Are your legs keeping you from falling asleep? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
Community News
Learning about BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia — an enlarged prostate — is a normal condition of aging in men. It is very common, with the incidence increasing significantly after age 40 and affecting nearly 3 of every 4 men who are over age 70. Symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and difficulty voiding urine. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and involve your pharmacist in discussions about your treatment. There is plenty that you can learn about prevention, medications, and other treatment options specific to your situation! For more information, see our full article at MedicineShoppeCourtenay.ca.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life
Maintaining good oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums healthy – it can have an impact on the rest of your body as well. Research suggests that a buildup of dental plaque can be linked to other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and even various types of infections. Brushing and flossing away dental plaque each day can help keep buildup under control and limit your risk of other issues linked to poor oral health. It’s important to see your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth, gums, and other oral tissue are in tip-top shape.
Hearing Loss Affecting Your Relationship?
Best Hearing Aids For 2021
Purchasing hearing aids is an important and expensive investment to make. The various brands, styles and features give people an opportunity to select a hearing aid that suits their lifestyle, hearing loss and preferences to personalize their hearing experience. Hearing aids are vast in their capabilities and features. For example, there are rechargeable hearing aids, automatic noise adjusting aids, Bluetooth pairing, tinnitus masking and much more. Every person is unique so naturally, hearing aids need to be unique for each individual. Learn more by reading our latest blog post.
Caring for Hearing Devices
Taking good care of your hearing aids can significantly prolong their life. *Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids. *Clean them regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. *Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming and store in a dry location away from condensation. *Remove them before applying perfume or hair spray. *Store them in their case or drying cup away from heat sources and direct sunlight. *If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them separately. *Use a hearing aid expert if you need repairs.
Creating a Season of Comfort and Joy
If you’re living on a fixed income or struggling to afford the rising costs of groceries, the upcoming holidays can be a time of dread rather than a season of comfort and joy. For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been making sure local children and youth have something special waiting under the tree for them. The program also provides grocery gift cards so residents can choose food that is meaningful to them over the holidays. Visit the SOS website to make a financial donation, find out gift drop-off times for the SOS Toy Shop, and learn more about registration.
ReGroup Family Support
ReGroup Family Support is now being offered online for families negatively impacted by problematic gaming behaviours. We recognize that some families are experiencing the impacts of unhealthy gaming. It can overtake other activities, commitments, and self-care. Concerns over consistent co-parenting, whether living together or in separate households, transition adjustments, rage quitting, meltdowns, concurrent physical and/or mental health problems all add to the complications of gaming disorder. Reach out anytime to inquire about the ReGroup Family Support group. Our other services include in-class presentations, workshops for educators, parents and caregivers, health and social service professionals, interested in learning about gaming and/or gambling.
Make Your Home Safer
Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs. • Keep items you use the most easily accessible. • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night. • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases. • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house. • Get a Home Safety Assessment. if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.
As Winter Comes
Most everyone on the West Coast knows, November brings with it more rain and overcast skies. Many people experience an effect on their mood during this time, which can certainly make things more difficult. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a known phenomenon, where the winter weather affects moods and outlook on life. A couple strategies to help overcome these “winter blues” is to continue with those all-important self-care strategies of enjoyable activities, and the regular use of a full-spectrum light of some sort throughout your day! Fight back against the dreary with light!
3 Ways to Improve Mental Health
Seniors are at risk for developing anxiety and depression due to chronic disease, isolation, and loneliness. If you’re a senior, here are 3 proven ways to help improve your mental health: 1. Move your body and stay active. Exercise has been scientifically proven to boost your mood and relieve stress. Aim for 30 minutes of activity each day. 2. Make time for friendships. Research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer and happier than those who don’t. 3. Flex Your Mind. Routine brain exercises help you maintain healthy cognitive function, so grab a new book or challenge yourself to a puzzle.
Look After the Caregiver
When you are the caregiver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from burn out: *Withdrawal from family and friends *Changes in sleep patterns *Feelings of irritability, helplessness and resentment *Decline in your own health. Things you can do to support yourself include talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; finding a support group and being realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that the time may come when your loved one will need specialized long term care and know that it is available in your community.
