The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 7-8 hours for older adults. Individual requirements for adults may vary however, consistently sleeping fewer than six hours or ten or more hours a night can have health risks. One of the best ways to train our body to sleep well is to get into a regular routine. To get your body into a regular rhythm, aim to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends and days off. Wake up refreshed every morning.
Community News
Reluctant to Accept Help?
It can be very difficult to accept help. Seniors often think that accepting help means losing their independence. It is as if by accepting help, they are telling the world that they are no longer able to live independently. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase your independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in your home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Staying Active, Really?!
The old saying “If you don’t use it you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favor to stave off falls, increase independence and help prevent illness like a stroke, diabetes type 2 and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you do like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking and even mowing the lawn counts. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.
Stay Safe in the Heat
During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight fitting clothing. A symptoms of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behavior, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Grinding Your Teeth?
When under stress, many people find themselves grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. It is often something we do when we sleep. Bruxism can be caused by stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite or missing and crooked teeth, or it can be due to sleep disorders. Bruxism can lead to symptoms such as dull headache or a sore jaw. Severe grinding can lead to painful or loose teeth which can lead to fractures in your teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
Do You Feel Abundant?
Abundance means different things to different people. Often times we think of abundance as having a lot of money or wealth. Abundance is so much more than a healthy bank account. Abundance is a Feeling; an appreciation of life, joy and strength of body, mind and spirit! If you FEEL abundant, you will be abundant! If you aren’t feeling it, a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions. These emotions can keep you feeling that you don’t deserve abundance in your life.
Teach Your Young Ones about Giving
Are you a parent or grandparent looking to teach your young ones this summer about giving and sharing? Why not involve them in the planning and running of their own fundraiser? It can serve as an important teaching opportunity on how to organize and launch an activity. The pride they will feel knowing they are helping others, will leave a lasting impression about the importance of contributing to community. That is how community is strengthened, one act of kindness at a time. Find out more at www.sosd69.com/community-fundraising.
Hike for Hospice – Community Fundraiser
The annual Hike for Hospice takes place on September 11th at Westwood Lake Park. Walk, run or hike the 1km or 6km option at your own pace. Register by August 11 to be entered into the Early Bird Draw. Funds raised stay local. Gather your family and friends – walk to honor the memory of your loved ones. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of age, means or culture. Volunteers and professional staff offer free programs resources & education. See their website NanaimoHospice.com/Events for more information and to register for the Hike.
Summer Pop Up Concert Series
Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.
Hearing Loss in Older Adults
According to HealthLinkBC, nearly 1 out of every 4 Canadian adults report some degree of hearing loss or hearing disability. The prevalence of hearing loss rises with age. When hearing loss remains un-treated in older adults, they may experience a significant reduction in quality of life and are at risk of poorer long-term health outcomes. Adults with un-treated hearing loss may become withdrawn and socially isolated and are at an increased risk of cognitive decline.They are also at greater risk of falling which increases with the severity of the hearing loss.
