Much like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system targets the joints and causes inflammation and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a possible complication due to psoriasis, although not everyone who experiences psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include localized tenderness, pain, and swelling, along with joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. There are also generalized symptoms that affect the entire body, such as chronic fatigue. Women and men between the ages of 30 and 50 are typically affected. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options that can offer the best results with minimal side effects.
Community News
Are Missing Teeth Affecting Your Life?
Get Your Dentures Checked!
Many people are not aware that by not making frequent visits to their Denturist Office (every year), their overall oral health may be jeopardized making their denture wearing ability and comfort harder to achieve. Changes occur in both the bone structure and soft tissues of your mouth. Usually, a simple reline or rebase can refit the denture to the gums causing a more comfortable and tighter fit. However, between the 5-8 year mark, the actual denture teeth may be worn down enough to cause damage to your tempo mandibular joint from over closing. This over closing can also lead to cracking of the corners of the lips, aging of the face, or even headaches.
Buy a Leaf – Save a Life!
By supporting Maple (Re)Leaf, you support mental health services in your community. These services provide counselling, support and so much more. By purchasing a Leaf, you are directly supporting the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, whose mental health programs are providing support in their community. Maple (Re)Leaf is on a Canada-wide tour to give all Canadians an opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. For every $30 donation a leaf will be ‘planted’ in a prominent location as an installation allowing for the community to view and participate, in a safe and covid friendly way. To donate – visit MapleLeaf.ca and click Donate Now. Choose BRHC Foundation from the list of participating organizations. Thank you for your support!
Local SPOTlight
The Green Spot Home & Garden has undergone some very exciting changes. We’ve added retail space and a very handsome facelift. Once inside, our enhanced space is filled with home décor and a wide selection of plant care products and garden tools. We are thrilled to be offering a gourmet food section featuring Manitoba Made products. We welcome Bloom Box Floral Studio and Chez Angela Bake shop – both perfect companions in a garden centre. Check out our beautiful fashion department and the greenhouse is always full of tropical plants and beautiful ceramic pots. Come by often and we change with each season. We are open 12 months a year!
Community Resources
ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY: www.alzheimerbc.org Support and education
1-800-462-2833
BC NURSELINE: 811 For the hearing impaired call: 711
(Health Link BC)
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY: 1-888-939-3333 www.cancer.ca
COMOX VALLEY DIABETES EDUCATION CENTER call 250-331-5964 for an appt
Comox Valley Hospital, 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, B.C..
Drop in clinic on Tuesdays 11 am-12 Noon
CV HOSPICE SOCIETY: 250-339-5533
CV RED CROSS: 250-334-1557 #10 – 2683 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC
250-334-3974 fax
DEMENTIA CARE HELPLINE: 1:800-936-6033 Call for information about Alzheimer’s
disease and Dementia, getting a diagnosis, future planning,
maintaining independence, caregiving, support groups,
workshops and seminars, resources in your community.
ELDERDOG CANADA 1-855-336-4226 or www.elderdog.ca
Our goal is to enable older adults, living at home and with challenges affecting dog care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions.
KEYSTONE ELDER CARE 1-250-650-2359
Private Geriatric Case management & caregiver support
www.keystoneeldercare.com
ARRANGING FOR PRIVATE HEALTH CARE?
• Are your staff bonded and insured?
• Have your employees been through a criminal record check?
• Do you have WorkSafe BC coverage?
• Do all workers obtain a pre-employment medical examination before they are hired?
• Do you have any policies in place to protect my right to privacy?
• What documentation is in place to show commitment to quality care?
• Does your agency provide 24-hour service?
• What is your payment schedule? Payment option? (Visa/Mastercard/Cheque/e-transfer)
• What do I do if there is a dispute?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is there an extra cost for service on weekends or Statutory holidays?
• Are you a member of good standing with the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island?
• Is there a care/cleaning plan?
• Does the agency provide training to upgrade the knowledge and skill of its workers?
How to donate and support us?
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (895879849 RR 0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
Second Home for Seniors in the Valley
The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca/ Comox Seniors’ Centre.
How Art Therapy Can Help
Art therapy provides a number of both physical and mental benefits to people of all ages. It can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing by staving off depression and anxiety, improving your self-esteem, and giving you a greater sense of control. Practicing artistic pursuits can also boost your cognitive functioning and sense of identity, and when done in a group setting, can provide important opportunities for social connection. From a physical perspective, painting can improve your hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and studies have suggested that the positive mental health effects of art therapy can also improve physical wellbeing.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls 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.
Benefits of Home Care for Seniors
For many Canadian seniors, home health care is a key part of aging safely at home. Whether seniors need medical services, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping or companionship, home care can help them live independently at home, for as long as possible. Caregivers help family members by delivering expert care that gives everyone peace-of-mind and relieves any feelings of caregiving being “burdensome.” A professional caregiver also will enjoy socializing by chatting, engaging in activities like puzzles or crafts and listening to music. Talk to your family about aging in place safely, with the supports you need.
