Cholesterol travels through your blood on two main carriers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the “bad” cholesterol, as it can lead to fatty buildups in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. HDL is the “good” cholesterol, helping carry LDL away to the liver for removal. Triglycerides, another type of fat, store excess energy but, when high—especially with high LDL or low HDL—raise heart disease risk. Understanding your cholesterol numbers is key to prevention and wellness. Speak to our Pharmacist’s team today to learn how we can guide you toward better heart health.
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Your Personal Pharmacist can review your medications and supplements and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication. With the expanded role of pharmacists to prescribe medications for minor ailments and their ability to book a doctor’s appointment for you, they are a great resource to help you navigate your health care. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo today.
Downsizing Seminar; Sept 23 & Oct 29
Thinking about downsizing but not sure where to start? Join us for a FREE seminar from 1 – 3 pm on Tuesday, Sept 23 or Wednesday, Oct 29 at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to make a move, this seminar is for you. Guest speakers include industry professionals: *Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist/Professional Organizer. *Adam Hawryluk, Flawless Financing. Discover mortgage options. *Dale Harvey, Compass Point Financial. How to Make Your Money Last as long as you do. *Colby Althouse, Notary Public, Estate Planning for Seniors. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641.
Flossing Helps Prevent Cavities
Do you floss your teeth? Flossing is an activity that you should not neglect. It is as important to floss every day as it is to brush your teeth. Brushing alone can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. Proper flossing helps remove the plaque and debris that adhere to your teeth and gums. It also helps to control bad breath by removing the decaying food that may be stuck between your teeth. Make it a habit to floss at the end of the day. Your mouth will be cleaner and your dental hygienist will praise you.
Caring for the Caregiver
Caregiving is an exhausting and often round-the-clock role that many of us will take on in our lifetime. How do we thrive while providing holistic supportive care to our loved ones? The answer is by caring for ourselves! The best way for both you and your loved ones to flourish is by accepting help and creating a community of support. If a friend or family member offers to give you respite, leave your guilt at the door and enjoy this time away! If you would like to have support from the experts, call Comfort Keepers today.
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
These tips will help you provide the best care for your loved one while maintaining your well-being: *Educate yourself: Learn about the disease’s progression, symptoms, and treatments to better understand and support your loved one. *Create a Safe Environment: Remove hazards and establish a predictable, organized space. *Effective Communication: Use clear, patient communication, maintain eye contact, and listen actively, even when their words are unclear. * Establish a routine: Consistency provides comfort; set a daily schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. * Seek Support for Yourself: Seek help from support groups, respite care, or other family members or caregivers.
Move to Keep Your Tissues Limber
The fascia is the organ that gives your body its shape. Fascia is plastic, which means it has the ability to change. It will take on the forms that you put it in the most. If you spend a large portion of the day seated in front of a computer with your head and shoulders forward, the front line of your body will likely shorten to help hold you in that position. This puts strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. To help keep your tissues limber and adaptive, try to get up from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes.
Tips to Refocus Your Mind
Do racing thoughts keep you up at night or make it hard to focus during the day? A simple yet powerful solution only requires a pen and a piece of paper. When your mind fixates on emotionally charged or important thoughts, it’s trying to help, but ends up hijacking your focus. Give your brain space to process by writing down everything swirling in your head: worries, to-do lists, questions—anything. No need to filter. Take one minute or five. Once it’s on paper, your mind can refocus. Regularly writing down your thoughts improves mood, reduces stress, and even supports overall well-being.
Denture Cleaning Tips
Maintaining clean dentures involves a daily routine. *Use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser to remove stains, plaque and debris. *Soak dentures overnight in water to loosen stains. *Be gentle to prevent damage. *Avoid hot water to prevent warping. *Schedule regular denture checkups for a professional cleaning and a proper fit. Following these tips preserves dentures and improves overall oral health. Find more tips on our website.
Seniors Fair – Friday, September 12
Join us for a special event celebrating and supporting our senior community in a beautiful garden setting! Browse a variety of local vendors and connect with valuable community resources. The Seniors Fair takes place on Friday, September 12th between 10 am and 3 pm at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Road. Everyone is welcome to this FREE community event featuring: *Free hearing tests and health services, *Door Prizes, and *Light refreshment. For more information, please call 250-722-2244.
Seniors and Stress
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 declining health, financial worries, personal safety, and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals, and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.


