For children on the autism spectrum and their parents, the end of the school year brings both joy and challenges. Unscheduled days and new environments can add stress. To help, maintain your child’s usual daily schedule as much as possible. Keeping a basic routine can reduce anxiety and preserve a sense of normalcy. Consider enrolling your child in a summer program where they can participate in small-group activities and receive one-on-one support. Include your child in planning activities by giving them choices or focusing on their interests. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps them adapt to new schedules. Need support? We understand the challenges of parenting a child with autism and are here to help!
Community News
National Injury Prevention Day July 5
There’s no better time to talk about the risk of falling. You may be at increased risk of falling if you have muscle weakness, blood pressure that drops when you stand up, slower reflexes, or compromised vision. Learning how to prevent falls is paramount for seniors living independently. Here are some tips: *Exercise and eat well (and enough! ), *wear non-slip, low-heeled footwear, *use non-slip strips or a mat in the bathtub, and *install grab bars and use walking aids. These tips can help prevent a fall and, thus, an injury. Stay safe out there!
Acupuncture for Skin & Digestive Health
July is an ideal month for vacations, offering a break from routine and a chance to focus on health. It’s the perfect time to take care of your skin, which is often exposed to the sun. Acupuncture can help improve skin health by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. This traditional Chinese practice also aids digestion, often disrupted during travel, by balancing the body’s energy. Incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine can promote overall well-being, ensuring you return from your vacation rejuvenated and refreshed. Enjoy the summer, relax, and take steps to care for your body and mind.
A Night in the Enchanted Forest
The BRHC Foundation and Gala Committee are thrilled to announce that tickets for the 2024 Gala Dinner & Dance are now available! Join us on Saturday, September 21, for an enchanting evening starting with a Champagne reception, followed by exceptional food, fabulous prizes, and dancing to the sensational Graydon Cramer Band! This year’s theme, “A Night in the Enchanted Forest,” promises magic and wonder. Proceeds will support the purchase of vital equipment for BRHC. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary night!
Hearing Aids & Summer
As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.
Critical Illness Protection
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating, very costly disease for families specially when it progresses and more care is needed. It can severely impact the person’s income-earning ability and deplete savings, placing financial strain on loved ones. Incorporating insurance into your financial planning strategy is crucial to mitigate these risks. Critical illness insurance and life insurance with living benefits are financial tools that can provide essential financial support in times of need. Contact me to learn more about your options.
Health Benefits of Volunteering
Life often feels too busy, so it can be difficult to find time to volunteer. Giving back to the community and supporting others can have greater health benefits than we realize. Volunteering helps keep you mentally stimulated while reducing stress, combating depression, and providing a sense of purpose. It can also help improve your social life and create meaningful connections. SOS has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including helping at the Thrift shop, driving residents to medical appointments, and being a mentor for local youth. Contact SOS today to find a role that fits your life and interests.
Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is here, bringing the heat! Stay safe by preventing these heat-related issues: 1) Dehydration – drink more water and electrolytes to avoid weakness, headache, and fainting. 2) Heat stroke – cool down with shade/AC and water, seek medical help for body temperatures of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, and hot, dry skin. 3) Heat exhaustion – rest in shade/AC and drink fluids to counteract heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. 4) Heat syncope – lie down with feet up and drink water if you faint due to high temperatures. Senior residences offer air-conditioned spaces, safe outdoor areas, and social activities, enhancing comfort and well-being.
The Link Between Nutrition & Aging
Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: *consulting a doctor or registered dietitian; *focusing on nutrient-rich staples; *staying hydrated; and *addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.
Stay Healthy While Travelling
Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, have abnormal blood clotting disorders, or are obese, you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include: *maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization; *contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours; *wear below-knee graduated Sigvaris compression stockings; and *choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.
Experience Healing and Stress Relief
Feeling stressed or tired? The Energy Enhancement System (EESystemTM) can help. It generates life-enhancing energy fields that can promote healing. The possible health benefits include improved immune function, pain and stress relief, detoxification of the body, elevated moods and increased energy levels. It combines body, mind, spirit and science to help you achieve peak performance and reach higher states of health, consciousness and self-actualization. The future is here. Experience the EESystemTM while relaxing in a recliner, where your body will reach a meditative state.
