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!
Community News
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.
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.
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.
Sedation Dentistry
Many people are fearful of dental treatment. This apprehension and anxiety causes them to avoid and postpone regular dental care until their oral health deteriorates. Sedation dentistry, also known as “relaxation dentistry,” offers an opportunity to experience your dental treatment without pain or anxiety. Dr. Robert Wolanski and his sedation dentistry team can provide the highest quality care in a safe and relaxing environment to meet all your dental needs. Following a comprehensive physical assessment and radiographic evaluation, Dr. Wolanski will custom design a sedation protocol of medications that will work best for you.
Consent for Deeper Connection
For many of us, consent has been about saying no, an ignored no, or it has not been discussed at all. It might have felt fuzzy or not quite right in our body. Or maybe a ‘heck yes’ in our toes. For most of us it is an incomplete conversation. Consent is an embodied experience that can empower our relationship with self and with others; awaken our intimate life; allow us to take with full abandon, and to surrender completely. When we access our yes, no, maybe, slow down, and pause, practising over and over again, in a safe enough space. This is the work we do together.
Plan for the Future
Planning is important. We plan for things such as children, home purchases and funerals. As we age, we may require assistance with daily activities of living or something happens that leaves us unable to perform these activities. At this time, care might be the next step to maintaining independence. Planning ahead can help avoid the stress and anxiety of finding help when you need it the most. Things to consider: Do you want to stay in your own home? Do you have family who can assist in caring for you? Is your home accessible if your mobility decreases? We can help.
Move with Meaning
Are you aware that your hip socket knows when you get new glasses, have a tooth removed or don’t sense gravity well? The hip bones are amazing, living creatures. When you exercise, you need to move around your hip socket and the rest of the body orientates itself around that placement. The more you resist and ‘push’ through exercises just to feel like you are doing something good for yourself, the more potential there is for irritation and wear and tear arthritis. There are a million ‘bad’ ways to move but I do all I can to coach you through optimal movement.
Time to Get Your Flu Shot
It is time for the annual flu shot again to protect you and our health resources. The flu often takes an enormous toll on the health-care system. Hospitals and health-care facilities are already overwhelmed treating COVID-19 patients. People with higher risk of flu related complications include *People over 65 and children under 5, *Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant, *Residents of long-time care facilities, *People with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Please call the Medicine Shoppe today to schedule your flu shot appointment.
Help at the Push of a Button
Falls are a real concern for older adults. The good news is that most falls are preventable. Seniors can lower their risks by changing risky behaviour, proactively managing their health, and safety proofing their homes. Talk to your primary care provider about a fall-risk evaluation. Ask yourself, if I were to fall tonight, how would I get help if I couldn’t reach the phone? A medical alert service ensures that you can access help 24/7 at the push of a button. Some services also offer automatic fall detection. It’s never too early to protect yourself before a fall. Take these precautions today to live more independently and confidently.
