevent us from getting arthritis. Regular chiropractic care can help ensure correct positioning of the body, reducing wear on hip and knee joints, and can help prevent some injuries from occurring.

Dr. Amber Kenmuir, D.C., Long Lake Chiropractic, MySpine.ca

An Important Discussion

Losing a spouse is a life-altering event that we are never truly prepared for. 

Here are some steps to take now to alleviate some of the stress on the one left behind.

• Have a will to ensure that your estate and affairs will be settled according to your wishes.

• Discuss your final wishes with your spouse.
• Make a list of all your passwords and keep where your spouse can find it.

• Discuss bills, payments and banking details to ensure the surviving spouse can continue to handle everyday tasks. No one likes to think about death so we often neglect to have these important discussions.

Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, ArborMemorial.ca/en/CedarValley

Diary of Ann Frank

NTG presents the powerful and gritty new adaptation of the Diary of Anne Frank. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic. It captures the truly claustrophobic realities of their daily existence, their fear, their hope, their laughter and their grief. This is a new adaption for a new generation. Lest we forget. On stage April 24 – May 11.

NanaimoTheatreGroup.ca

In Your Neighborhood

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre offers a variety of presentations that are of interest to those 55+. Coming up in April:

• Theories of the Universe
• Love Local (showcasing Manitoban and Canadian made food)
• Decluttering Isn’t for the Faint of Heart
• Joint Replacement – What to Expect
• Floods in our History
• Preventing Abuse of Older Adults
You do not have to be a member of Good Neighbours to attend any of our presentations offered. For more information or to register, please call 204-669-1710.
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre, gnalc.ca

 

Walking to Improve your Health

Want to know how to live longer? According to researchers, walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day may give you an extra seven years! Furthermore, regular exercise is an anti-depressant, improves cognitive function and may delay the onset of dementia. Nanaimo Parks and Recreation offers a variety of walking and hiking programs, including “Walk with the Docs” held at Maffeo Sutton Park. For more advanced walkers, we offer Trailblazers and even guided hikes to Ammonite Falls or Mt. Benson. We also maintain over 170 kilometres of trails.

City of Nanaimo Parks & Rec, Recreation.Nanaimo.ca

What is an Audiogram?

When you have a hearing test, the results are represented in the form of an audiogram. Your hearing care professional uses the audiogram to identify if there is hearing loss, and if so, the extent of it. The audiogram illustrates your hearing by representing your hearing threshold levels at different frequencies. The hearing threshold levels show the point at which a tone can be perceived. A hearing threshold level of between 0 and 25 dB is considered normal.  Book a hearing test and consultation and take your first steps towards better hearing.

Connect Hearing, ConnectHearing.ca

Community Profile: CBI Home Health

Most of us want to stay in our own houses as we age. Home care services can help us remain independent. CBI Home Health, part of CBI Health Group, have at-home solutions to help you achieve maximum function and independence. Whether you need day-to-day assistance or dedicated palliative care, their support is customized to meet your unique needs and goals. Their multidisciplinary care team includes nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, health care aides, personal support workers and more. They can connect you to the care you need, when and where you need it — without delay.

CBI Home Health, CBI.ca