Community News
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors

Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D, which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful, so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round, especially in these sunny summer months! * See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you reapply a minimum of SPF 30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum,” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!

Class IV Laser for Chronic Pain

Have you heard of laser therapy treatment? Class 4 laser therapy, or high-intensity laser therapy uses powerful lasers to help heal muscle and tendon injuries by boosting cell energy. It is also recommended for reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, supporting tissue repair, and easing pain. Microscopically, the laser light energizes cells, helping them repair and grow faster. This calms the inflammation to reduce pain and swelling, widens blood vessels for better circulation, increases collagen production for stronger tissue, and alleviates pain by affecting nerve signals and releasing natural painkillers. This therapy speeds up healing, reduces discomfort, and strengthens injured tissues, making it highly effective for recovery from muscle and tendon injuries. This is an excellent tool to use to support your healing journey.

Senior’s Job Search Testimonial

When I was job searching recently, I found that no matter how many applications I sent out, there was no response from employers. What was I doing wrong? I’d worked in employment services years ago but wondered if I needed a new approach. When I joined Gray Skills, I learned how to target my resume, how to conquer my interview butterflies, and even how to use ChatGPT. The 6-week program boosted my confidence, connected me to a group of committed job coaches, and supported me in finding a job that I love. Register today; you may just find your perfect job!

Stress-Free Moving

Many people are very anxious about moving; this is especially true for seniors. Moving can be very stressful, so consider hiring a service that offers a start-to-finish service! Service includes *Downsizing services that make the process easy and enjoyable. *Decluttering services that help you decide what to keep, what to sell or give away, and what to dispose of. *Moving services that provide reusable totes and packing materials and then safely transport everything. *Setup services include everything from unpacking to making your bed and hanging pictures. We look forward to making your next move stress-free.

Summer Friendships for Seniors

Spending the summer in a senior home offers a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships. Seniors often have fascinating life stories and wisdom to share, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. Participating in group activities like bingo, gardening, and arts and crafts fosters camaraderie and shared joy. Daily walks, exercise classes, and game nights provide regular bonding moments. Holiday celebrations, cultural events, and communal meals further deepen these connections. Seniors support each other emotionally, offering encouragement and understanding. Through mutual interests and new hobbies, friendships blossom, creating a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels valued, safe, and less alone.

Enroll and Book Appointments Now

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is up and running reasonably well. Things that will be covered later (November 2024) are anything to do with partial dentures, including repairs and tooth additions. It does not seem that implant-related services will ever be covered. In 1982, the provincial government brought in a denture plan that was soon cancelled due to overuse and related costs. That may happen to this one as well, so don’t delay in enrolling and booking appointments for covered services.

Tough Housing Market Help

SOS and Happipad have teamed up to tackle the housing crisis in the Oceanside area by launching the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Home-Share Program. This initiative aims to match verified hosts with screened renters, creating affordable, safe housing options. In an increasingly competitive housing market, residents are facing heightened rents and mortgages. SOS recognizes that residents with similar interests and lifestyles could benefit greatly from sharing accommodations. And more than just saving money, they may enjoy the company. This program is supported by the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness and the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS). Visit www.happipad.com/pqb to learn more.

Your Personal Pharmacist

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist for a free assessment.

Do you Feel Overwhelmed?

Are you feeling emotionally overwhelmed? This is a state of being that can be difficult to manage. It can prevent you from performing daily tasks and also your ability to think and act rationally. A number of things can cause emotional overwhelm including stress, traumatic events or relationship issues. Let’s explore how to release these emotions for better health – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. As a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner, Permelia can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to create calm and bring back your sense of peace.

Acupuncture for Post Surgery Recovery

After a knee or hip replacement, acupuncture and cupping can significantly aid recovery. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps nerves and muscles by alleviating numbness, aching, and stiffness. Cupping enhances this effect by drawing stagnant blood to the surface, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension around the surgical site. Together, acupuncture and cupping accelerate recovery, enhance mobility, and provide natural pain management, making them excellent complementary therapies for post-surgery healing. Acupuncture and cupping are covered by extended health care plans. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure these treatments are appropriate for you.

Eat Protein to Improve Muscle Mass

You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.