An eulogy can be difficult to write. The person you loved will be remembered through the words you write and in the memories shared. A couple of things to keep in mind; * Who are you addressing? A small group of close family and friends, or a large gathering, including unknown associates and distant relatives affects how you write the eulogy. * Which style (Formal/Solemn, Spiritual/ Religious, or a lighter touch) feels right for your loved one’s personality, for those grieving, and for the circumstances of the death? Your eulogy is that tribute, that celebration of life, and the final word in praise of a life fully lived.
Community News
Are You Suffering Digestive System Problems?
Acupuncture for digestive problems has an excellent track record of success. Specific Acupuncture points on the body are well-known to reduce abdominal pain, bloating, intestinal inflammation, increase gastrointestinal strength, regulate stomach acid secretion, stop chronic diarrhea, or in the case of chronic constipation, increase bowel movements. It can assist in regulating overall digestive function with no negative side effects. Treatments combined with nutritional and lifestyle changes have been proven to aid digestion. Acupuncture is highly effective at treating most digestive disorders including: Acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, GERD, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, and more.
Skin Care for Healthy Aging
Using skincare filled with nasty chemicals has been a way of life for young people for generations as we fall for glossy advertisements and cheap skincare products. The damage only becomes apparent as we age; in the wrinkles and pigmentation spots on our face, lips and neck. What we put on our skin today will either haunt or reward us years later. Using skincare products with certified organic essential oils and natural ingredients to protect your skin from daily pollutants is a good habit to start from a young age. Look for products with no nasty chemicals, preservative or artificial fragrance.
Good Posture Can Prevent Pain & Injuries
Having good posture not only makes you look strong and healthy, it’s also a critical factor in preventing pain and injuries. For recreational activities like golf, skating, yoga or running, posture actually plays an important role in performance. Posture is critical in preventing workplace injuries that come from repetitive stress or sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day. Physiotherapists can help you discover how to improve your posture by demonstrating positions and stretches for when you start to feel the tension in your body. Make the move to see a physiotherapist!
Stay Active with the Active Pass
With the weather getting cooler and the days getting shorter, it’s easy to make excuses for ditching the spring and summer exercise routine. The City of Nanaimo Active Pass will keep you moving. It allows unlimited access to all public drop-in sessions, including swimming, skating, gymnasium sports, weight rooms and more! One of the best ways to end the day is by relaxing in the sauna or steam room at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre or Beban Pool – also a benefit to your Active Pass purchase. For more information, please see the Fall and Winter Activity Guide.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Wealth of “Real Wellth”
As many may agree, wealth is about having money and possessions (our net worth). However, you may have also heard that ‘money cannot buy happiness’. By shifting the concept of wealth to “Wellth”, we shift the priority from finding the tangible/objective (wealth) to the internally realized/subjective (wellth), which leads to greater wellness and health for individual and for our community. By emphasizing “Real” we highlight that it is in the here-and-now, not focused on the future or past. Building wellness and health today is what really makes us wealthy, which supports our idea of “Real Wellth” and why it needs to be a priority.
Staying Social as a Senior
As we get older, health conditions, mobility limitations or lack of energy can keep us from being as socially active as we once were. A diminishing social life might happen gradually as close friends experience the same conditions and family members grow busy. We may not notice how long it has been since we last spent time with a friend! Isolation has many physical and emotional health risks. Especially if you live by yourself, staying socially active is critical to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Volunteer at a local organization, join a senior living community or find a group that focuses on similar interests.
Visiting a Loved One in a Care Home
Visiting your loved one in the care home helps them to stay emotionally engaged. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting. Respect the resident’s privacy. Knock before you enter the room and step out into the hall when personal care is being provided. Be warm in your interactions and use a gentle touch. Keep the conversation positive and refrain from arguing. Encourage your loved one to share happy memories from the past. Don’t stay too long. Look for cues that your loved one may be getting tired or stressed.
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. At their location on Departure Bay Rd near Country Club, certified injection pharmacists are onsite to give flu shots, shingle shots and travel vaccines. They also offer Blood Pressure, BMI and Diabetes Monitoring, Foot Care and Compression Sock Fitting and a compounding laboratory to prepare customized medication. Mel and Kristen Azcarraga, pharmacists and owners, are proud to serve their community.
Profile: Peggy Hoult, Healthcare Navigator
You are definitely not alone. Peggy Hoult can help caregivers reduce stress and save money by providing information, advice and support to successfully navigate the financial and administrative side of accessing health care services. Attend an inexpensive group workshop to learn about the costs and availability of both private pay and subsidized options for home support, respite care, assisted living, long term care, palliative care and end of life care. Follow up with Peggy for a personal consultation to review your particular situation and to apply for various benefit programs.
