Q: My siblings and I are concerned about where my elderly father should live. How do we work through our different opinions? A: Well-meaning relatives may disagree with one another or with the aging person about where they should live and the level of care they require. Lawyers work with the family and excellent resources within the community to help ensure that the legal needs of vulnerable people and those who care about them are met. This work can also include discussions about financial circumstances, concerns, and estate planning.

When we refuse to acknowledge negative feelings and experiences and stuff them down or pretend to be happy; where does all that upset go? Every feeling that we stuff creates a level of stress within our bodies and minds. Too much stress and our minds and bodies react, with anxiousness, overwhelm, depression, aches, pains and illness. We often treat our mental health with such disregard. If it were a broken limb, we would seek help, so why not for our emotional distress? By combining coaching and tapping to release mind/body stress, for example, new perspectives and peace are possible.

You can wear ComfiHips® Hip Protectors all the time, day or night. The secret is in “the curve.” Users can sleep on their sides while wearing them and enjoy countless nights of serene, peaceful rest. The pads are lightweight, and they fit easily into concealed interior pockets of these specially designed, ultra-soft undergarments. No one will know you’re wearing the low profile ComfiHips® Hip Protectors yet wearing them will decrease your chance of injuries should a fall occur. They are especially recommended for those who are prone to nighttime falls.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is defined as episodes of apneas (not breathing) which last more than 10 seconds and that occur during sleep. These episodes may occur hundreds of times per night and can lead to fragmented sleep. During these events, the individual’s oxygen level can fall to dangerously low levels (hypoxemia) and may result in cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which can at times be fatal. Also, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are far more prone to heart attacks and strokes.

Aging happens to everyone – no matter how young at heart. What’s reassuring is that we can take steps to help us age well, stay active and live independently for as long as possible. When should you start thinking about home care? If you’ve noticed signs that a senior needs help at home, it’s likely time to start the conversation. Many people think that a senior must be frail or ill before they need professional home care, but that’s not the case. Home care includes services that are designed to lighten the workload around the home.

Seniors are invited to come to the Collicutt Centre on Tuesday, October 1 from 9 am – noon to learn about recreation and leisure opportunities available to them in Red Deer. Put on in conjunction with the Seniors Service Providers Interagency group, this event is also an excellent opportunity to meet staff from several agencies, organizations, businesses and government departments who care for the wellbeing of seniors living in Red Deer and Central Alberta. In addition to concurrent learning sessions, there will be a mini-trade show with information booths to explore. Join us – there will be lots of draw prizes to win!

Just turn 50? Over 65? Going on an exotic destination this winter? From the shingles vaccine to travel vaccines, Co-op pharmacists can help! Visit any Central Alberta Co-op Pharmacy to have all your vaccination questions answered. We can do injections and we may even be able to prescribe them for you. Flu season is fast approaching, so drop by when it’s time for your annual flu shot. Ask us if you qualify for the publicly funded pneumonia shot! Stay healthy, prevent illness – talk to your Co-op pharmacist today about all your vaccination needs.

Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Scheduling regular get-togethers with friends give us something to look forward. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.

Your face has more than 40 muscles and each plays a role in creating facial expression. Practitioners with minimal knowledge may perform Botox injections. An inexperienced provider will be less familiar with the anatomy of the face, leading to possible complications and poor results. In fact, less experienced providers may end up using more volume of Botox (costing you more) to achieve the same result, simply because their application is less precise. Make sure the person is an expert in facial anatomy and aesthetic procedures, such as a MD with special interest in dermatology/aesthetic medicine or board-certified dermatologist.