A risk factor assessment is an important first step in alerting you to your risk for osteoporosis. However, it is not a scientific way to predict whether your bones will become porous. Many people who develop osteoporosis have only a few of the risk factors. This is why medical testing is so important. The tests are known as Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests and are completely safe, painless, and accurate. A BMD test can tell you whether or not you have osteoporosis and how likely you are to develop it in the future, helping you make decisions that may prevent fractures or further bone loss.
Community News
Why Should I get a Bone Density Test?
A risk factor assessment is an important first step in alerting you to your risk for osteoporosis. However, it is not a scientific way to predict whether your bones will become porous. Many people who develop osteoporosis have only a few of the risk factors. This is why medical testing is so important. The tests are known as Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests and are completely safe, painless, and accurate. A BMD test can tell you whether you have osteoporosis and how likely you are to develop it in the future, helping you make decisions that may prevent fractures or further bone loss.
Sleep Hygiene – Ending Insomnia
When insomnia is ongoing, try altering your sleep habits. There is ample clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of a concept called Sleep Hygiene – recommendations that help with the specific aim of improving sleep quality. Even a few slight adjustments can mean the difference between sound sleep and a restless night. Have a bedtime routine, let your body know it’s time to sleep. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed and avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Create a restful bedroom environment that is cool, dark and quiet. Schedule ‘worry’ time for the next day and go to bed worry-free!
Is Your Cat’s Litter Toxic?
Since your cat’s litterbox is something he or she comes into contact with on a regular basis, it’s important to consider how safe the litter you’re using actually is. Each type of litter has its pros and cons. Clay litter contains silica, which can cause lung problems. Clumping litter can cause intestinal issues and blockages if your cat ingests it. Wheat, corn, pine, paper, or walnut shells cat litter: mostly safe, but could contain pesticides. Try to do some research to find out which litter is safest for you and your feline friend!
Acupuncture & Cognitive Decline
Acupuncture has shown promising potential in addressing cognitive decline. By improving cerebral blood flow, it enhances oxygen delivery and reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine—specifically linked to memory. Acupuncture also promotes cholinergic and dopaminergic neural transmission, facilitates neurotrophin signaling and nerve growth factor, and protects cerebral neurons from apoptosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, it regulates glucose metabolism, suppresses acetylcholinesterase, and decreases levels of amyloid beta proteins in the brain regions associated with cognitive decline. Research suggests that combining acupuncture with drug therapy may be more beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease than drug therapy alone, highlighting its complementary role in Western medicine.
Choosing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to corrective eyewear. They can be worn full-time or part-time for sports and recreation. The two main categories are soft (or gel) lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are more popular and available in various formats to correct far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism. RGP lenses have an important role in certain types of astigmatism and with fitting irregular corneal surfaces. All contact lenses touch eye tissue, and as such are a medical device that must be professionally fit, including training for proper handling and for important hygiene considerations.
Hip & Knee Replacement Recovery
Experience optimal post-surgical recovery with our comprehensive rehabilitation program now available for total hip and knee replacements. Benefit from coverage that entitles you to six private sessions or ten group sessions of physiotherapy, ensuring personalized care to meet your needs. Physiotherapists will guide you through essential scar massage and desensitizing techniques, effectively reducing pain and tightness. Additionally, targeted stretching and strengthening exercises will help support your new hip or knee, facilitating a smooth transition towards a normal gait pattern after years of discomfort. Take a proactive step towards full recovery by scheduling an appointment before your surgery.
Drink Up to Stay Hydrated
Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
Help Parents Stay Independent
Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.
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 re-apply a minimum of SPF30 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!
When It’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, some symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss – this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies and some disorders. 2. Vision problems – getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss – getting regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression – certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse. This problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness – a good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
