Alzheimer’s disease presents unique challenges for individuals living with the disease and the people caring for them. Here are three approaches you can consider as you care for your loved one: *Engage them with meaningful activities such as folding clothes or working on a puzzle. *Accept your limitations as a caregiver and recognize when and where you need support. *Learn helpful communication strategies. There isn’t one “right” way of communicating with all individuals, so try different strategies to find what works best to help your loved one feel supported. Learn more on our blog at CBI.ca.
Community News
Celebrating Memories on Mother’s Day
Whether the loss of your mother was recent or long ago, you can honour her life in creative ways. *Make a statement – Plant her favourite flower in remembrance. *Social Media – Create a Facebook page dedicated to your mom and invite family to post photos and stories. Ask your funeral home or cemetery about free online memorials. *Pay it forward – Volunteer or donate to her favourite charity. *Remember her favourites – Honour and remember her by doing something she loved. *Celebrate together – Host a video call where everyone can exchange stories and share her favourite memory.
Meditation for Mental Wellness
The benefits of sitting quietly and going within are profound. The deep state of rest produced by meditation triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These chemicals play many roles related to well-being, including increasing feelings of happiness, decreasing feelings of pain, and reducing the side effects of stress. Studies have found that meditation and mindfulness can decrease symptoms related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood-related disorders, without side-effects that might be experienced while taking medications. Meditation can play an important role in maintaining and improving your mental health and well-being safely and effectively.
Acupuncture for Menopause Symptoms
Menopause can cause a number of uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Some women may not want to or can’t use hormone replacement therapy, which is a common treatment for menopause symptoms. Recent studies in both Denmark and the United States suggest that acupuncture may help with symptoms of menopause. Women who received acupuncture sessions during the studies reported less severe and less frequent day and night sweats, general sweating, sleep problems, emotional and physical symptoms, and skin and hair problems compared to women who did not have acupuncture sessions during the studies.
Wealth & Well-Being
Selecting a Financial Advisor. If you’re shopping around for a new financial advisor or simply reviewing your relationship with your current advisor, there are some essential questions you should ask. 1) What qualifies you to provide financial advice? Ask about qualifications, continuing education, and areas of expertise. 2) What is your approach, and what services does it include? Discuss investment style and availability. 3) What am I paying for all of this? 4) What should my goals be, and how can you help me achieve them? Define your goals and create a plan. 5) How will we measure success? Ask the advisor for references.
Ask The Expert
Q: Are 3D glasses from the movie theatre OK to wear as sunglasses? I heard they are polarized.
A: Commonly these glasses have some UV protection, but they are not polarized the same way as polarized sunglasses, in which the lenses are oriented to reduce glare and bright reflections from horizontal surfaces like roads, ice, and water. You’ll do better to let the theatre keep their glasses and get something better suited for protection and function.
Feeling Like Your Drowning?
After the last two years we have had you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Talk therapy offers a supportive environment to work through issues while shifting or changing perspectives. Counselling can provide skills and strategies that support quality sleep, health affirming lifestyle habits, communication skills, and overall increase our quality of life. From depression and anxiety to anger management and inter-personal skills, our intern program can offer mental health support for what gets in the way of our mental resiliency. Low fee intern counselling without a waitlist!
What’s in Your Smoothie?
Move over, goji berries: there’s a new superfood in town. Meet the Aronia berry! Aronia berries have outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties which have been well documented. They contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown helps in fighting cancer, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce blood glucose in diabetics. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Aronia berries contain five times the antioxidant level of goji berries with no bitter aftertaste.
Boost Well-being with Fresh Air & Exercise
One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. With summer just around the corner, it is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing
For low-income parents who have young children, the last two years have been especially difficult. Financial stress, months of social isolation, and the daily challenge of keeping growing minds and bodies busy have taken their toll. And for older children and youth, school disruption and the loss of social connection with their friends have affected their academic and emotional well-being. That’s why SOS Child, Youth and Family programs are so important for supporting mental health and well-being. To learn more about these free programs, or how to support them, visit our website, call us or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often occurs with age when the inner ear structures degenerate, causing a loss of protective hairs and nerve cells. Other factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing hearing problems include *Loud noise or occupational hazards: One-time or continuous exposure to high decibel sounds. *Heredity: Your genetic makeup or family history. *Traumatic head injuries. *Ear disease and other diseases like otosclerosis or Ménière’s disease. *Other illnesses: high fever and some medications can damage the inner ear. Consult a hearing professional if you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss.
