December can be a challenging month at the best of times. The pandemic has taken its toll on us emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, and financially. Online gambling has increased in popularity while land-based venues have reopened where players have renewed their patronage. If gambling used to be a light-hearted and fun activity but has changed to become an outlet or longshot for financial and/or emotional stress relief, connect with us at VI Gaming Support. You can reach us by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram), or online on our website at VIGamingSupport.ca. Provincial toll-free support line 1-888-795-6111 is open 24/7.
Community News
Focus on the Good Moments
As 2021 comes to an end, and we reflect on all that has happened, it is important to take note and remember the good moments along the way. With the challenges of the global pandemic still evolving, and other external stressors that occurred through the year, it can be easy to forget those moments of joy and connection that were experienced. With the holiday season approaching, take a moment to remember those good moments, and reach out to share those memories with those you were with. Choose to focus on the good moments and share that with others.
Life Stages and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages for various reasons such as genetics, exposure to loud noises, presbycusis, autoimmune issues and sometimes ototoxic medications. More dangerously, untreated hearing loss can cause issues, often psychological, which also tend to be the indicators.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, here’s a list of signs in each stage of life that may indicate a hearing loss.
Children
Signs of hearing loss in children often go unnoticed, hence it’s important to look for signs as early as infancy for quick treatment. If a hearing loss isn’t indicated now, it’s still a possibility as they age.
Here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Lack of attention to sound and sound localization
- Delayed speech development
- Unable to monitor their own voice or follow verbal instructions
- Behavioural changes and hyperactivity
- Poor school performance
Teenagers
Diagnosing teens is easier because they’ve developed communication skills. Personalities influence any diagnosis because they affect our verbal interactions and reactions to different situations.
The following are some indicators:
- Struggles with verbal cues and instructions
- Often ask people to repeat themselves
- Lack of participation in school activities, poor school performance
- Isolated from social situations
- Behavioural changes – may act out or do nothing at all
Adults and Seniors
In adults, signs of hearing loss present differently with age due to developed coping mechanisms. Seniors often lose their hearing as they age, but they can take action to treat it for a better quality of life.
Here are signs to look for:
- Regularly ask people to repeat themselves
- Talk very loud or quiet
- Difficulties understanding verbal communication
- Isolate themselves in noisy environments and don’t participate
- May present with depression or anxiety
- Complaints of dizziness, ringing in ears and exhaustion
If you’re concerned about hearing loss affecting you or a loved one, NexGen Hearing provides free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, sales and fittings. NexGen Hearing’s team is dedicated to helping you find solutions and discussing your hearing needs, goals and options to find the best outcome and support you every step of the way.
Author: By NexGen Hearing, NexGenHearing.com
Happy Holiday Wishes
As another year draws to a close, we give thanks for the many blessings that we have received. We continue to publish this newsletter, along with four additional local ones here on the island, with help from our communities. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers and newsletter distributors for helping us to continue to spread the wellness message. A big thank you to Isabella Ostman who is retiring at the end of the year. She worked with Teresa for five years to establish and grow our newsletters and the WellnessHub. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
No Longer Gambling Just for Fun?
December can be a challenging month at the best of times. The pandemic has taken its toll on us emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, and financially. Online gambling has increased in popularity while land-based venues have reopened where players have renewed their patronage. If gambling used to be a light-hearted and fun activity but has changed to become an outlet or longshot for financial and/or emotional stress relief, connect with us at VI Gaming Support. You can reach us by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram), or online on our website at VIGamingSupport.ca. Provincial toll-free support line 1-888-795-6111 is open 24/7.
A Really Useful Gift
At Christmas time, it can be hard to find a suitable gift for elderly loved ones. This year, give them and yourself the feeling of security while honoring their request to age in place. Installing a medical alarm system in their home can increase their independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in their home. With a locally monitored system, they may be able to remain in their own home. You can be comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Relationship Satisfaction Amplified
We all want more satisfying relationships. Don’t get me wrong, you are a wonderful partner! Yet, we all have automatic ways of being in a relationship. Being different means choosing to act differently. Like, when your spouse is sad, you quickly start “operation cheer up”. A different choice in this situation might be to sit quietly, and be with them and their pain. Another option might be to ask them what they need right now. We start small, with neutral situations, so you can practise and be successful. This is the way to grow your courage with more impactful, but uncomfortable choices.
Don’t Neglect Your Teeth
Christmas Cookies, Eggnog, Candy Canes, what do all these things have in common? We tend to consume a lot of them at this time of the year, and their sugar content is very high. This high sugar content has a big effect on your teeth and gums. Acid that attacks the teeth is produced when bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth. This can eventually result in tooth decay which is why consuming sugar filled drinks and snacks takes a toll on teeth. During this holiday season you can enjoy all the good things offered as long as you do not neglect brushing and flossing your teeth.
An Emotional Holiday
The holiday season can be an emotional time. It may be a time of loving reunions, heartfelt connections and joy, or they can be filled with obligations, expectations, and old memories. You may feel a range of emotions from happiness to sadness. Be gentle with yourself in allowing any emotions you may be feeling. The holidays are an opportunity to nurture ourselves in the midst of giving and receiving. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to make this season easier for you. Holiday Special: 2 Body Code Sessions for the price of 1.
Wishing You Health
As we settle into the busy holiday season, we like to honor our relationship with our customers. Thank you for the trust and confidence that you have given us. Thank you for trusting our team to take care of your overall health and wellbeing and for choosing a locally owned pharmacy for your healthcare needs. We will continue to provide personalized pharmacy services including free local delivery, medication reviews, compounding, vaccinations, and so much more! Your personal pharmacist can help to make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. We care about your health!
Brighten Christmas for Local Residents
For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas for local residents. With community support, we provide a special gift for children and youth, and adults receive local grocery store gift cards. To support the program, donate online at www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093. To help fill the SOS Toy Shop, find an SOS Angel Tree in a participating local businesses, attend a local event that benefits the program, or drop off a new, unwrapped gift or monetary donation to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. See our website for drop-off times.
