A simple procedure can save a lot of heartache. Your veterinarian can inject a microchip — the size of a grain of rice — beneath the surface of your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It’s almost instantaneous, but it contains contact information so that if you and your pet ever become separated, a shelter or veterinarian will easily be able to reunite you. Being separated from their owner, especially if lost in a strange environment, is traumatizing for an animal. Get your pet microchipped – then be sure to keep the information up-to-date if you move or change your phone number.
Community News
Quit Smoking with Laser Therapy
Is quitting smoking on your ‘To-Do List’ year after year? Have you tried just about everything, with little success? Laser Therapy is clinically proven to help to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms, with a 95-98% success rate! In clinical studies, patients report a noticeable reduction in cravings, and have a higher chance of success in quitting. The benefits of quitting smoking with laser over other interventions include no medications with unpleasant side effects, no unhealthy nicotine in your system in the form of patches, and pleasant side effects of relaxation which are a result of the endorphins released in response to the laser.
Dentures and Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that involves the salivary glands not producing enough saliva to adequately keep the mouth moistened. This lack of saliva can alter the fit and comfort of dentures, since saliva helps dentures retain their suction and stay in place and also has a lubricating effect that keeps dentures from rubbing on the gums and creating sores. Those who take certain medications, are older, and use tobacco and alcohol are more susceptible to dry mouth. If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms as a denture-wearer, contact your denturist to discuss your options.
At-Home Personal Trainer
It’s not uncommon to feel intimidated by gyms, so it’s unsurprising that given the choice, most people prefer to exercise in the comfort, privacy, and safety of their own home. Our in-home personal trainer programs for all ages and fitness levels will teach you how to command your own body and get in incredible shape with the guidance of a certified trainer and a personalized program. We also offer convenient online personal training through Zoom workouts. Increase your strength and flexibility or work on your weight loss goals using a customized program designed just for you. No equipment necessary!
A Well-Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and stay energized, as well as lower your risk of developing chronic health conditions. At Heart To Home Meals, we believe that life should get easier as you age, which is why Andrea, our Consultant Dietitian, works closely with our chefs to develop a menu featuring meals that help support the nutritional needs of seniors. Our diet coding system was created to help you choose the meals that meet your dietary needs, whether it’s ProteinAssist, Carb Control, Low Saturated Fat, Low Sodium, High Fibre, Vegetarian, or No Added Sugar.
Dentures & Weight Loss
It may come as a surprise to you, but when you lose weight, your clothes are not the only thing that you’ll notice become loose! Your weight loss can affect the fit and suction of your dentures, causing them to be uncomfortable. Weight loss causes changes to your entire body, including your mouth and gums. However, there is a solution: your Denturist can perform a simple procedure called a reline. A reline will “tighten up” your dentures so they fit well, create good suction, and feel comfortable again.
Need a Lift?
Have you ever found yourself unable to get out of your chair? Although it looks like a regular recliner, a lift chair is designed with mechanisms that help it to act as a mobility aid. With the touch of a button, a lift chair can help comfortably maneuver you to a standing position with little to no help from others, providing you with increased independence. You can choose from a two position, three position, or infinite position chair, depending on whether you want to recline fully. There are lift chairs available to suit a variety of budgets and mobility needs!
The Ability to Age in Place
As seniors continue to age, there is often one common request and that is to “Age in Place”. Most people would prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible, however, should health issues arise this may require hospitalization or moving into a long-term care facility. With proper planning you can purchase coverage NOW while you are young and healthy. Planning ahead of time makes it easier to afford the necessary funds to hire personal in-home care when it is needed allowing you the freedom and choice to age in place.
Single-Event Sports Betting
The CBC article, “Conservative MP says Sask. government has ‘dropped the ball’ on single-event sports betting, featured Waugh’s Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act”. Bill C-218, passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent in June 2021, came into force August 2021. The legislation allows provinces and territories to conduct and manage single-event betting on any sporting event except horse racing. In November, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced that BC residents had placed more than $25 million in single-event sports bets within two months of the legalization. If you run into trouble, support is available. (Source: https://bit.ly/3OJU3Um)
Karen Hlady, VI Gaming Support, VIGamingSupport.ca
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Oral Health
Rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes lead to other health complications, including oral conditions such as: 1) Oral infections – including bacterial and fungal infections. 2) Gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease that can cause swollen and tender gums. 3) Temporomandibular joint issues – causing pain when opening and closing your mouth. 4) Periodontitis – affects the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. 5) Sjögren’s syndrome – condition affecting the salivary glands that can lead to oral dryness and tooth decay. By seeing your dentist regularly and keeping up with your oral health through daily brushing and flossing, these conditions may be avoided or improved.
Wealth & Well-Being
Common Behavioural Finance Biases. Behavioural finance biases can impair our financial decision-making when they aren’t addressed. Here are two more examples of such biases: 1) Clustering illusion – The tendency to see patterns in random events. It’s important to keep in mind when watching stock price movements that what happened in the past few days doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the likely direction of the next move. 2) Recency – More weight is given to the latest information received, and less weight to older data. Our decision-making becomes biased by the order in which information is presented to us, which can lead to unwise financial decisions.
