Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial molecule for many processes in the body. It is particularly important for blood vessel and brain health. NO promotes a widening of blood vessels which increases blood flow, lowering blood pressure. Research has also shown NO to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. To naturally increase NO, simply start humming. When we hum on the exhale of a breath, vibrations are generated in the sinuses which dramatically increases NO levels. Other options include eating more leafy greens such as Arugula and beets. Even though supplements are also available; nature provides the best way to get your nitric oxide.
Community News
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish – never mind what your mother and others may have told you. Make sure to take time for YOU. You deserve to relax and enjoy the summer. *Rejoice in the sunshine. *Dig your toes into the sand at the beach. *Feel the water lap at your ankles. *Go into the forest to reconnect with nature and do some Forest Bathing. *Enjoy ice cream while watching the sunset. A certified Body/Emotion Code practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more time for relaxation, joy and self-care.
Innovative Hearing Technology
Technology can change our lives and hearing aids are no different. Thanks to technology, devices to help individuals with hearing loss are far from the bulky and difficult ones of the past. There is a huge variety of hearing aids to suit the specific hearing profiles of an individual; these can be discrete, easy to use and adaptable. The new smart digital hearing aids feel less like a crutch and more like an accessory. In fact, it is difficult to distinguish between hearing aids and the earbuds that so many people have in their ears. Contact us today to find out more.
Ask Your Pharmacist for Help
If you are struggling with a minor health problem, a Pharmacist can help. They can *Recommend a non-prescription medication for minor conditions such as dry skin, fungal infection, diarrhea or constipation that do not require a doctor’s visit. *Provide advice on Over the Counter (OTC) Medications. They can guide you through the different options and help you make an informed choice. *Recommend that you seek urgent care or emergency care if they see a red flag regarding your condition. *Prepare Your Medication List. It is useful to have a list of your medication and allergies in case of emergency, travel or a doctor appointment.
Helping Kids Thrive this Summer
Families are always looking for affordable ways to keep busy minds engaged during the summer. SOS offers families positive programs that enable local children and youth to experience a fun summer while strengthening their social and mental wellbeing. This is especially important for youth transitioning into adulthood. At SOS, youth can connect with responsible adults in a safe environment, receive support, eat nutritious food, make new friends, and learn about community resources. To learn more about these free programs and how to support them, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
After A Fall
On average, every 22 seconds, a person over the age of 65 experiences a fall. Falls often result in bruises and broken bones. Being unable to get up after a fall can cause further, more serious injury. It is estimated that half of the older adults who fall cannot get back up without help. The longer a person is down, the greater the risk of medical problems. Fortunately, an added layer of protection is now available for Lifeline users. The AutoAlert option automatically places a call for help if a fall is detected. Please contact us for more information.
Dealing with Grief & Trauma
Trauma and grief often go hand-in-hand, and learning how to mourn can be a crucial part of healing. Grief is the reactions that we must mourn through to shift to an active, shared response instead of a passive, isolated one. Six ways to help active mourning include: 1) Acknowledging the loss is real. 2) Interacting with the pain instead of avoiding it. 3) Honouring what you loved about who/what you are mourning. 4) Discovering the new you in the context of loss. 5) Finding meaning and purpose beyond what happened. 6) Getting ongoing support and talking with loved ones and/or a professional.
What Does Health Mean to You?
What is your definition of health? It can be different depending on your goals, ability, current health status, and other aspects of your life. Health incorporates mental, physical, and social health, just to name a few areas that impact our overall health and what we consider health to be, look like and feel like. Before you make your next health goal, define what health means to you. Research, reflection, and coaching can all help set goals, formulate plans, and the all-important maintenance phase of all changes that come with goal setting. I can help.
5 Steps to Stay Cool in Extreme Heat
Summer temperatures are increasing and extreme heat events are occurring. Keep yourself safe with these tips. 1. Reduce Sunlight – Keep windows and blinds closed all day 2. Use Appliances Less – reduce indoor heat generation and cook outdoors, or eat cold meals and avoid doing laundry 3. Cooling options – install a small air conditioner or heat pump 4. Increase Air Flow – install a ceiling fan and set it to rotate counter-clockwise. Place a floor fan near a window at night 5. Relocate to a cooler environment – use a digital thermometer to accurately measure indoor temperate, 31 degrees or higher, means it is time to relocate * fans and other measures may not be enough to reduce core body temperature.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates corrects your posture, addresses muscle imbalances, and mobilizes your joints. Pilates helps you manage pain, recover after an accident or rehab an injury. It can be adapted for any ability, fitness level, size or medical condition. Complement your Pilates with cardio, like running, boxing, swimming, or biking. Pilates is for injury rehab, not weight loss. Adding in other exercise, especially cardio, can help make your heart stronger and improve your endurance. Cross-training makes your Pilates practice stronger. Pilates can help people with arthritis, vertigo, migraines, knee injuries, brain trauma, ADHD, Erb’s palsy, Graves’ disease, dyslexia, clinical depression and diabetes.
Use Mobility Aids Correctly
Learning to use a mobility aid after a fall or injury is very important for maintaining independence, ability to enjoy leisure tasks and to perform household tasks. In order to prevent re-injury, the mobility device must be used correctly and have appropriate adjustments for posture, seating and gait. Once an assistive device is prescribed to a patient, we can make adjustments and corrections to the fit and then prescribe exercise based on the client’s mobility goals. Goals may include navigating stairs, curbs or opening doorways. An exercise prescription, in conjunction with a prescribed assistive device, produces much greater mobility progression.
