Community News
Where to Keep your Medication

Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.

Improving Our Immune System

A strong immune system equips the body with the defenses necessary to fight infectious diseases and cancers and assists in recovering from illness. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there is no time like the present to work on improving yours. A brief increase in body temperature during and directly following exercise may prevent bacteria from growing and may also help the body fight infection. Exercise helps regulate the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for regulating body temperature. Moderate exercise has been shown to bolster the function of certain components of the human immune system-such as natural killer cells, circulating T-and B-lymphocytes, and cells of the monocyte-macrophage system- thereby possibly decreasing the incidence of some infections.

Pre-Planning Your Funeral

No matter what end of the planning cycle you are on, being prepared and asking the right questions can help ease stress and ensure your wishes, or those of your loved one, are achieved. Pre-planning your funeral can save time and stress for your grieving family members, and give you the opportunity to personalize your celebration of life. Everyone is different, so take on funeral planning when you are comfortable and give yourself as much time as you need. The more details you have, the easier it will be for others to carry out your wishes.

Community Profile: Bastion Physiotherapy

Bastion Physiotherapy offers many different services for all ages. Our #1 goal is to make sure that you receive the best care and leave feeling satisfied with your treatment. Come and receive treatment in our new cozy environment where our staff will treat you like family. We welcome all Worksafe, ICBC, MSP and private with or without health insurance patients! We are now operating at full days and new patients are always welcome. Free walking pole seminars are up and running in a socially distanced environment. Call us today and get back to doing what you love to do!

Saliva; Not Just Moisture in Your Mouth

Saliva and its benefit is something we often take for granted. When production of your saliva is less than adequate it can present a number of genuine difficulties and health concerns. The bulk of saliva is derived from three pairs of glands in the mouth. They produce approximately three quarters of a teaspoon of saliva every minute during mastication (chewing) which provides lubrication to aid in chewing and swallowing. Saliva also acts as a protective layer on natural dentition, bathing the teeth with minerals to help prevent cavities. The enzymes in saliva work to limit bacterial, viral and fungal growth which, if left unchecked, can lead to infections and tooth decay.

Moving to a Retirement Commuinity Today

If you are thinking of making a move to a retirement community, it is understandable to be fearful. Here are some questions to ask when making your decision: *Does the facility have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellness of its residents and staff? *Is their staff working at ONLY one location? *Have the cleaning protocols changed? *Have staff hours increased to ensure extra cleaning and care is in place? *If an infection should occur, what procedures are there to ensure the containment? Answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Rhythm from the Inside Out

Digestion, blood pumping through our veins, and breathing are just a few of the functional rhythms inside us that we rely upon to live. When we are unwell, we sometimes say that we are feeling ‘out of sorts’ or ‘out of sync’; it is a bit like losing one’s rhythm. We know when we have found it again because we feel more ‘in the groove’. Music therapy can be helpful in re-discovering that intrinsic rhythm when retrieving it ourselves is a struggle (as with mood and social cognitive disorders; rehabilitation from brain injury, stroke, or heart attack; cerebral palsy; Huntington’s disease; etc.).

Boost Mental Health & Performance at Work

During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.

Dog Care Support for Seniors

Dog Care Support for Seniors
Does a senior in your life need help caring for their dog? Our goal is to enable older adults, who are experiencing challenges with routine care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions. We work to keep the love in the home.
ElderDog volunteers provide a range of support services, including:
• Dog walking
• Minor grooming such as help with brushing
• Transportation to and from a vet or groomer
• Temporary care during illness or hospitalization
• Rehoming when staying together is no longer possible
ElderDog volunteers who work with seniors are required to wear an approved photo ID and complete a police check for work with vulnerable persons. There are no fees for our services.

What’s in Your Smoothie?

Move over, goji berries: there’s a new superfood in town. Meet the Aronia berry! Aronia berries have outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties which have been well documented. They contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown helps in fighting cancer, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce blood glucose in diabetics. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Aronia berries contain five times the antioxidant level of goji berries with no bitter aftertaste.

Get Energized!

Boost your pre or post workout by incorporating chlorophyll-rich greens with Coconut MCT into your daily routine. Studies have shown when taken before exercising, Coconut MCT may reduce lactic acid build up and encourage the body to burn more fat instead of carbs for energy. These can be found in a greens powder formula at your health food store and added to smoothies or water. Taking it in the morning can also make you feel more energized throughout the day. Look for a greens product with Coconut MCT and Maca for sustained energy plus shelf-stable probiotics included to lighten your supplement load!