In 2012, an international survey of adult skills needed for success in work and everyday life was completed. Results showed that 45% of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 have difficulty accomplishing some daily living tasks due in part to limited literacy skills. There are likely as many reasons for low literacy as there are students. Online resources and community organizations can help; a major problem lies in finding and persuading those who could benefit to seek assistance. Perhaps an important first step that everyone can take is to help reduce the stigma associated with lower literacy levels.

Across BC, more than 85,000 people are currently living with dementia. This number is growing. To raise funds and awareness to create change for people affected by dementia, The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is taking place on May 28th. Funds raised ensure that people living with dementia and their families have access to Alzheimer Society of BC support, education and information. We encourage you to walk in honour of someone in your life or community who has been touched by dementia. Nurse Next Door will participate in this walk to honour our clients living with dementia.

The mind processes complex thoughts, making memories stick, clearing out brain waste and much more. Sleep retains neuroplasticity, giving the ability for brain cells to strengthen important connections, and get rid of less important ones which is still an active area of research. When you don’t sleep, it’s harder to control emotions and moods. Sleep helps maintain executive functioning skills making us moody, less irritable, and less likely to lash out. While the brain sleeps, harmful toxins are cleared out. Certain proteins accumulate in the brain over the course of the day while awake. Proteins get cleared out during sleep.