1. Get a comprehensive eye exam. Having routine exams is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat eye strain problems. 2. Use proper lighting. Eye strain is often caused by harsh interior lighting. Many computer users find their eyes feel better if they can avoid working under overhead florescent tubing. Avoid blue light! 3. Minimize glare. If you wear glasses, purchase lenses with anti-reflective coating. 4. Create a soothing eye mask using tea bags. Tea bags contain tannins that can help constrict vessels, relieving puffy eyes from eye strain. 5. Use over-the-counter artificial tears if your eyes feel dry after reading, knitting, or concentrating for a long period of time.
Community News
Source Local, Support Local
The Central Island Wellness HUB is an online health and wellness resource with local businesses and local information. The Wellness HUB features hundreds of business and practitioners offering services and products in the central Island area. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. Do you have a health and wellness business? You can become a member with a free basic listing. See the website for more details.
Relief for Sore Feet and Legs
Do you spend a lot of your day standing or walking? Being on your feet for long periods of time can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, and other health problems. VoxxLife socks with HPT technology provide enhanced pain relief and management, better stability and balance, improved mobility and more energy. The Athletic Knee highs with gentle compression reduce swelling, keep muscles warm, increase blood flow in the legs and are comfortable for all wearers. Wool work socks with HPT are ideal for working outdoors and for activities like skating and hiking. Socks make great gifts.
Health and the Aging Brain
A mystery of Alzheimer’s is why some people develop the disease while others don’t. This makes finding a cure extremely difficult. Studies show that some of the risks factors of possibly developing the disease include; a history of past concussions, untreated food allergies, high blood glucose levels, neurotoxins and ingesting food grown with pesticides like glyphosate. What can you do to lower the risk? Nourish the brain with the right minerals, fats, vitamins and surround yourself with the right people. It’s vital to get out into nature and exercise! Your Brain will love you for this in its elder years.
Laser for Healing and Pain Relief
Lasers and LED’s are very successful at relieving pain. They produce intense beams of light at specific wavelengths that relieve symptoms of diagnosed neck or back pain, joint conditions, soft tissue injury, concussion symptoms and more. In addition, high-intensity single point lasers can release trigger points and treat acupuncture points. There is substantial clinical evidence published in peer-reviewed medical journals that Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) can stimulate repair of tissue, reduce inflammation and relieve pain in musculoskeletal disorders. These studies find that the median magnitude for pain relief using lasers is at least twice that of NSAIDS.
Dementia – Activities to Boost Self-Esteem
By optimizing physical, spiritual, social and emotional function, adults with physical or cognitive challenges can be empowered to remain in their community. Doing as much as possible at their current ability level keeps them active and helps maintain cognitive and physical skills, which in turn, boosts confidence and self-esteem. Managing everyday tasks as independently as possible, while adding music, themed events and brain workouts, slows cognitive decline and reduces challenging behaviors while feeling more productive. Our Day Program keeps participants engaged and using their energy in a positive way.
Managing Diabetes
If you suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, your pharmacist can help you understand the role of your medications, provide advice and address questions or concerns. Help includes: *BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING – Advice on choosing the device that best suits your needs and how to use it. *PROPER USE OF MEDICATION – Ensure you know how to take the medication to achieve the full effect of treatment *ANALYSIS OF YOUR MEDICATION PROFILE – Ensure that medications prescribed for other health issues will not interfere existing medications or adversely affect your blood sugar levels. Your pharmacist is a valuable treatment counsellor.
Gambling Support Available 24/7
Covid 19 continues to disrupt our routines. BC casinos and gaming centres remain closed as per public health order closures. Consequently, online gambling platforms have experienced an increase in play. This shift may worsen risk factors including social isolation and increased substance use as well as an increase in use of credit to gamble. The Responsible & Problem Gambling Program remains committed to serving the people of BC 24/7. Our support services include outreach, education, and counselling services by phone, text, web chat, or in person, all of which are FREE of charge. We’re here for you, should gambling take a harmful turn.
The Evolution of Hearing Aids
The ear trumpet, considered the first hearing aid, was invented in the 17th century. Then came the collapsible ear trumpet in the late 18th century, followed by the first commercial device in 1800. In 1898, the first electric hearing aid was created, and by the late 20th century, the digital hearing aid was commercially available. The invention of the carbon microphone, transistors, digital signal processing chip, and the development of computer technology has helped transform the hearing aid to its present form. Learn more about the products available through NexGen Hearing, by visiting their website.
S.O.S – Christmas Program 2020
Christmas will look different this year for many families. The SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program will continue to help local families and individuals as it has done for more than 50 years, with community support. “We want to make sure that all local children and youth find a special gift under the tree, and we know many families and individuals will need help putting food in the cupboard over the holidays,” says SOS Christmas program coordinator, April Deleau. Please visit the SOS website to make a financial donation and to find gift drop-off times for the SOS Toy Shop.
Tips for Fall Prevention
November is Falls Prevention month. Falls are a real concern for older adults. The following tips can reduce your risk:*Get regular exercise and physical activity. *Have your medications reviewed by a physician or pharmacist as some medication combinations can cause dizziness that leads to falling. *Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Poor vision and hearing are linked to increased risk of falls. *Make your home safer – remove tripping hazards, improve lighting and keep important items within reach. In the event that a fall happens, getting help quickly is important. Lifeline’s Auto Alert button provides help 24/7 and automatically detects falls.
