In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support/
Community News
Save the Date!
The Comox Valley Senior Support Society’s Second Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The first Spelling Bee was such a community success that we decided to get a larger space and invite more people! We look forward to seeing you there.
Committed to Helping Seniors
It is our honour to advocate on behalf of Canada’s senior citizens. The NDP is working tirelessly to ensure that seniors have access to the resources they need so they can live a stable, happy life. We understand that seniors have been struggling to a great extent to pay for their basic needs. We find it unacceptable that many seniors are still living in poverty after having worked their entire lives to build this country. There is a bar of dignity everyone in Canada deserves to have. We will continue to fight for your rights. If you need assistance with federal programs or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices.
Use Your Teeth Wisely
Your teeth have a specific purpose, and it’s not to serve as a multitool. Opening packages, bottles, or using them as an extra hand can lead to unfortunate accidents and tooth damage. Engaging in such creative uses of your pearly whites is a recipe for disaster. It’s only a matter of time before you crack or break a tooth. Rather than risking your oral health, take the extra trip to find appropriate tools or locate a pair of scissors. By using your teeth for their intended functions, you can maintain a healthy, intact smile for years to come. Don’t jeopardize your dental well-being by treating your teeth as makeshift tools.
When it’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, there are some symptoms that should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss – this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies, and some disorders. 2. Vision problems – getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss – getting regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression – certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse, but this problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness – a good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
Help Parents Stay Independent
Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.
Sleep Hygiene – Ending Insomnia
When insomnia is ongoing, try altering your sleep habits. There is ample clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of a concept called Sleep Hygiene – recommendations that help with the specific aim of improving sleep quality. Even a few slight adjustments can mean the difference between sound sleep and a restless night. Have a bedtime routine, let your body know it’s time to sleep. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed and avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Create a restful bedroom environment that is cool, dark and quiet. Schedule ‘worry’ time for the next day and go to bed worry-free!
Drink Up to Stay Hydrated
Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
Help Parents Stay Independent
Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors
Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round; especially in these sunny summer months! *See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. *Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you re-apply a minimum of SPF30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. *Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!
When It’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, some symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss – this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies and some disorders. 2. Vision problems – getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss – getting regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression – certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse. This problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness – a good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
