In Canada, we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th. It is a day to remember those who went to war and those who didn’t return. Their sacrifice made Canada a country that makes its own destiny. Remembering is important. If you are emotional about your own memories, the Body Code healing modality can assist in putting them in perspective. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that will assist you with creating healthy memories.
Community News
Herbs for the Immune System
Mother Nature gives us many valuable tools in building, protecting and maintaining a healthy immune system. These are some of the top herbals for anti-virus, cold/flu symptoms and immune support: *Echinacea, *Elderberry, *Andrographis, *Garlic, *Olive Leaf, *Licorice Root, *Ginger, *Lomatium, *Mushrooms such as Turkey Tail and Reishi. Also worthwhile supplementing with at this time is Superflavanoid Quercetin which is an antiinflammatory and antiviral. The effective ways to implement these are through tinctures, capsules, oils, and especially strong tea infusions.
Relief for Restless Legs
Are your legs keeping you from falling asleep? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
ReGroup Family Support
ReGroup Family Support is now being offered online for families negatively impacted by problematic gaming behaviours. We recognize that some families are experiencing the impacts of unhealthy gaming. It can overtake other activities, commitments, and self-care. Concerns over consistent co-parenting, whether living together or in separate households, transition adjustments, rage quitting, meltdowns, concurrent physical and/or mental health problems all add to the complications of gaming disorder. Reach out anytime to inquire about the ReGroup Family Support group. Our other services include in-class presentations, workshops for educators, parents and caregivers, health and social service professionals, interested in learning about gaming and/or gambling.
Make Your Home Safer
Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs. • Keep items you use the most easily accessible. • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night. • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases. • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house. • Get a Home Safety Assessment. if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.
As Winter Comes
Most everyone on the West Coast knows, November brings with it more rain and overcast skies. Many people experience an effect on their mood during this time, which can certainly make things more difficult. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a known phenomenon, where the winter weather affects moods and outlook on life. A couple strategies to help overcome these “winter blues” is to continue with those all-important self-care strategies of enjoyable activities, and the regular use of a full-spectrum light of some sort throughout your day! Fight back against the dreary with light!
3 Ways to Improve Mental Health
Seniors are at risk for developing anxiety and depression due to chronic disease, isolation, and loneliness. If you’re a senior, here are 3 proven ways to help improve your mental health: 1. Move your body and stay active. Exercise has been scientifically proven to boost your mood and relieve stress. Aim for 30 minutes of activity each day. 2. Make time for friendships. Research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer and happier than those who don’t. 3. Flex Your Mind. Routine brain exercises help you maintain healthy cognitive function, so grab a new book or challenge yourself to a puzzle.
Caring for Hearing Devices
Taking good care of your hearing aids can significantly prolong their life. *Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids. *Clean them regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. *Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming and store in a dry location away from condensation. *Remove them before applying perfume or hair spray. *Store them in their case or drying cup away from heat sources and direct sunlight. *If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them separately. *Use a hearing aid expert if you need repairs.
Creating a Season of Comfort and Joy
If you’re living on a fixed income or struggling to afford the rising costs of groceries, the upcoming holidays can be a time of dread rather than a season of comfort and joy. For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been making sure local children and youth have something special waiting under the tree for them. The program also provides grocery gift cards so residents can choose food that is meaningful to them over the holidays. Visit the SOS website to make a financial donation, find out gift drop-off times for the SOS Toy Shop, and learn more about registration.
Look After the Caregiver
When you are the caregiver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from burn out: *Withdrawal from family and friends *Changes in sleep patterns *Feelings of irritability, helplessness and resentment *Decline in your own health. Things you can do to support yourself include talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; finding a support group and being realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that the time may come when your loved one will need specialized long term care and know that it is available in your community.
Sedation Dentistry
Many people are fearful of dental treatment. This apprehension and anxiety causes them to avoid and postpone regular dental care until their oral health deteriorates. Sedation dentistry, also known as “relaxation dentistry,” offers an opportunity to experience your dental treatment without pain or anxiety. Dr. Robert Wolanski and his sedation dentistry team can provide the highest quality care in a safe and relaxing environment to meet all your dental needs. Following a comprehensive physical assessment and radiographic evaluation, Dr. Wolanski will custom design a sedation protocol of medications that will work best for you.
