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.
Community News
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.
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society, dedicated to helping seniors, is seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors. The Board provides governance, leadership, fundraising, and financial oversight to staff and the Society’s operations. Meetings are held once per month, with additional support required on an as needed basis. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected]
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
How to prevent hearing loss in the workplace
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the leading work-related conditions and affects millions of people around the world. People who work with heavy machinery, in loud sound environments and noisy factories for example are commonly affected.
According to “Public Health Burden of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss” a report published by the CDC, over 10 million people suffer from noise-induced hearing damage. It’s become a public health concern and the statistics are only expected to rise.
Sound levels that are almost or more than 85 decibels or dbA, especially in enclosed spaces where sound can’t travel and for long periods of time, are considered dangerous and too much noise for individuals to withstand without hearing damage.
With the employer identifying the best protective measures and the employee taking the steps necessary, hearing loss can be prevented in the workplace.
How is hearing loss in the workplace caused?
When there are consistently excessive and loud noises, it can damage the hair cells in our inner ear. The hair cells are very important when it comes to hearing because they communicate with our brain to detect sounds.
Eventually, these cells may suffer from extensive damage and die off. The more cells that are damaged beyond repair, the more severe the hearing loss.
Tips to prevent hearing loss in the workplace:
1. Use Hearing Protection Devices (HPD)
When the sound or noise level is around or greater than the occupational exposure limits (often 85dBA), hearing protectors are essential for hearing health.
The correct type of HPD varies, but properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs are most commonly used and work well when limiting exposure and muting noise.
2. Safety Controls to protect workers from hearing loss
In situations where certain hazards can be replaced with a safer alternative, it’s recommended to take that precaution and use quieter equipment where possible. If not, use engineering controls to reduce the noise risk.
Physically modifying the workspace, equipment and processes can put the worker in control of the noise and also reduce their risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
It may mean changing the work process to limit loud machinery use, servicing a machine for quieter operation or using sound barriers and making better use of space to limit noise.
It all helps prevent hearing loss for workers and won’t negatively affect their quality of life.
3. Shift Rotations
Implementing shift rotation is a great way to limit the amount of noise a person is exposed to daily and is crucial to hearing protection.
For example, rotating schedules and reduced shift lengths provide additional protection workers need for their hearing health.
4. Education on preventing hearing loss
Workers should be receiving regular training with instructions about the best practices on how to prevent hearing loss, how to use HPDs, how to diagnose the early signs and symptoms of hearing loss and further prevention information.
There should also be warning signs wherever the noise is greater than 85dBA informing workers of the hazard and need for hearing protection.
5. Conducting hearing tests
Annual hearing tests are essential to preventing noise-induced hearing loss for employees who work in a noisy environment.
The tests can give the employer a better understanding of dangers in the workplace, how to help prevent hearing loss and how to improve prevention programs and safety measures.
However, employees can detect early signs of hearing loss caused in the workplace, any changes in their hearing ability can be managed and solutions can be provided when necessary.
Does WorkSafe BC cover hearing loss in the workplace?
If you or an employee has noise-induced hearing loss from their work environment, you or they are eligible to claim workers’ compensation as long as it’s caused by exposure to noise at work.
For a claim to be accepted by WSB:
- Must have a medical diagnosis of hearing loss due to noise
- Work must have involved work exposure to noise levels averaged above 85 dBA for 8 or more hours per day for at least two years
- There must be no evidence of your hearing loss relating to other causes
WSB also offers compensation for other cases as each situation is unique, but those suffering from noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace can receive support from WSB.
Finding a trained practitioner who can help you navigate the tricky situation of protecting your own hearing or your employee’s hearing while working in a noisy environment is important.
Hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are dedicated to improving your experience and quality of life by seeking to understand each individual’s unique situation, sound environment and hearing abilities.
With personalized recommendations and hearing services, they can help you learn the best ways to protect yourself or your team members.
To learn more about NexGen Hearing and find a clinic near you, click here.
Sources:
https://peninsulacanada.com/blog/health-and-safety/how-to-prevent-noise-induced-hearing-loss-in-your-workplace/
https://deserthearingcare.com/blog/how-to-prevent-hearing-loss-at-the-workplace
https://advancedhearingcare.org/latest-news/tips-to-prevent-noise-induced-hearing-loss-at-the-workplace
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_do_i_prevent_hearing_loss.html https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/personal-injury-and-workplace-safety/factsheets/specific-health-concerns/hearing-disorders-5617#:~:text=WorkSafeBC%20accepts%20two%20kinds%20of,exposure%20to%20noise%20at%20work https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/types-of-claims/hearing-loss
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)
