Menopause brings about a host of changes that can make intimacy painful or impossible. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause can cause symptoms of extreme burning, pain, and tissue tearing with intimacy. Early symptoms can respond to over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. More severe symptoms require a visit to the medical doctor. Prescription vaginal hormones can safely and effectively relieve the symptoms and return a couple to intimacy. If a woman doesn’t want to use hormones, then new laser therapies like MonaLisa Touch® and TempSure VitaliaTM can also be safely used to treat symptoms and restore vaginal health. Great skin at any age – Let us show you how!
Community News
Caregivers – Take Care
Recovery from a brain injury takes a long time. Caregivers need to be prepared for the hard work and long road ahead. Dedicated practice means millions of attempts to change the brain and allow the arm, leg or speech to recover. Be patient and supportive, but don’t do too much. Encourage independence. Don’t let yourself get to the end of your rope and burned out. Find ways to cope. Recognize when you need help and ask for it. Relationships evolve and change after a brain injury. Roles and personalities may change. Talk about it. Focus on the good in your life. Find support.
Community Profile
Bliss Yoga Studio and Wellness Centre is owned and operated by long-time Ladysmith residents, Clayton and Alison Strom. This cozy boutique studio and wellness centre in downtown Ladysmith is also their home. Whether you take one of the many unique or traditional yoga classes offered in the Studio or visit them downstairs in the Wellness Centre for alternative therapies for pain and injury, they look forward to meeting you. Clayton and Alison are proud to be Islanders and welcome all abilities, shapes, sizes and genders. Along your journey to health and wellness, they hope to help you find your personal path to bliss…
Tea and Toast Syndrome
“Tea and toast syndrome” refers to malnutrition in seniors when a lack of desire or inability to prepare and/or eat proper meals results in them relying on simpler meals like tea and toast. Seniors who skip meals almost daily, have gained/lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months, take medications, have dental issues, or have a disability can be at risk for malnutrition. Some common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, memory issues, digestive issues, a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and anemia. There are support services available to help seniors eat well and regularly!
Gambling Outreach Support
If you are looking for support or an alternative to counselling, you can easily access our team of outreach specialists. They can provide support, assist with personal goals and connect individuals and families with harm reduction resources and appropriate services. They are a resource that provides information, support, referrals, and accompaniment to resources, including: *peer support organizations (such as 12 Step groups or Smart Recovery), *online self-help resources, *community support organizations (legal services, housing services, community mental health services, and many others). They can be reached by phone, text messaging, web chat, or in person. All services are free of charge.
Not Getting Enough ZZZZ’s?
We know that a good diet and exercise will help keep us healthy but did you know that not getting enough sleep has a negative impact on your health? Short term problems include *Lack of alertness, *Impaired memory and ability to think, *Relationship stress and quality of life. Serious health issues related to insufficient sleep include, *Weight gain, *Increased risk of heart disease and stroke,* High Blood pressure, *Lack of sex drive. It is time to make sleep a priority. Let’s get sufficient sleep, starting tonight! Come in and discuss the various sleep products available to help you!
Digestive Health
Today we recognize the importance of having the right kind of bacteria in our gut. Probiotics are a certain type of bacteria that provides health benefits when eaten. The use of probiotics have been shown to reduce overall symptoms and abdominal pain. Clinical trials showed that probiotics are overall effective treatments for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Probiotics may also reduce the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the gut, speeding up the healing process of peptic ulcers. Experts agree that the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific. Speak to your pharmacist to determine which probiotic is right for you.
Related Fall Risks
In addition to decreased mobility, there are other risk factors that can lead to falling: Sensory Deficits; problems with sensation, whether it be with the eyes, ears or feeling in the feet, can increase your risk of falling. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Low Blood Pressure; when we quickly go from lying or sitting to standing, our blood pressure drops, this can interfere with balance, vision and coordination. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly and ensure you have good footing before taking a step.
Boost Your Immune System
Boosting your immune system helps keep viruses, such as the Corona Virus and other unwanted intruders, at bay. Negative emotions and feelings such as Fear, Stress, Anxieties, Pain, Guilt, Grief, and Anger lead to physical weakness in the body. In these threatening times, we all need to strengthen our immune system and heal our body. We can do so via emotional and mental balance and happiness which can be achieved with 3D-Healing. 3D-Healing, used since the 1970s by Olympic athletes, is absolutely non-invasive and suitable for all ages, purely positive, uplifting, and healing. Please call for a free, 15 min consultation.
Look After the Caregiver
As the Canadian senior population grows, unpaid caregiving becomes more widespread than ever before. Over 4.5 million Canadians play a role in caring for a family member and caregiver stress and burnout is a significant issue. Caregivers need to be honest about how much care they can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.
Anniversary – Comfort Keepers
It is hard to believe, that two years ago, we opened the doors to Comfort Keepers on Central Vancouver Island. Our continuing growth is a testament to our values, the dedication our amazing staff puts into every client and the passion of our leadership. Comfort Keepers is the product of owner, D’Arcy Falkiner’s years of listening to nursing patients’ desires to retain their independence and to be at home. We understand the increase in quality of life that staying in a familiar environment affords our clients. We look forward to continuing to engage with the people in our community for years to come!
