The strength of CVSS is its contingent of amazing volunteers. If you would like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior, or assist someone with accessing services in the community, or have another strength to offer, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. Beginning in September, volunteer training sessions will be done monthly so there will be only minimal waiting before you can begin!
Community News
Blockchain and Online Gambling
Blockchain is a method of tracking transactions using a public, globally-distributed ledger. It is most commonly used for cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Blockchain automatically and securely keeps a historical record, or ledger, of all transactions; working across a network of computers, cryptocurrencies can operate without a central authority. It is already revolutionizing online gambling and is now emerging in video games. For example, an emerging trend in gaming culture is the integration of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs allow blockchain to issue one-of-a-kind digital assets with unique attributes, meaning that players can acquire securely stored in-game assets.
What is an End-of-Life Doula?
End of Life Practitioners, or doulas, are highly trained in skills that involve providing practical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for the dying, their loved ones, and caregivers. They are proficient in advocating, end of life practices (vigil, companion, end of life rituals, and home death), and the training, knowledge, skills, and presence needed to address the practical, psycho-social, and spiritual dynamic journey of dying. Doula-client relationships engage the difficult and complex emotions while navigating the signs and symptoms of the dying process. Dynamic Journey End of Life Practitioner Service’s are offered from Comox Valley to Parksville, including surrounding islands.
A Prescription for Exercise
Being active can reduce risk of chronic disease by as much as 80%, yet fewer than 25% of Canadian adults meet physical activity guidelines. Exercise can also do what medications cannot (e.g., improve balance, reduce risk of falls). If you’re making lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce the number of medications you are taking. As your pharmacists, we can help you do this safely. Please visit our website for the full article about prescriptions for exercise.
Bringing Mobility to You
Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free Canada Scooters safety guide and ask your local Canada Scooters shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Is Your Will Up To Date?
Even if you know you need to update your Will, it’s easy to find yourself letting your documents collect dust on the shelf. The good news is that going through major changes in your life doesn’t necessarily invalidate your will. The bottom line is: If your Will isn’t up-to-date, your end-of-life wishes may not be fulfilled in the way you would have liked. Your wishes may also have changed since you wrote your will. To avoid these pitfalls and the costs associated with updating your will, contact us today to order your free Estate Planning Kit which includes a Legal Will Guide.
Create Abundance in Your Life
We think of abundance as money or wealth. Abundance is so much more than a healthy bank account, it is a Feeling! Feel an appreciation for life itself. When you have abundance, you are grateful for everything you have and you focus on your strengths. To increase abundance in your life, incorporate gratitude into your daily life and train your mind to recognize the possibilities in every situation. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that keep you feeling that you don’t deserve abundance in your life.
Senior Summer Safety Tips
Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50—every two to four hours you are outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke – so make sure to keep hydrated!
Socks for Many Reasons
Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style like our prime minister with his maple leaf socks. Many of us choose our socks by appearance not realizing that there are many health benefits to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Today there are socks available that not only keep your feet warm, but may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Dentures
To get the most out of your dentures, it’s important to take proper care of them. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to denture care. DO: 1) Handle your dentures carefully. 2) Remove and rinse after eating. 3) Remove before bed and soak overnight. 4) Rinse before putting them back in your mouth. 5) Brush dentures daily. 6) See your dentist regularly. DON’T: 1) Use whitening toothpaste, abrasive cleaners, bleach products, sharp objects, or hot water to clean your dentures. 2) Use tugging motions when eating. 3) Neglect your dentures. 4) Wear ill-fitting dentures.
