According to Statistics Canada, in 2019 an estimated 19% of Canadian adults had at least mild hearing loss in the speech-frequency and 35% had some degree of hearing loss in the high-frequency range. This is where age-related hearing loss typically begins. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from some hearing loss: *You struggle to hear when there is background noise, *People around you sound like they are whispering or mumbling, *People ask you to turn down the TV or radio, *Conversations in a group setting are becoming frustrating. Book a hearing test and we will come to you!
Community News
Remedy’sRx Mobile App, Diem® Health
Remedy’s Rx pharmacy offers a compliance package, a free service, for all of your routine medications. The pharmacy prepares all your routine medications to be received all at once during your medication pick-up appointment or through delivery. With blister packs, potential issues such as side effects, drug interactions, and adding or removing medications can be better monitored and managed. The Remedy’sRx mobile app, diem® health helps you manage your medications, anytime, anywhere. Benefits include:* Faster fills or refills for either pick-up or delivery, *Manage all your family’s health needs with a single account, *Use a photo to easily add new prescriptions and *Information about your prescription medication.
Wellness for Fathers’ Day
Does the man in your life have a closet full of Father’s Day ties? This year, show him that you care about his wellness and give him socks – VoxxLife socks. They have wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance. Knee high socks with mild compression are great when standing for a long time or excess sitting. For the active walkers or runners, chose moisture wicking socks to keep the feet cool in summer. Socks are available for contactless pick-up or delivery in Central Vancouver Island or order directly from the website.
Social Activity & Aging Well
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
Can I Exercise with Hearing Aids?
Having hearing aids doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Modern hearing aids are designed to suit your life, that means sport and exercise also! Here are some simple things to do to ensure the longevity of your hearing aid. *Use hearing aid sweat bands to protect your device from sweat dripping into its holes, *Using hearing aid clips helps keep your device in place when doing more rigorous routines, *After your workout, immediately clean your hearing aid with antimicrobial products. Don’t forget to remove the battery from your hearing aid to allow it to fully dry up from your workout.
Tips to Prevent Medication Mishaps
As we age, for many of us, medications begins to play an important role in maintaining health and longevity. This often means taking multiple medications. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: *Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, *Shake bottles of liquid medications before use, *Take all medications as prescribed, *Use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, *Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, *Never stop taking a medication suddenly without checking with your doctor. Most importantly, conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mental Health Awareness Challenge
“Ride Don’t Hide” is the largest mental health awareness challenge in Canada raising over $1 million annually. Join thousands of riders, walkers, runners, yogis, spinners and more in communities across Canada as we bring mental health into the open. The Medicine Shoppe plays an important role in providing support to patients and their loved ones struggling with mental health concerns, in and out of the pharmacy. They have proudly sponsored the Ride Don’t Hide challenge for the past three years. The Nanaimo Departure Bay and Parksville Medicine Shoppes, with help from their clients, are donating $1,000 each to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Finding Joy
What does “Joy” mean to you? The dictionary defines it as a noun, “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are. Joy means something different to each person. Author Robert Holden suggests affirming every day: “Today I will follow my joy”. Spiritual Teacher Eckhart Tolle teaches that Joy can flow from deep within us out to the world. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more JOY in your life.
SOS Supports the Community
Did you know that District 69 reports higher unemployment than other BC region? Single parent families in our region have lower incomes than other BC regions. Nearly half of renters in our region spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, if they can even find housing. SOS is committed to supporting families and individuals experiencing hardship. We provide food vouchers and advocacy support, deliver healthy meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and help connect people with professional counsellors, and much more. We have a plan to reach more and do more to help lift our residents out of poverty.
Profile: The Gardens at Qualicum Beach
The Gardens at Qualicum Beach offers boutique retirement living in the picturesque beauty of Qualicum Beach in the heart of town with shopping, golfing, dining and beaches nearby. Unlimited access to scheduled life enrichment programs in recreation, leisure, social arts, entertainment and fitness allows you to participate in as much as you want or to take quiet time for yourself. Their resident-focused philosophy and personalized care and support, provides a loving, caring environment that helps you feel at home. With three levels of care to choose from including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Residential Care, they can help you live a life of choice.
Strategies to Manage Stress
Awareness and management of personal stress is very important as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the symptoms and tips to help reduce your stress level for two common stresses. Physical Stress -Symptoms may include feeling tired, headache, neck & shoulder tightness and stomach pain. Exercising at home 3–5 times per week for at least 30 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our mood and overall health. Mental Stress – symptoms may include decrease in concentration and in short-term trouble making decisions, overthinking or going blank. Prioritizing ‘timeout’ breaks can help with maintaining mental function balance.
