Community News
Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often occurs with age when the inner ear structures degenerate. While some gradual hearing impairment is inevitable, certain factors increases the risk of developing hearing problems. These include: *Loud noise or occupational hazards: One-time or continuous exposure to high decibel sounds such as gunshots, concerts or lawnmowers, * Heredity: Your genetic makeup or family history, *Head injuries: Traumatic head injuries can also harm parts of the ear. *Ear diseases: Otosclerosis, Ménière’s disease can contribute to hearing loss, *Other illnesses: The ear can be damaged by high fever, and some medications can damage the inner ear. If a loved one is struggling with hearing loss suggest they come in for a hearing test.

Preference for Aging in Place

A new survey suggests more Canadians want to continue living at home as they age, rather than move to a retirement or long-term care facility, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Institute on Ageing (Ryerson University) conducted the online survey with 1,517 Canadians in July 2020. Overall, 91% of respondents said they would try “to live safely and independently in their own home as long as possible.” A 2018 StatsCan report noted that about a quarter of adult Canadians provided home care for a family member or friend, indicating a growing need for additional home care support.

How to Properly Dispose of Medications

It is a good idea to regularly go through medications around the house and remove the ones that are no longer being used or those that are expired. Do not throw them in the garbage or down the toilet. For over-the-counter pills, remove as much as you can from the packaging and recycle that in your household recycling. Remove all personal information from your prescription labels. Put all the solid doses in a large container or bag. Add inhaler canisters (rinse and recycle the plastic parts). Leave liquids and creams in the containers. Pack it up and bring it to the pharmacy for proper disposal.

It’s About the Journey

In group yoga, it’s common and understandable to see bodies creatively molding themselves into a shape, no matter the method – Unfortunately this can lead to injury. As a teacher, it’s difficult to dive into posture intricacies without interrupting the flow of class and cues are used to course correct a student’s posture once they’re in the position. Working 1:1 with a yoga therapist allows a deeper look at your history, physical needs and personal goals and gives us the freedom to explore what’s most important to you. Take what you learn and apply it to your daily activities, your preferred sport or your existing yoga practice!

Words to Live By

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. – Helen Keller

Aronia Berries are Powerful Antioxidants

Today more than ever, a healthy immune system is important. According to Healthline, Aronia berries may strengthen the immune system and even counteract some infections. Aronia –grown in BC – contains powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice, when taken regularly, reduced blood glucose. Aronia extracts have also reduced inflammation and improved immunity. And in hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.

AJ Pedal Wheelchair

Whether your mobility has been impacted by Parkinson’s, MS, a stroke, or knee or hip trouble, the AJ Pedal Wheelchair is designed to get you moving again. Like a bike, it’s powered by you – so you can reconnect with your body, rebuild muscle tone and improve your cardiovascular system. Designed to maneuver in tight spaces like narrow halls and doorways, the AJ rides easily into elevators, buildings and shopping centres. More robust than a wheelchair, the AJ allows you to pedal through parks, along sidewalks and even ride public transit. One-handed, dual hydraulic brakes allow you to stop quickly with just a gentle squeeze of the brake handle. The comfort-ride shock and pneumatic tires keep you comfortable and confidently in control. Each AJ is hand built in Victoria, BC, using the highest grade aluminum and other durable materials for a safe and sturdy ride.

Preserving the Human-Canine Bond

Community volunteers at ElderDog Canada Victoria provide no-cost services such as dog walking, transportation to and from a vet or groomer, foster care when a senior is temporarily hospitalized, and rehoming when keeping the senior and dog together is no longer feasible. Eligible seniors include those who have ongoing health and/or mobility challenges, require temporary support while they undergo and recover from surgery, or must move to a care facility and cannot bring their dog with them. If you are a senior who needs help caring for your dog, you can email ElderDog Canada Victoria [email protected].

Enjoy the Outdoors!

If there is one thing that we learned from the past year, it is the importance of our health. Now is the time to start living a healthy lifestyle. We may still need to wear masks and practice social distancing, but outside our door is the beautiful nature of our Vancouver Island. Whether it is just a walk around the block, or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boosts our wellbeing. 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.
Great Socks for All, Facebook.com/GreatSocksForAll

WorkBC Assistive Technology Services

“We’re dealing with an aging workforce that will have more people with chronic pain issues, more people with vision or hearing loss, and there are different supports available depending on the degree of challenges you are dealing with,” says Nate Toevs, Marketing Manager for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program. “We know we can bring a lot to the table that can make a huge impact for that individual, which in turn will impact the company that they work for.”
The program provides funding for assistive technology, ergonomics, restorative supports including canes and crutches, hearing aids, vehicle modifications, and more.
Contact us for more information at 1-844-453-5506 or [email protected]

Enjoy your precious time together.

Providing care for a loved one takes its toll on family members as they attempt to juggle additional responsibilities on top of already busy lives. Balancing children, work, and care needs often leaves family caregivers exhausted and overwhelmed.
Enlisting trusted, trained assistance for tasks like grocery shopping, support for appointments or simple outings will provide much-needed margins so children can enjoy the precious time they have together with their loved ones.
Independently owned, Care & Company equips team members with excellent training and ongoing support, so your loved ones receive the level of care and companionship they deserve.