As we age, once-easy exercises can become challenging due to changes in mobility, past injuries, or fear of injury. Finding a suitable fitness routine is crucial. Walking is an excellent choice for seniors, providing various benefits from short store strolls to leisurely park outings. It enhances mobility, aids weight management, boosts mental well-being, supports heart health, maintains strength, fosters social engagement, and reduces pain. Incorporating walking into daily life is a lifestyle choice promoting healthy aging. For those concerned about walking alone, a medical alert system offers reassurance, ensuring help is available at the push of a button. Start your walking journey today for a healthier body, mind, and spirit.
Community News
Be a Catalyst for Change!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable seniors? Comox Valley Senior Support Services is on the lookout for people like you to join our dynamic Volunteer Community.
Would you like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior? Or assist someone with accessing services in the community? If so, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. We offer training monthly so there are minimal delays to getting started. Volunteers are provided with monthly support meetings and regular education sessions. Contact us today to get started!
Better at Home Program
We are excited to announce that Comox Senior Support Society has been contracted to run the Campbell River Better at Home program. The Better at Home program helps seniors/elders continue living in their own homes longer and stay connected in the community by providing some basic non-medical home support services.
Residents in Campbell River who are 65 years of age and older, and who meet the program’s objectives can access the Better at Home services within the program’s resource constraints. Becoming a Campbell River Better at Home client involves an initial meeting with our Better at Home Program staff to discuss the program, confirm eligibility, and complete registration forms.
For more information or to contact the office call: 250-830-8709, or email: [email protected]
The Importance of Your Oral Health
As with many areas of the body, your mouth is full of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. With proper oral hygiene and dental care, including daily brushing and flossing, you can keep the bacteria levels under control, reducing your chances of developing cavities and other teeth issues.
However, did you know that your oral health is also related to the overall health of the body? Research shows that problems with your oral health can impact other areas of the body. As your mouth is the entrance to the body’s digestive and respiratory tracts, research suggests that oral bacteria in the mouth can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body. Oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe gum disease might play a role in other diseases, including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. In addition, some conditions may affect your oral health such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Due to the critical role that good oral health plays in the overall health of the body, it is important that the Federal Government has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in December 2023. This new plan will help ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who:
• have an annual adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 and;
• don’t have access to dental insurance
For more information, check out the website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html. If you need any assistance with signing up, call us at: 250-871-5940.
Oral Health Nutrition
The nexus between nutrition and senior oral health plays a pivotal role in overall well-being, especially with the heightened risk of tooth loss in aging. Optimal nutrition can mitigate challenges associated with tooth loss, impacting overall health. Water, with its fluoride content, combats tooth decay and enhances saliva production, crucial for pH regulation. Crunchy vegetables like carrots stimulate gums and support dental health. Dark, leafy greens provide essential calcium and minerals. Fiber-rich fruits such as apples and pears neutralize mouth acids effectively. Protein-rich foods like nuts, fish, and meat contribute to mouth-healthy saliva production, highlighting the integral connection between nutrition, dental health, and overall well-being in seniors.
Testimonials
“Let me start off by saying this is my first time in recovery and it’s been quite a journey! One of the programs that have helped the most was the Men’s group at SRWC. When I started the program at SRWC I was upset and carried a lot of anger and resentment. For the first few classes I kept to myself, still a bit in denial. The topics that were being presented to me were exactly what I needed to hear. The group was a place where I was able to learn and also demonstrate these new coping skills in my new lifestyle.”
-Group Graduate
“SRWC has empowered me in my struggle with addiction. I have been to AA groups in the past with little success. Being in group with Matt has provided me with the tools, backed by research studies, has set my life up in a way to prevent relapse and give myself the best chance at being successful in recovery. Matt fosters a caring, nurturing environment and allows those that attend to feel comfortable sharing their difficulties and fears, which I believe is essential for long term recovery.”
Group Participant
Our Men’s Continuing Recovery Program is facilitated by Certified Addictions Counsellor Matthew Hodgins. The program runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30-3:30pm. SRWC has recently moved to our new location at 280 Smith Street. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact us at 204-956-6650.
SRWC Men’s Continuing Recovery Program
SRWC’S continuing recovery program is designed for male identifying participants who are at least a month sober from drugs and alcohol and wish to maintain their recovery by holistic lifestyle change. The program combines elements of psychoeducation, and behavioral Counselling, offering a supportive environment for men who have completed a treatment program and are continuing their recovery journey. OUR APPROACH. The program takes a gendered approach to highlight how men are vulnerable to addiction by discussing negative gender roles hindering sobriety; the rules and expectations on what it means to be a man. Historically, men have been told that sadness is a sign of weakness, and men shouldn’t talk to other men about their emotions. Anger is the only strong emotion that is acceptable to display. To detach emotionally and appear in control feels imperative because society dictates men shouldn’t talk about their pain. It should be no surprise that many men struggle with their emotions and attitudes long after they’ve achieved sobriety. ISSUES MEN FACE IN RECOVERY. Men usually have fewer social ties than women. For many, their only source of emotional support is their partner, and when that unrealistic expectation is not met – they panic. With unmet needs, men externalize their emotions in various ways such as reckless driving, suicide, alcohol, drugs, interpersonal and community violence. Alcohol use among men has long been associated with masculinity, competition and serves a rite of passage for many. Many men grieve the loss of comradery when they choose to get sober and the Men’s group at SRWC aims to provide the bond they desire.
Rigid gender rules form a box. When a man steps out of the box, they are challenged, with various explicit names, many associated with femininity. When discussing this as a group, we asked ourselves: “Why does it have to be this way?”. The answer is; because we hadn’t questioned it yet. That rigid box of gender expectations creates the breeding ground for addiction – isolation, shame, and secret-keeping. WE CAN HELP. The program challenges the structural ways of thinking in pursuit of being our true authentic selves; feeling comfortable asking for help and expressing a wide range of emotions in a safe way. We discover that characteristics that have historically been defined as weaknesses, are essential parts of a healthy man. To untangle these rigid rules of masculinity is to be vulnerable; an essential component to recovery. SRWC has set the stage for men to empower themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
Signature Tea of the Month
Relax & Unwind Citrus Chamomile. Winter can often bring feelings of sadness, but you can combat those winter blues with a comforting blend of chamomile and fresh citrus tea. Chamomile’s gentle and soothing properties mix well with the invigorating citrus notes, creating a beverage that calms the mind and uplifts the spirit. This delightful infusion can become a beacon of tranquillity by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Make a nightly ritual to sip on a cup of this tea before bedtime to enhance your well-being, and foster a peaceful night’s rest.
Health Benefits of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds offer numerous health benefits; improved sleep quality by alleviating discomfort and reducing snoring; alleviate acid reflux by elevating the upper body; ease back pain by supporting the spine’s natural curvature; and aid respiratory issues by opening airways. Raising the legs also enhances circulation and reduces swelling, while adjusting the bed’s height aids mobility. These beds are beneficial for recovery from surgery or injury and provide customized support. However, consulting a healthcare professional before purchase is advisable, especially for individuals with specific medical concerns
Your Morning Meal Matters
With a busy schedule, breakfast can be easily overlooked, but research suggests that skipping it may do more harm than you think. Breakfast kickstarts your metabolism, providing essential energy for the day ahead. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mid-morning energy crashes and irritability. Additionally, a balanced breakfast fuels cognitive functions, enhancing concentration and productivity. Studies link regular breakfast consumption to weight management, as it reduces the likelihood of overeating later in the day. Nutrient-rich breakfast options also contribute to better nutrient intake, supporting overall health. Cultivating a breakfast routine promotes a healthier lifestyle, positively impacting physical and mental performance.
Ayurveda & Spring Time
Spring for Ayurveda encourages getting direct sun early in the morning, before 10 am (even with clouds). Consider a walking partner if this helps with accountability and enjoyment. Lean towards a warm, cooked, plant-based diet abundant in greens, clear fluids and a bit of heating spice. Letting go of heavy foods may present a challenge, but the payoff is well-being. Align with the seasonal shift by shedding excess weight like melting snow by engaging in more invigorating yoga postures. Opt for inspiring activities that feel fun and get you moving. In tune with the flowing spring rain, you’ll be in rhythm with the season.
