Community News
What is “Ageism”?

Ageism is the discrimination against an individual strictly based on their age. Ageism is most often thought of as prejudice against older individuals, however there are forms of ageism that affect younger generations as well. Here are some quick definitions, facts, and solutions about ageism. Types of ageism include:
• institutional ageism, which occurs when an institution perpetuates ageism through its actions and policies.
• interpersonal ageism, which occurs in social interactions.
• internalized ageism, which is when a person internalizes ageist beliefs and applies them to themselves.

Ageism comes in many forms. Some examples of ageism in the workplace include:
• refusing to hire people over or under a certain age.
• enacting policies that unfairly privilege one age group over another.
• viewing older people as out of touch, less productive, or stuck in their ways.
• viewing younger people as unskilled, irresponsible, or untrustworthy
• bullying or harassment.

Questions for Your Denturist

Getting your dentures fitted for the first time? Some important questions to ask your denturist include: 1) What precautions should I take when wearing dentures? 2) What kind of dentures are available? 3) How much do dentures cost? 4) Does it hurt to get dentures fitted? 5) How often will I need checkups? 6) How do I take care of my dentures? 7) Will dentures cause problems when eating? 8) Is it OK to sleep in my dentures? Knowing how to care for and get used to your dentures will help you maintain and enjoy them for years to come!

Level of Care

For many aging adults, non-medical home care is the right fit. Your loved one will receive the support and attention of a professional caregiver for however much time they need it. Some care recipients benefit from companionship services for just a few hours each week, while others prefer receiving assistance from a caregiver daily. However, some aging adults have medical needs that go beyond the scope of non-medical home care. They might benefit more by receiving care from a live-in nurse or another healthcare provider. And for others, assisted living might be the best choice if they require 24-hour medical care or attention.

Get Mobile!

Do more of what you want – when you want. If you ever find yourself waiting around for people to assist you with daily tasks and errands, a mobility scooter could allow you to take matters into your own hands. Confinement can be the most depressing situation that restricted mobility individuals can experience. Nobody wants to stay inside for a long time, especially when it isn’t necessary. Battery powered scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable than ever. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go.

Referred by Your Physician

Waiting for your Cancer PET/CT imaging appointment? Cancer doesn’t stop & wait with you. That’s why people choose to have PET/CT imaging done privately. Receiving these reports sooner allows for treatment to start sooner. PET/CT assists with: CANCER – detecting cancer, revealing cancer spread, confirming cancer treatment effectiveness, finding a cancer recurrence. BRAIN DISORDERS – clarifying early diagnosis of dementia, confirming possible Alzheimer’s diagnosis. HEART DISEASE – Confirming cardiac sarcoidosis presence/recurrence. If you have been referred by your physician for a PET/CT scan and are waiting for your appointment it may be time to ask your oncologist, urologist, or GP to make a referral to INITIO Medical. Initiomedical.ca

Thyroid Medication Need Adjusting?

The thyroid gland is small, but it has a big job, releasing hormones that are essential to metabolism and other body functions. When the thyroid gland is underactive, you might feel tired, be more sensitive to cold, have dry skin and hair, or have difficulty concentrating. Medications for hypothyroidism interact with many drugs and foods and may sometimes require a dose adjustment, especially for major life changes such as menopause or a significant weight change. We are here to help you manage your medications and achieve your best health.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

It can be hard to know when the “right” time is to move a senior loved one into an assisted living community, but there are some important signs. If your senior loved one is having trouble keeping up with personal hygiene, cleaning their home, preparing meals, remembering to take medications, or is experiencing falls, it might be time to discuss a transition to assisted living. Your loved one will benefit from being in a safe environment, having more opportunities to socialize, getting adequate nutrition, having someone assist with medication schedules, and accessing transportation for a variety of outings and errands.

Make Social Interaction a Priority

Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.

Human Resources Strategy

Why businesses cannot afford not to have a human-focused initiative. Employee engagement is a driver of a company’s success. Creating a work-life balance is a key factor for great business performance outcomes. A Human Resources Strategy focused on work-life balance is seen as a benefit to individuals and employers. Individuals report increased job satisfaction, a greater sense of job security, better physical and mental health, and reduced levels of job stress. The organization faces less absenteeism/presenteeism, lateness, and staff turnover rates. In addition, there is increased retention of valuable employees, higher employee loyalty and commitment towards the organization, improved productivity and enhanced organizational image as an employer of choice.

Thyroid Disease Awareness

Thyroid health affects all aspects of wellbeing, both genders, all ages. It is estimated that 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease. In Canada there is a staggering number of people affected. Recent studies indicate that 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from a thyroid condition of one type or another! Of those, as many as 50% are undiagnosed! The thyroid plays a key role maintaining healthy weight, energy, and mood. If you are experiencing weight gain (or loss), hair loss, abnormal menstrual cycles or changes in energy and mood, consider having your thyroid evaluated.

Natural Eating with Lisa Kehler

Eat to feel better, physically and emotionally. Scarfing down a box of chocolates on the couch because you’re sad, lonely, mad or tired just won’t make sense anymore. What will make sense is figuring out what that craving and urgent need to eat and only eat is really telling you. Finding the space in the urgency to figure out what you really need to find peace again. Listen to the full podcast by Lisa Kehler, Registered Dietitian (RD), Life & Wellness Coach. Safe Harbour Therapy. safeharbourtherapy.com/episode-98-natural-eating-with-lisa-kehler