Local families in our community count on SOS programs for support, social interaction, education and enjoyment. COVID-19 restrictions have been hard on families. SOS is looking forward to restarting in-house programs for children, youth and families this fall and winter. Kids can connect with old and new friends and take part in fun activities. Parents can have a comfortable place to recharge, make important social contacts and watch their kids play in a fun and safe environment. Support these vital community programs by donating to the SOS Project Rebuild Campaign.
Community News
Profile: The Medicine Shoppe
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers personalized service. Through their Pharmacy at Home Program, complimentary home visits help you manage your medication schedule or set up your blister pack. Free delivery service is available anywhere in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Errington, Parksville and Qualicum. They also offer Blood Pressure, BMI and Diabetes Monitoring, Foot Care and Compression Sock Fitting and a compounding laboratory to prepare customized medication. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo and in Parksville. Mel and Kristen Azcarraga, pharmacists and owners, are proud to serve their community.
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Importance of Staying Mobile
Mobility is key to maintaining independence, especially as people age. For seniors, the loss of mobility has profound social, psychological, and physical consequences. If joints and muscles aren’t properly maintained, basic movements may cause pain or even injury. Luckily the many negative effects that comes with immobility can often be prevented or limited by physical activity and exercise. Join a local exercise class, take daily walks, or find something that you enjoy and make it a habit. There are many opportunities to move throughout the day and you can even practice many upper- and lower-body mobility exercises from a chair.
Public Notice – Cedar Valley Memorial
An important bylaw change took effect recently which increases the number of allowable interments per traditional burial space in our cemetery. This new bylaw applies to traditional burial lots in select gardens and allows for the placement of up to two additional cremation interments in a qualified lot. This is a unique opportunity to add to your existing family heritage on your current lot and save more. Please contact us for more information on this opportunity or to discuss other options. We’re here to help.
Healthy Immune System
Disease-causing microorganisms are around us 24/7 in our homes, nature and at work. They even exist inside of us and when their populations are in balance, they are essential in keeping us healthy! It is our immune system that keeps microorganisms in check, so we do not get sick. We have the power to improve and maintain a healthy immune system through proper diet, exercise, and mental wellness. Consider doing a health audit on your lifestyle and assess if you are implementing best practises to keep your immune system strong this winter.
Suffering From Osteoarthritis?
Do you suffer from pain, stiffness, and discomfort in your major joints like knees and hips? You may have osteoarthritis. In addition, to many non-drug therapies such as losing weight, exercise, and supports, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help. These include topical anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and oral anti-inflammatories such ibuprofen or naproxen. If a trail of over-the counter medications is not successful, there are prescription medications that could tried. While each of these options has some risks of side effects or drug interactions, your pharmacist can help you determine what option is best for you.
Early Detection of Hearing Loss
Identifying a hearing loss and aiding hearing loss early helps preserve the brain’s ability to receive and use the incoming sounds in a meaningful way. Early intervention keeps the brain sharp. Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do help improve your hearing and your ability to communicate. The longer you wait to aid hearing loss, the harder it is for your brain to adapt to the sound of hearing aids. The benefits of hearing aids increase the sooner and more consistently you use them. See a hearing professional if you suspect that you may have some hearing loss.
We All Need Social Support
Social support is important to our physical and mental health. We need other people who can offer many different kinds of social support. When you reach out to a close friend or family member about a personal issue you are looking for emotional support. This is someone you contact when you just want to talk about a problem and share your thoughts and feelings. You connect with a specialist about accessing a service or reach out to a counsellor or doctor when you’re looking for information or a deeper level of knowledge. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Redefining Fitness for Older Adults
Enjoy a variety of fun, modern, and effective programs that will help you live a more healthy, purposeful life and keep you active at any age! I offer in-home and outdoor personal training, regular group fitness classes and online wellness programs. My programs were designed for older adults of any age, ability or fitness level and can be adapted to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you are an experienced exerciser, a new beginner or simply looking to create some healthy habits, Reyna Maria Movement is the program for you. See website for class schedule and rates.
Ask The Expert
Q: I’m blind without my contact lenses. Do I really need to get glasses or should I just stock up on my contact lens supply? A: If you feel disabled without contact lenses, you ought to do both. There are times when you really need to wear glasses – to ensure the surface of your eye gets enough oxygen, or after an eye injury or eye infection. For optimum eye health, take time off from wearing the lenses and replace them often.
