Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.
Community News
Three Tips to Boost Focus
1. Practice Mindful Journaling: set aside time every day to write down how you are feeling right now, sensations you feel, and why you are feeling the way you are. Do this without judgement and be kind to yourself. 2. Practice Gratitude: every day tell a family member or colleague three things you are grateful for – your overall positivity will skyrocket after one month. 3. Try Uni-tasking. That is, focus only on one thing at a time. Want more tips? Check out our full Guide to Mindfulness at Work on our website.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Unfortunately, putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems, which is why establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Empowering Relationships
Wanting to strengthen your relationships? Allow them to feel cherished and thought of often. By reaching out and telling them what you really enjoy and like about them, it makes them feel appreciated. Taking someone for granted leads to complacency and dulls the relationship connection. Everyone wants to be seen, acknowledged and celebrated even if they don’t say so. Most of us are conflict avoidant, so having a clearing model that is easy to use when differences arise is necessary to help work things through. Taking full ownership of our feelings, naming the specific behaviors that upset us and asking for what you need instead of blaming or becoming defensive is a game changer. Every relationship at some point needs to clear resentment or misunderstandings, when you can do it quickly and efficiently, they don’t build up.
Class IV Laser for Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain? Acute Injury and a lot of swelling? Try Class IV Deep Tissue Laser which kick starts your body’s own healing capacity 2-3 times! It’s clinically proven by the World Health Organization to reduce pain and restore function to tissues. Injuries need blood flow and circulation to heal and laser does just that. Common ailments that have proven successful are: muscle strains, tendon injuries such as rotator cuff tears, as well as joint sprains. Even acute swelling or bruises can be treated with laser to accelerate the healing process and decrease scar tissue formation!
Ask The Expert
Q: My eyes hurt after using my desktop computer for only a couple of hours. Should I get a bigger monitor? A: That might help, but there are a couple of more common causes of achy eyes related to computer usage. Insufficient blinking is a normal tendency when staring at screens, and that can cause dryness and irritation. Another problem is poorly focused vision, especially if you’re old enough to need reading glasses. Time for a checkup! Not only do we carry the latest fashions in eyewear, at Mosaic we’re here to help you with your overall eye health.
Thai Curry Carrot & Pumpkin Soup
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced • 1-1/2 cups cubed pumpkin • 1 can coconut milk • 4 cups chicken stock • 1 Tbsp. green Thai curry paste • 2 cloves garlic • 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger • 1/2 tsp. each, salt and pepper • 1/4 tsp. cumin • 1/4 cup shredded coconut • madras curry powder. 1. Cook carrots and pumpkin without browning over medium heat for 10 mins. 2. Add spices, curry, and ginger. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, and coconut. 3. Cook on medium heat for 35 minutes. Blend with blender. Enjoy!
Thai Curry Carrot & Pumpkin Soup
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced • 1-1/2 cups cubed pumpkin • 1 can coconut milk • 4 cups chicken stock • 1 Tbsp. green Thai curry paste • 2 cloves garlic • 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger • 1/2 tsp. each, salt and pepper • 1/4 tsp. cumin • 1/4 cup shredded coconut • madras curry powder. 1. Cook carrots and pumpkin without browning over medium heat for 10 mins. 2. Add spices, curry, and ginger. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, and coconut. 3. Cook on medium heat for 35 minutes. Blend with blender. Enjoy!
Unlocking the Benefits of Exercise as You Age
Exercise is important as we age and offers benefits that improve our quality of life. Regular physical activity can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes and arthritis), improve mood, enhance cognitive function and boost overall energy levels. At Body Tempo, we understand the unique needs of aging bodies when it comes to exercise. We offer a variety of fitness programs designed for older adults that cater to all fitness levels and abilities. From low-impact aerobics and yoga to water exercises and gentle strength training, our skilled instructors provide guidance and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable workout experience.
Medication Review Services
Your pharmacist is a medication expert who can help you better understand your medications. Accessible and convenient, your pharmacist is available to help you with a variety of clinical pharmacy services, such as Medication Review Services and more. If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe on Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person who will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their homes as they age; in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.
