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.

Anxiety can stop people from living their best life. It is a common reason for seeing a health care profession. Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) offers an 8 week group program to help people learn skills to manage and reduce anxiety, and experience more calmness. Participants have experienced about a 50% decrease in their distress over the 8 weeks. “A group setting was good; you realize you are not alone with anxiety.” “The atmosphere was amazing. I felt safe and supported to share, but not pressured. Great environment!” To register, call 403.343.9100 or talk to your health care professional.

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.

Ever since local mixed media artist Sally Towers-Sybblis was a child, she had a passion for creating. She believes her process is simple: start and the painting will evolve and finish itself. Sally loves to use colour in her work; the more colour, the happier the work becomes. “I want my work to reflect a sense of fun and spontaneity!” she says. It’s important to Sally to include the community in her work, so she teaches classes on a regular basis. “Sharing my techniques gives others that same sense of gratification and expression that I receive from creating!”