People in British Columbia whose first language is Tagalog or Hindi can now access the updated BC Seniors’ Guide in their own language.
The enhanced 12th edition of the guide was published in July 2021 in seven languages: English, Chinese, French, Punjabi, Farsi, Korean and Vietnamese. All languages can be accessed online in PDF format, and print copies can be ordered through the Office of the Seniors Advocate.
To access the BC Seniors’ Guide in all nine languages, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/seniorsguide
To order free print copies, call (toll-free): 1 877 952-3181
Community News
Did You Know?
Seniors are living longer than ever before. Advances in oral health care prevention and disease treatment mean that many seniors will have some or all of their natural teeth.
When we age, teeth undergo changes. Sometimes these changes are affected by chronic diseases and the use of medications. Some changes may include:
• Sensitive teeth – teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and/or touch
• Exposed roots – gums may start to pull away from your teeth as you age. Exposed roots are exposed to bacteria that can cause cavities
• Darker or yellower teeth – the colour of teeth naturally changes with age. Also, consuming staining food and drink over a lifetime can change the colour of teeth. Plaque also builds up faster as we age and can accumulate stains.
April is Oral Health Month
What better time to think about how you take care of your mouth? Not only is good dental health important to having healthy teeth and gums, but it may also lower your risk of chronic disease. Four things you can do to maximize oral health:
1. Make nutritious food choices – avoid high sugar and high acid foods and drinks. 2. Visit your dental professional regularly – if accessing affordable care is a challenge for you, please contact Comox Valley Senior Support and we will do our best to assist you. 3. Brush and floss every day!
4. Avoid tobacco.
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.
Income Tax
The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.
Fanny Bay/Union Bay Caregiver Support Group
We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area in April or May. Please contact the CVSS office if you are interested in attending!
Recruiting Board Members
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.
Oral Health Month
April is Oral Health Month! Here are five tips for maintaining good oral health: 1) Make healthy food choices and limit sugary and highly acidic foods to avoid tooth decay and acid erosion. 2) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain teeth, cause gum damage, give you bad breath, cause tooth loss, and even lead to oral cancer. 3) Brush twice and floss once daily. 4) Make note of any oral issues you have, including sensitivity, bleeding, pain, or strange lumps. 5) Visit your dentist regularly. We now offer VELScope Oral Cancer Screening in our practice. The exam takes about 2 minutes and is completely safe and painless.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Conditions
Do you suffer from a nagging injury like tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries or plantar fasciitis? Shockwave therapy is one of the best research-backed treatments for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not healed properly. It involves the application of acoustic sound waves to kick-start healing, control pain, and restore mobility. Often patients will feel relief after their first treatment and can expect more significant and lasting changes within 3-5 applications. Shockwave Therapy coupled with Class IV Laser Therapy is evidence based and the gold standard in tendon healing.
Ask The Expert
Q: My husband insists he has good vision because of all the carrots he is fond of eating. Is there any truth to this? A: Nutrition is important for eye health, but there is much more to vision than that. If you’re worried about your husband’s vision, urge him to get tested. A standard test will measure his visual acuity, focusing, and general eye health, amongst other things. Carrot consumption does not guarantee good vision in anyone! If your husband does need vision correction, Mosaic Vision Care offers hundreds of innovative and eye-catching styles of frames to choose from.
Amazing Health Benefits
Amazing Health Benefits
Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO) are an excellent source of Biophenols, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols, as well as vitamins K and E. They also have a high percentage of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps protect the heart. Add Signature Balsamic Vinegars to your meals for extra antioxidants, as well as iron, potassium, and manganese. They help to reduce hardening of the arteries, aid mineral absorption for better bone health, as well as stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Experience over 20 high-quality flavours at Signature Oil and Vinegar in Comox. For more detailed benefits visit SignatureWineCellars.ca
