Happy New Year! Another year has come and, as always, the start of a new year brings about some reflection. Do you need some changes? Are you contemplating a move? Maybe you’re tired of the day-to-day chores of meal prep, cleaning, yard maintenance, or you’re feeling somewhat lonely. If so, there are great options available. From independent living to care, there are many retirement communities that can cater to your interests, wants and needs. Book your tours to see what is available as far as retirement lifestyles go – it is never too soon to start exploring!
Community News
Smoking Affects Your Hearing
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you are a smoker, you can now add an increased risk of hearing loss to the list of reasons to quit. The chemicals found in cigarettes may affect the way your ear processes sound. Smokers are 15% more likely to have hearing loss than non-smokers. Hearing loss isn’t fatal, but it can lead to several health-related issues down the line. Dementia & depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss, so be sure to have your ears checked regularly. Get started by scheduling a hearing test today.
Smoking Affects Your Hearing
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you are a smoker, you can now add an increased risk of hearing loss to the list of reasons to quit. The chemicals found in cigarettes may affect the way your ear processes sound. Smokers are 15% more likely to have hearing loss than non-smokers. Hearing loss isn’t fatal, but it can lead to several health-related issues down the line. Dementia & depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss, so be sure to have your ears checked regularly. Get started by scheduling a hearing test today.
Importance of Vitamin D
With the darker winter months upon us, the suns rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. Plus, it also helps maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. A number of studies have suggested that it may also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers. Talk to one of our pharmacists about recommended doses.
Happy & Healthy in 2022
Many of us made a New Year’s Resolution to take better care of ourselves in 2022. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource for great information on doing just that. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest. The draw date is January 31, 2022.
Healthy Food for Healthy Minds
Children and youth living in low-income households have been some of the hardest affected during the pandemic. 1 in 3 children under the age of 6 in District 69 lives in poverty without enough to eat. When kids are deprived of adequate nutrition, it is harder for them to focus, adding to their anxiety. Ensuring all children have access to healthy food should be our top priority. You can help by donating to the SOS grocery gift cards fund to fill hungry bellies and nurture healthy minds. Donate online at www.sosd69.com, by phone 250-248-2093, in person or mail to: SOS – 245 West Hirst Ave. PO Box 898 Parksville BC V9P 2G9. Thank you.
Oh No! I Chipped a Tooth
A chipped tooth can happen for a variety of reasons including biting something hard, hitting your mouth, or grinding your teeth. Not only is having a chipped tooth aesthetically displeasing to you smile, it can lead to other problems. Sharp edges can cut your inner mouth, while deep chips can impact tooth roots (possibly leading to infections or toothaches), as well as tooth decay (which can cause sensitivity and bad breath). To avoid needing a root canal or extraction, it’s important to have a dentist examine and fix a chipped tooth before the problem gets any worse.
Chew Your Food
Proper digestion is important to our overall health but we forget that digestion starts in the mouth with proper chewing. Nutritional experts say that each mouthful of food should be chewed forty times. If we do not chew our food properly, it passes through our digestive system in a chunk that essentially rots as it passes through our digestive system. Patients with dentures have 90% less chewing force. They tend to list “digestive problems” as health concerns and often need medications for these issues. Dental implants bite with a force similar to that of natural teeth and may resolve these issues.
Do I Need a Medical Alert System?
Why should I get a medical alert system? Here are some of the situations that people who have medical alert systems face: *They live alone. *They use a cane or walker to assist with mobility. *They had a fall or were at risk of falling. *They had been hospitalized. *They sometimes feel weak or dizzy. If you face any of these issues and it is important for you to continue living independently, a medical alert system may be the answer. With Lifeline, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that help is available 24/7 at the push of a button.
Setting Intentions
Setting intentions is an incredibly powerful tool to switch from negative thinking to positive. Here are some examples of daily intentions that can assist you in 2022. *Be grateful for three things today – Gratitude has the power to change your life. Practicing it brings peace of mind and switches your mindset from lack to abundance. *I intend to bring abundance into my life – by setting an intention to bring abundance into your life, you set yourself up for a positive mindset. Reach out today to find out how to create the list for success!
Developing Healthy Eating Habits
January is a good time to make a switch to healthy eating habits. Start by being mindful of your eating habits; take the time to eat throughout the day and notice when you are hungry or full. Set regular breaks and lunchtimes without distractions so you can focus on your nutrition. Make water your drink of choice. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning and between and with each meal throughout the day. Filling up a water bottle at the start of your day and keeping it nearby will remind you. You may be surprised at how energized you feel when you are properly hydrated.
