Our day-to-day lives often involve activities that require us to venture out into public, whether it’s going to the bank, attending medical appointments, shopping, or spending time with friends and family. For those who experience mobility challenges, simple errands can be more difficult and less convenient, especially when having to rely on others for transport. Mobility scooters can help you or your loved one regain a sense of independence and control as errands become easier and access to more destinations becomes possible again. Regaining mobility and independence can simplify our daily tasks and offer us more choices.
Community News
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common. The good news is, you can make a few modifications in the home that can prevent potential hazards, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Start by visiting each room in your home, looking at the space objectively. Ask yourself: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
COVID Boosters & Flu Shots
This is going to be a very busy season for vaccinations in the pharmacy. For the first time, you will be able to get a COVID fall booster AND a flu shot during the same visit. As before, you will not be able to schedule a COVID shot if it has been less than 6 months since your previous booster. To book an appointment, call 1-833-838-2323 or go online to gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated, and choose Medicine Shoppe #414 as your preferred site. We will open up additional appointments as long as there is demand and we have a supply of vaccine. See you soon!
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, MedicineShoppeCourtenay.ca
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
According to a recent survey, 90% of North American homeowners between the ages of 55 and 75 would like to stay in their long-time home as they get older. And, not surprisingly, 66% of seniors believe their home is where they will be most comfortable, with 53% believing they will stay healthier in their own home. But living out that scenario and remaining in the driver’s seat calls for a plan of action – and an understanding of potential safety risks in the home. Home care makes it possible to remain home despite physical challenges. From respite care to 24-hour in-home care, services can be tailored to meet your needs.
Conditions Affected by Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is connected to many other health conditions of the body. While hearing loss may not be the cause of these diseases or conditions, it is considered a risk factor for many. *Tinnitus refers to the sensation of perceiving sounds that have no external source—in other words, hearing sounds that are not there. *Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes recurring episodes of severe dizziness (vertigo), ear pressure, tinnitus and hearing loss. It typically affects only one ear, although some people experience symptoms in both ears. *Treating hearing loss aggressively can help ward off cognitive decline and dementia.
Prepare for Flu Season
Flu season is here, and that means we need to practice healthy habits to lower our risk of getting sick. Here are some things you can do to avoid catching and spreading the flu: 1) Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. 2) Sanitize surfaces that are touched often, such as light switches, door knobs, and computer keyboards. 3) Avoid touching your face. 4) Wash your hands often. 5) Stay home when you’re sick. 6) Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutrient-dense food. 7) Get plenty of sleep. 8) Book an appointment to get your flu shot.
Meet Your Practitioner
Yana Ustinski is a Registered Massage Therapist who uses a combination of deep tissue work, different Swedish techniques, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, contract-relax techniques, assisted stretching (PNF), MET and joint mobilization. Yana is a graduate of the Evolve College of Massage Therapy in Winnipeg, having completed the two-year, 2,200-hour, hands-on Therapeutic Massage program. In designing an individualized massage therapy treatment plan, Yana goes over a client’s health history with them and provides them with a thorough assessment that includes a postural analysis, range of motion testing, specialized orthopaedic tests, and/or palpations to the areas of concern.
Eating with New Dentures
Learning to eat with new dentures can be a challenge, but with the right guidance and patience it is possible. Start with soft foods and chew slowly (this will help to avoid biting your cheeks or tongue). Purees, boiled eggs, fish, applesauce, soup (especially at this time of the year) are a great starting point. Also, it may be difficult to judge food temperatures correctly because of the insulating quality of the dentures. Touch the food or beverage to your lips before putting it in your mouth. Perseverance is the key and keep your denturist updated if any problems occur.
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!
Ask Your Eye Doctor
Q: I don’t see very well out of my lazy eye. Is there any way I can make it better? I’m 39 years old and my eyes are otherwise healthy. A: That is likely difficult. A “lazy” eye means it didn’t develop functional vision by early childhood, and this can happen for a variety of reasons. At this point in your life, corrective lenses or vision therapy could give you some modest help, depending on how lazy the eye is. Children ought to have an eye examination at an early age for this very reason as it is more easily treatable at that time.
Live for Today, Plan for Tomorrow
Who do you know that has been affected by an illness like Cancer, Heart Attack or Stroke? Would a lump sum of money have helped them to lessen the stress and anxiety in their situation. At YourStyle Financial we will help you budget to provide protection should an illness occur. Critical Illness Insurance will provide you with funds should be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It covers 25 conditions. And best of all, should you never need to use the coverage, you can get ALL your money back.
