Respite care is part of the long-term care continuum, yet publicly funded respite care beds are limited in their availability and demand for them is growing. For this reason, Providence Living is exploring how to provide short-term, private-pay respite services at The Views at St. Joseph’s in Comox. This service will address the care gap for families who need respite for a loved one but don’t qualify for a publicly funded bed. The short-term respite program launched on June 05, 2023. This private room has its own sink and toilet, and the daily fee includes all meals, 24-hour nursing care, activities, outings, and much more.
Community News
Gut Health Affects Oral Health
Bacteria travel between the stomach and the mouth. If you have signs of gum disease, cavities, tooth decay and bad breath, then you may have an unhealthy gut flora. You can maintain good oral and gut health by *eating plenty of prebiotic and high fiber foods, *cutting down on sugar intake, *flossing and brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time and *having at least two professional teeth cleanings per year. Prevention is the key to good health, so sticking to these habits should help keep your teeth healthy for your whole life!
Enjoy Summer Heat with Care
Summer temperatures and blue skies entice you to go outdoors, stay active and enjoy your community. Be careful and watch for heat stroke. A rise in core body temperature can have devastating effects. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dry red skin, thirst and dizziness, which can lead to disorientation, vomiting and collapse. To avoid this scenario, stay in cooler places and wear a hat and sun-protective clothing. Cool yourself down with cool cloths on your forehead and the back of your neck. A cool foot bath can help too. Hydrate well and use sunscreen. Enjoy this lovely weather with common sense!
Fun & Healthy Meals
What comes to mind when you think of a healthy meal? Baked chicken, steamed broccoli with a side of plain brown rice, might come to mind but where’s the fun in that? A rule of thumb when it comes to a healthy meal is that your plate should be about ½ fruits and/or veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ starchy carbs like rice, pasta, or potato. Spice it up by playing with new cooking methods, seasonings, cultures such as Mexican, Italian, and Asian, and new foods and herbs. Your food can be fun, tasty and healthy. Get adventurous. I can help.
Prepare Kids for the Future
How can we better prepare our kids for the future when so many feel anxious, due in part to the lingering effects of the pandemic? Research shows that when we give kids access to opportunities that foster recreation and group engagement, their resilience muscle is strengthened and they feel more optimistic. By investing in the tools and resources kids need to thrive today, we can help the next generation face the future with confidence and compassion. To learn more or to access free SOS programs for children and youth, contact us or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville or Qualicum Beach.
Expanded Role for Pharmacists
Do you know that your pharmacist can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit? These include; skin rashes, fungal infections, heartburn, seasonal allergies, shingles, UTIs and vaginal yeast infections. When you have a minor condition, visit your pharmacist for a free assessment. After the assessment, your pharmacist may prescribe medication or refer you to another healthcare provider. If a prescription is issued, a prescription fee applies, just as prescriptions are issued by a physician. Your primary care provider will be notified to support continuity of care and treatment outcomes.
Quick, Easy Relief from Fear and Anxiety
When in fear and anxiety our physical, emotional and mental experiences are uncomfortable and sometimes scary. These include a pounding heart accompanied with increased blood pressure, tightness in the chest and perhaps feeling trapped when in a panic attack. A simple and effective technique for relief is Straw Breathing. Position your lips as if you have a straw in your mouth. Take a deep breath through your nose. Very slowly exhale through your mouth maintaining the straw position. Repeat a comforting thought, simply, ‘I am safe’, to enhance the therapeutic effect. Repeat 5-6 times.
Safe at Home
There are a variety of products that help you stay mobile and safe in your home. Some of these include: STAIRLIFTS – choose from a variety of stairlifts to suit any type of stairway – straight, curved, split-level, or intermediate landing; fast in-home or virtual consultations available. POWER LIFT RECLINERS – available in a wide range of styles, colours and materials, they help the user lower into and raise from a seated position with ease. GO-GO SCOOTER® & GO CHAIR® – exceptional portability and provide a whole new level of comfort and performance with feather-touch disassembly. Visit us at MOTION™ Nanaimo to find out more.
Stay Safe This Summer
The weather is getting hot and it’s not likely to get cool again anytime soon. Make sure to drink plenty of water; it’s very easy to get dehydrated which can cause fatigue, dizziness and the potential to fall. Wear sunscreen; a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 is recommended and it should be re-applied every two hours while outdoors. With the heat comes smoke from wildfires; on days when you smell or see smoke, be sure to stay inside as much as possible. If you must venture outside, consider wearing a face mask. Stay cool!
Fresh Air & Exercise
One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Summer is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Safe at Home
There are a variety of products that help you stay mobile and safe in your home. Some of these include: STAIRLIFTS – choose from a variety of stairlifts to suit any type of stairway – straight, curved, split-level, or intermediate landing; fast in-home or virtual consultations available. POWER LIFT RECLINERS – available in a wide range of styles, colours and materials, they help the user lower into and raise from a seated position with ease. GO-GO SCOOTER® & GO CHAIR® – exceptional portability and provide a whole new level of comfort and performance with feather-touch disassembly. Visit us at MOTION™ Nanaimo to find out more.
