Our brains are hardwired to seek out anything new and stimulating. Research has shown when we break our patterns and use our senses in novel ways, we stimulate nerve cells which contributes to the growth, strength, and agility of our brains. Unless you exercise all areas of the brain, you neglect millions of neuron pathways that need to stay fit in order to store and retrieve information. Maintaining brain health involves physical and mental exercise, stress management and a healthy diet. Grow your brain by doing daily brain exercises. Learn more at our Let’s Get Brain Fit program.
Community News
Tips for Better Sleep
There are things you can do for proper sleep hygiene: Avoid long naps; consider going for a short walk instead. Maintain a regular sleep routine; go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom quiet and comfy; lower body temperature generally equals better sleep. No electronic devices in bed; blue light emitted from these devices interferes with sleep. Invest in a body pillow to avoid waking up with body pain. If you sleep on your side, an organic body pillow will make hip and shoulder pain a thing of the past.
Family Caregiver Symposium
Being responsible for your parent’s wellbeing is hard. Many family caregivers struggle to cope with chores, challenges, life, health and work. The Family Caregiver Symposium is for YOU if *You are overwhelmed with caregiving * Want help but don’t know where to turn, *Face tough decisions *Mourn the relationship you once had. You will learn * How to cope during your caregiving years *Ways to ease your emotional rollercoaster * Ideas to make life better. The Family Caregiver Symposium offers support, educates & empowers caregivers who are responsible for their parents’ wellbeing. Learn from Expert Speakers and Resources, meet our Caregiver Panel and enjoy the Caregiver Appreciation Hour.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling “responsibly” means different things to different people. Everyone has their own idea of what “responsible”, “safe” or “fun” looks like. Regardless of what responsible gambling means to you or to someone else, some common themes of Responsible Gambling include: 1) always make informed decisions about gambling 2) only gamble with money that isn’t needed for something else; 3) have an awareness of how gambling works and the common false beliefs that can get people into trouble & 4) be aware of your own feelings to avoid being frustrated, anxious or depressed when gambling.
Do You Have Selective Hearing?
Think you’d notice if you have impaired hearing? Think again. Those with hearing loss are often the last ones to recognize it. Unless the impairment occurs through sudden physical or medical-related trauma, hearing loss generally occurs slowly over time. This gradual change presents itself as people mumbling, unclear voices, or difficulty hearing through background noise. Friends and family are usually the first to notice when they aren’t being heard, or when they are consistently asked to repeat themselves. You may be tempted to brush it off as selective hearing. But if those close to you have said they suspect you have a hearing loss, it’s time to get your hearing checked.
Importance of Good Dental Hygiene
Most dental problems are caused by bacteria, including damage caused to the gums surrounding the teeth and damage to the teeth themselves. Tissue surrounding the teeth includes the soft gums and the bone. Bacteria that hide along the gum line or in tartar that builds up on teeth attack those surrounding tissues, causing inflammation typically seen as bleeding. As this continues, it can melt the bone around the teeth causing root exposure and pockets where more bacteria can hide. This in turn leads to the loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Good dental hygiene is the most important treatment, including regular cleaning and check-ups starting from a very young age.
Use Natural, Organic Products for Healthy Skin
With the sunny weather, more of our skin is on display and exposed to the elements. We want our skin to look smooth and healthy; healthy skin is vital to our survival. Our skin is an organ that we wear on the outside to protect what is inside. The products that we put on our skin and on our faces are just as important as what we put into our body. To avoid harmful chemicals and allergens, use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to hydrate, nourish, pamper and repair your skin – naturally. Make sure to read the label. Look for skincare products with no nasty chemicals, preservatives or artificial fragrances.
Residential Care for a Loved One
It is hard to watch the health of your loved one decline. Making the decision to let someone else take over their care is often difficult. It is recommended that you begin the search for a care home before a crisis makes it necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes a medical emergency like a fall, takes the decision from your hands. Look for a place where they deliver genuine care and help residents to live life to its fullest and where they can feel at home. Exercising due diligence when choosing a home will pay off with a lot of peace of mind knowing that your loved one’s physical and medical challenges are met.
Summer Events in Nanaimo
If you hear people say there’s nothing to do here in Nanaimo, they may not be aware of the many events that take place in our beautiful city in the summer. Between the playground program for kids at various parks, to family fun nights to concerts in the park at Bowen and Maffeo Sutton Park, there is so much to do for every member of the family. For all the details on the many events and program happening in your city this summer, go to our website. Have a happy and active summer!
Shop Local – It Is Good for You!
Do you remember the feeling of elation when you found the perfect handmade sweater for your niece? Or earrings to match your pink outfit? The heightened emotions of happiness release endorphins, known as the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. When you shop, you socially interact with people around you. You make a connection between you and the maker who picked the berries and made the jam. It is wonderful to tell the story of how you met the artist who created the art hanging in you hallway. When you shop at a local market, you make a small business owner who has spent hours honing his craft happy.
Muscle Strain Relief
Pulled muscles and strains are very common and can happen easily. A pulled or strained muscle occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. They are usually the result of fatigue, overuse or improper use of the muscle. Pulled muscles or strains can happen anywhere in the body and can be treated for 15-20 minute with ice/heat packs and anti-inflammatory medications. Resting the muscle for a couple days and continuing to use ice/heat packs is the best way to quick healing. Stretching properly before walking or running allows the muscles to become less tight which may lead to less injuries.
