Learning to use a mobility aid after a fall or injury is very important for maintaining independence, ability to enjoy leisure tasks and to perform household tasks. In order to prevent re-injury, the mobility device must be used correctly and have appropriate adjustments for posture, seating and gait. Once an assistive device is prescribed to a patient, we can make adjustments and corrections to the fit and then prescribe exercise based on the client’s mobility goals. Goals may include navigating stairs, curbs or opening doorways. An exercise prescription, in conjunction with a prescribed assistive device, produces much greater mobility progression.
Community News
Clean Your Teeth
Most dental problems are caused by bacteria. Bacteria hide along the gum line or in tartar that builds up on teeth and attacks surrounding tissues causing inflammation and bleeding. Good dental hygiene at home and regular cleaning at your dentist’s office are very important to eliminate the growth of bacteria and maintain good gum health. Left unchecked, bacteria can melt the bone around the teeth causing root exposure and pockets where more bacteria can hide. This can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. Call your dentist today to book your next cleaning.
Time for an Eye Exam
Many of us take our vision for granted. We assume that if we can see fine then we do not need an eye exam. Periodic eye and vision examinations performed by an optometrist are an important part of caring for your eyes, vision, and overall health. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. Obvious signs that it is time for an eye exam include; difficulties seeing in the distance or up close, unexplained headaches or trouble reading at any distance. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems can help prevent vision loss. Book an appointment today.
Tips to Avoid Heatstroke
With summer in full swing, it is important to know how to “Beat the Heat”. *Drink plenty of cool water even before you feel thirsty. *Use an air conditioner or fan to circulate air or go to an air-conditioned place for a few hours during hot days. *Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing. *Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. *Avoid the sun and *Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. Be aware of these signs of heat stroke; *dizziness or fainting, *nausea or vomiting, *headache, *extreme thirst, *rapid breathing and heartbeat. If heat stroke is suspected, seek medical help immediately.
Community Announcement
Join Today
Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support.
Caregiver Support Group
Our virtual Caregiver Support Group gives caregivers an opportunity to connect with one another. A dedicated safe space to share experiences, as well as seek advice from those in a similar position, without fear of judgement. Meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays at 1:30 PM.
To learn more or to join, contact Nisa Moman at 604-531-9400 x 219 or [email protected]
Seniors Center without Walls
If you are experiencing difficulties getting out of your home for activities and would like to stay socially connected with other people join our Seniors Center without Walls. This is a free interactive telephone based program that connects seniors 55+ in a variety of recreational activities, health and wellness talks and friendly conversations. With activities like Mindfulness Meditation to Brain Teasers, SCWW focuses to improve cognition and keep the brain healthy. To receive a program schedule, please contact Edwin Chau at 604-531-9400 ext. 205.
Fresh and Lively
Our Meal Programs across Surrey and White Rock offer older adults community lunches where they can enjoy a hot nutritious meal in a group setting. The Meal Program provides the opportunity for seniors to meet new friends and to engage in socialization. Over 3,000 meals served each year and countless friendships made. Come join us for some great food, excellent entertainment, and an opportunity to meet new people! If you would like to learn more about our Community Lunches or would like to register, contact 604-531-9400 or email Nicole at [email protected]
Meet Your Practitioner
Priscilla Narotam, B.SC., D.C., earned her chiropractic degree from the University of Western States and has been in practice for 10 years. She is in good standing with the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the BC Chiropractic Association, and the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia. Priscilla’s focus is on arthritis relief, muscle and joint aches/stiffness, gentle mobilization of joints, and conservative care for headache/migraine management. Technique-wise, Priscilla warms the muscles first with soft tissue work before any mobilization or manipulation of the joints. She enjoys seeing her patients progress and find relief, and helping find the root cause of their pain.
Acupuncture for PTSD
PTSD is a physiological disorder that results from being exposed to a traumatic event. It can affect anyone at any point in their life. The disorder can result in several symptoms including, but not limited to anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, and flashbacks. Acupuncture for PTSD is administered by stimulating specific auricular points as well as others in the body. These points are responsible for signaling areas of the brain to help control nervous functioning as well as mitigate stress levels. Acupuncture treatments also have benefits such as a decrease in depression and physical pain. Soldiers, police officers, fire fighters and countless others who have been diagnosed with PTSD are using acupuncture to experience relief.
Benefits of Salt Therapy
Salt has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties. Halo or Salt Therapy originated in Eastern Europe where underground hospitals were built within salt mine caves. Today, Salt (Halo) therapy uses a system called a halogenerator which disperses tiny particles of salt into a room or chamber to be absorbed via the lungs and skin. This system was designed to mimic the temperature, humidity and pressure of those caves to create a similar salt environment within a computer-controlled room/chamber. This therapy can help with a variety of symptoms and conditions including asthma, ear infections/acute otitis media, allergies like rhinitis and hay fever, acute or chronic bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cold and flu, cystic fibrosis, dermatitis/eczema/psoriasis, emphysema, and sinusitis. The negative ions of salt absorbed into the body and bloodstream via the skin and lungs during a salt therapy session can also help to boost the body’s immunity and resistance to illnesses, improve cell metabolic processes and strengthen the functions of autonomic nerves. Lastly, the concentration of magnesium in the salt can improve digestion, reduce muscle cramps/aches and induce a state of calm promoting relaxation.
Lehla Moran, CGA, RHN | Salt Wellness Centre | HealingSalts.ca
Do I Have Hearing Loss?
Unlike vision loss where people tend to promptly seek assistance by wearing glasses, hearing loss tends to be ignored, become rationalized by age or is blamed on others for not speaking clearly enough.
Hearing loss is common for many people throughout Canada. According to the Stats Canada Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS), 6% of adults over the age of 55 report limitations as a result of hearing loss and this number increases to nearly 36% of adults aged 75 and older. In total, this works out to roughly 966,000 Canadians who are willing to report awareness of hearing loss (and that’s not considering those who are possibly in denial).
Many people are simply unaware of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss, the benefits of early detection and intervention, and what resources are available. In order to reduce the likelihood of a hearing loss going undetected, being ignored, and left untreated, here is what you can watch for:
Is there a problem?: The most common signs of hearing loss are needing repetition, turning the volume up on the television, difficulty hearing on the telephone, difficulty hearing clearly, difficulty hearing in background noise, and failing to hear common household sounds like the doorbell. Schedule a hearing test: Annual hearing testing is recommended for adults over the age of 55, even if they do not suspect a hearing loss. Hearing test results are medical records and, as such, are kept on file for 7 years. These results can be used as a baseline to compare with any future hearing evaluations. The best thing is that hearing testing is complimentary and does not require a referral from your family doctor or ENT specialist. Investigate available resources: While hearing aids are often recommended to treat hearing loss, there are other helpful devices that you may not have considered. For example, amplified telephones boost the volume of incoming calls and can often be adjusted for tone and customized for your hearing loss. TV devices amplified alarm clocks and alerting systems for doorbells and smoke detectors are also available.
If you believe that your parents, grandparents, or friends are suffering from a hearing loss (see hearing loss and parents for more), the best thing you can do for them is to speak up and, if necessary, help them choose a hearing care provider to work with them on their individual needs. For more information on hearing loss and available resources, or to take a free online hearing test, visit www.mainlandhearing.com.
Contributed by Dr. Susan Marynewich, Au.D., RAUD, RHIP
Level of Care
For many aging adults, non-medical home care is the right fit. Your loved one will receive the support and attention of a professional caregiver for however much time they need it. Some care recipients benefit from companionship services for just a few hours each week, while others prefer receiving assistance from a caregiver daily. However, some aging adults have medical needs that go beyond the scope of non-medical home care. They might benefit more by receiving care from a live-in nurse or another healthcare provider. And for others, assisted living might be the best choice if they require 24-hour medical care or attention.
Get Mobile!
Do more of what you want – when you want. If you ever find yourself waiting around for people to assist you with daily tasks and errands, a mobility scooter could allow you to take matters into your own hands. Confinement can be the most depressing situation that restricted mobility individuals can experience. Nobody wants to stay inside for a long time, especially when it isn’t necessary. Battery powered scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable than ever. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go.
