Every kind of Alzheimer’s disease is asymptomatic for at least 20 years before a neurologist can make a diagnosis of the disease. For the asymptomatic period, brain cells are killed by the amyloid-beta protein plaques saturated in the nearby synapses. Increasing forgetfulness may be a sign of the asymptomatic period. Certain nutritional supplements can help to remove the pathological plaque from the body, which can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by preserving the brain cells’ health.
Community News
Get a Yearly Denture Check-up
Your dentures should be checked on an annual basis to ensure you still have a correct fit. Your face and the tissues in your mouth change over the years, while your dentures are rigid and stay the same. Your appearance and comfort can be compromised the longer you delay receiving care from your denturist. Annual visits to your denture clinic can help ward off many potential problems including headaches, neck and joint pain, irritated gums, indigestion, problems with chewing, and even bone loss and occasionally changes in facial contour. Are you due for a check-up?
Ask The Expert
Q.What is medication nonadherence?
A.Medication nonadherence is when a patient doesn’t take a medication, either willfully or inadvertently, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Studies have shown that 50% of Canadians do not take their prescription medications exactly as prescribed. Each year, medication nonadherence is the cause of 10% of all hospital admissions, 25% of hospital admissions for the elderly, and 23% of all nursing home admissions. Medications are an important tool in the management of health, but if they are not used properly, they can cause serious harm.
Own Your Thoughts
Who’s responsible for your thoughts? If you are not responsible for how you think, then are you responsible for what happens to you? Are you a victim? Yes, if you think you are. Yet, it’s an illusion and is a powerless viewpoint. When you identify with your small self, you are a leaf in the wind, subject to the world around you. It means you will feel secure or safe, and you are subject to anxiety, fear of what could or might happen. Decide to choose your thoughts, and influence and reshape your world and the world of others.
Hair Loss and Cancer
New (or relatively old) technology has been around for over 50 years that actually works to prevent hair loss in cancer patients. Ice packs are routinely used in chemotherapy to prevent nail damage. Cooling the scalp during chemo can prevent hair loss in many patients and likely prevents permanent hair loss. New scalp-cooling technology is fast becoming the standard of care in the US at most of the major cancer centres, and has been used in Europe with great success. Many experts agree that a degree of control, body image, and privacy are important for cancer patients, and looking like themselves during treatment can help provide such confidence boosts.
Laptops and Health Effects
Wireless technologies such as laptop computers emit energy known as electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Some peer-reviewed studies have suggested that EMFs could be linked to health effects on not only laptop users, but also those near laptop users. A few ways to reduce your exposure to EMFs include: 1) Avoid using a laptop when it is connected to the internet to eliminate the wireless transmissions between the laptop and the router in your home. 2) Avoid using your laptop on your lap. Instead, place the laptop on a desk or other stable surface. 3) Use a keyboard and mouse that are separate from the laptop.
What is Holistic Nutrition?
Holistic Nutrition is an integrated look at health that incorporates the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It explores how diet, supplements, lifestyle choices, the health of our minds and spirituality all contribute to, or prevent, many diseases and poor health conditions. Holistic nutrition strives to find a balance amongst them, using evidence-based science and taking into consideration the health of the individual, society and the health of the planet. Natural nutrients have properties that are best described by these words: “live, natural, good quality”. These simple words can serve as a guide to everyone wishing to improve their health.
Community Profile: Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Since 1908, our mission has been to share our talent and wisdom to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individual and families in their homes and communities. In keeping with this ideal, we have become pioneers in the development of community health care and capacity building education services. Inspired by our historic roots and traditional respect for human dignity, we strive to care with professional excellence and compassion. All of our employees have specialized knowledge, experience and/or advanced skills certification in all areas of community health care.
Dealing with Breakups
Breaking up can be unbelievably stressful, on both sides. It’s heartbreaking to be left. And partners don’t always respect the decision to end things. How can you handle the breakup, without wrecking anyone (including yourself)? Do you argue, get insulting, or make life difficult – or do you just give up? It’s hard to be your best self when triggered and disappointed – and when feeling deeply alone. Counselling can be a safe and neutral place to consider how to carry yourself through this time – how to behave, how to set boundaries, how to make a plan, and how to support yourself better.
Self-Care
We read about the importance of taking time for self-care. Is it spa time, meditation, yoga classes, or beautiful outdoor places to breathe, and is it really necessary? Yes, it can be all of those things and it is necessary. But more than that, it is the opportunity to honour and respect YOURSELF, and appreciate YOUR mind, body, and feelings.
If you feel guilty or selfish for honouring and respecting yourself first, please seek out a counsellor. We can talk about balance – your balance – and bring it back to including YOU in the people you need to care for.
Benefits of Dog Ownership
Research supports the statement that ‘people who own dogs live longer’, and pet owners have some great advantages in balancing daily living. Your dog gets your day started with a much-needed walk, and possibly a couple more throughout the day. You are loved unconditionally by your furry friend. You take time to groom, train, talk to, and play with your dog – social interaction that can offset hours spent on the computer and phone. A dog can change your life, add to your life, give you a life, and extend your life! Not a bad thing to consider.
