Community News
Get Energized!

Boost your pre or post workout by incorporating chlorophyll-rich greens with Coconut MCT into your daily routine. Studies have shown when taken before exercising, Coconut MCT may reduce lactic acid build up and encourage the body to burn more fat instead of carbs for energy. These can be found in a greens powder formula at your health food store and added to smoothies or water. Taking it in the morning can also make you feel more energized throughout the day. Look for a greens product with Coconut MCT and Maca for sustained energy plus shelf-stable probiotics included to lighten your supplement load!

Where to Keep your Medication

Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.

What Defines Addiction?

Addiction is known to be a primary, chronic issue that occurs in the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or behaviours for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental resulting consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some studies show that there are possible genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?

Pre-Planning Your Funeral

No matter what end of the planning cycle you are on, being prepared and asking the right questions can help ease stress and ensure your wishes, or those of your loved one, are achieved. Pre-planning your funeral can save time and stress for your grieving family members, and give you the opportunity to personalize your celebration of life. Everyone is different, so take on funeral planning when you are comfortable and give yourself as much time as you need. The more details you have, the easier it will be for others to carry out your wishes.

Are You Having Fun?

When a Loved One Has Dementia
Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: 1. Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. 2. Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. 3. Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.

Your Homeopathic Solution

Are you dealing with symptoms that just won’t go away or just tired of the side effects of medications? Homeopathy, a gentle and natural medicine, may be just right for you. Homeopathy offers a holistic and complementary treatment for both chronic and acute diseases. It individualizes patient care by focusing on how symptoms of disease manifest in you, and not on the disease itself. After taking an in-depth look at your emotional, physical, and mental symptoms, your homeopath will create an individualized treatment plan. Homeopathic remedies are plant-based, non-toxic, and without side effects. They have proven highly effective and are safe for babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and pets.

Community Profile: Bastion Physiotherapy

Bastion Physiotherapy offers many different services for all ages. Our #1 goal is to make sure that you receive the best care and leave feeling satisfied with your treatment. Come and receive treatment in our new cozy environment where our staff will treat you like family. We welcome all Worksafe, ICBC, MSP and private with or without health insurance patients! We are now operating at full days and new patients are always welcome. Free walking pole seminars are up and running in a socially distanced environment. Call us today and get back to doing what you love to do!

COVID-19: Impact on Gambling

COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls are closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at [email protected].

Saliva; Not Just Moisture in Your Mouth

Saliva and its benefit is something we often take for granted. When production of your saliva is less than adequate it can present a number of genuine difficulties and health concerns. The bulk of saliva is derived from three pairs of glands in the mouth. They produce approximately three quarters of a teaspoon of saliva every minute during mastication (chewing) which provides lubrication to aid in chewing and swallowing. Saliva also acts as a protective layer on natural dentition, bathing the teeth with minerals to help prevent cavities. The enzymes in saliva work to limit bacterial, viral and fungal growth which, if left unchecked, can lead to infections and tooth decay.

Benefits of a Digital Fasting

Many of us live in a world where we have ready access to vast sums of digital technology right at our finger tips. Although this can be useful in keeping us connected, it also comes with some negative side effects, as your brain becomes reliant on the silent cyber connection. Taking occasional breaks from the digital world and increasing our mindful presence can have many positive health benefits. It can improve your sleep and mood, reduce irritability, and improve your overall mental health. By taking the occasional digital fast, you can boost your brain’s natural healing ability.

Moving to a Retirement Commuinity Today

If you are thinking of making a move to a retirement community, it is understandable to be fearful. Here are some questions to ask when making your decision: *Does the facility have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellness of its residents and staff? *Is their staff working at ONLY one location? *Have the cleaning protocols changed? *Have staff hours increased to ensure extra cleaning and care is in place? *If an infection should occur, what procedures are there to ensure the containment? Answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.