Located in Vancouver, INITIO is Western Canada’s only private PET/CT diagnostic scan facility committed to providing immediate PET/CT scans and results supporting patient-centred care. All referrals are booked promptly with quick turnaround on results, as timing of PET/CT screening matters to help prevent or catch disease before it’s too late. PET/CT scans assist with: CANCER – detecting cancer, revealing cancer spread, confirming cancer treatment effectiveness, and finding a cancer recurrence. BRAIN DISORDERS – ALZHEIMER’S by confirming possible Alzheimer’s diagnosis, clarifying early diagnosis of dementia, and altering treatment options. HEART DISEASE – Confirming cardiac sarcoidosis presence/recurrence. For life-changing diagnostic information that helps physician treatment planning, you can count on INITIO for immediate PET/CT scan appointments and results. Physician referral required. Further info online at initiomedical.ca. Why wait? KNOW. NOW.
Community News
Community Announcement
Golden Circle Seniors’ Outreach
A large part of what we do here at the Golden Circle involves Seniors’ outreach. Our Outreach Department is composed of a team of dedicated Coordinators, trained volunteers and brokered workers who assist and encourage older adults with aging in place, maintaining their independence, and promote positive quality of life.
Outreach Services available to clients include: Alberta Senior Benefits. Assistance with various government forms. Referrals for Tax Assistance. Home Maintenance Services. Homestyle Frozen Meal Program. Housing Resource List. Information and Referral Services. Supportive Medical Transportation. Community Dining Program. Friendly Visiting Program. Assisted Grocery Shopping. Grocery Delivery Program. Social Engagement Groups. Telephone Reassurance Program. Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm Toll Free Elder Abuse Line 1-877-454-2580
Referrals* can be received from individuals needing assistance, their family, friends, neighbours, caregivers, other agencies or medical professionals.
Clients are paired with an Outreach Coordinator who completes an intake appointment to assess the individual’s situation and a care plan is designed which can involve referrals to Golden Circle programs or to external agencies. *all referrals are confidential.
The Golden Circle has a Home Maintenance program where light Housekeeping, lawn and yard care and snow removal are provided by screened Brokered Workers who are paid directly by the client at a rate of $20.00/hour* *a minimum 2-hour commitment for housekeeping
We also have a Homestyle Frozen Meal Program which makes it easy to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without having to cook or clean up the dishes. Pick up is available Monday through Friday with delivery available on certain days. The full menu is available on our website or at the front desk; please call or stop by to order!
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water, get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up, drink plenty of water.
Medication and Nutrient Depletion
Did you know that certain medications can deplete vitamins and minerals in your body? Supplementing can help! CoEnzyme Q10 is a helpful supplement for those taking blood pressure, cholesterol and mood-related medications. Watch for a lowering of blood pressure and take these in the evening! Probiotic support is useful for those taking antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and birth control. Most Albertans benefit from regular vitamin D3 intake but those on mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder should speak with their practitioner first. Calcium and magnesium are commonly taken minerals to help with bones and muscles but the formulation really counts – citrates may be a necessary form if taking acid suppressing medications (proton pump inhibitors) but generally, magnesium glycinate is better absorbed.
Community Announcement
On October 18, the Comox Valley Senior Support Society will host its first annual fund-raising Spelling Bee! Only an hour and half long, this event will promise to test your skill at spelling and will provide and entertaining time for all who attend.
Caregiver Support Group
Did you know that CVSS offers caregivers Support groups? For those providing care for a loved one living with dementia, being able to visit with and seek support from others with similar experiences can be very helpful. You are not alone in the caregiving community. For more information, please call the CVSS office at 250-871-5940 or email at [email protected]
Local Spotlight: Canada Scooters
Canada Scooters is the leading supplier of electric mobility scooters – offering a wide rage of 3 & 4-wheel new and used scooters, portable scooters, accessories, and rentals. They deliver right to your door for an in-home demonstration or a test drive. They also carry mobility products such as walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, wheelchairs and bathroom safety products or equip your home with lift chairs, ramps, and railings. Canada Scooters offers service and repairs, safety courses and expert professionals with service across all Vancouver Island, all with flexible financing and payment options.
Eczema. Not Just Dry Skin.
Dry, itchy skin? Rash or broken skin? It could be eczema. Moisturizing is a key aspect of eczema management, though topical medications may be needed for more severe symptoms. It’s also recommended to take short, lukewarm showers or baths, and moisturize right after. Apply moisturizer liberally at least once daily or up to several times a day. And avoid scratching, if possible. We can help you select a moisturizer that feels good and works for you.
Live a Good Life
Here is some advice on how to live a good life. *Concentrate on what you can do rather than on what you can’t do. *Ask for the senior’s discount. It is always great to save money. *Stay in touch with friends and family. Never complain that they don’t come to see you or call you often enough when they do get in touch. *Keep learning. It will help your brain stay healthy. *Let go of that grudge. It only hurts you. *Make your life bigger than your aches and pains. *Appreciate the little things in life and laugh as often as possible
Getting Online
About 71 percent of seniors are online every day. Of those who are online, their main reason is to stay connected with family and friends. Whether it’s joining forums or sharing photos and stories with loved ones, social media and email allows seniors with limited mobility the opportunity to interact with others. If you’re interested in getting online but don’t know where to start, community centres and local senior groups often have programs to teach seniors about the internet and how to participate in online communities. Spending time with others benefits our mental and emotional health. It is important as we age to continue to stay socially connected to friends and loved ones.
Impact of Gambling Advertising
According to a recent study* in the National Library of Medicine, people with gambling problems report more exposure to and impact from gambling advertising. The study revealed that problem gambling was associated with increased perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and awareness of gambling. It also revealed that internet advertising was the strongest predictor of perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and TV advertising was the strongest predictor of advertising impact on knowledge of gambling forms, operators and awareness of gambling. If you need support, we are here. (*Relationships Between Exposure to Different Gambling Advertising Types, Advertising Impact and Problem Gambling)
