Community News
Blepharitis and the Eyelid

Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids that results in red, burning and irritated eyes. Dust, dandruff and eye make-up can clog the oil gland openings along eyelid rims which leads to styes, infection and inflammation. Flakes and debris can also accumulate along the bases of the eyelashes. Treatment involves daily warm washcloths or medicated eyelid pads to gently scrub the crusty material from the eyelashes as well as light massage to encourage unclogging of the oil gland openings. While there is no cure for blepharitis, daily hygiene can improve eyelid health as well as tear quality for more comfortable eyes.

2nd Annual Wellnessnews Women’s Expo

We are proud to present the 2nd Annual Women’s Expo on February 9th, 2019. Bring your Mom, Daughter, and Friends and join us at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo for a day of wellbeing. With over 100 exhibitors, the Diva Oasis and wellness seminars, it will be a day to explore, indulge, shop, learn and have fun. The Expo is FREE. Get your VIP tickets where you get your Wellnessnews or from one of the exhibitors. While not required to attend, tickets redeemed raise funds for Samaritan House. Check the Women’s Expo website for an updated exhibitor list and scheduled health talks. See you on February 9th.

Beat the Winter Doldrums

The first weeks back after the holiday break can be hard on everyone in the family. If your child seems a little off in the first weeks of January, chances are that it’s a function of holiday comedown and fatigue. Their schedules and their sleep have been thrown off. After all the holiday anticipation, it’s back to reality with a return to routine and regular sleep. January on the Island can be dark and dreary with a distinct lack of sunshine. Exercise, going outside, getting more recess time or doing something after school with peers will help your kids beat ordinary winter doldrums.

Trouble Sleeping?

Are you a side sleeper? Is your bed a place where you are constantly tossing and turning, time-checking, and speculating about things that may never happen? A special pillow exists for side sleepers called the Body Pillow. This long and narrow pillow gives comfort and support during the night for both the upper and lower body. With a body pillow, the entire body is in alignment: knees, hips, and arm are relaxed while consistently being held afloat by the pillow. A body pillow will help you wake up in the morning feeling restored and ready to face the day.

Simple Post-Holiday Detox

Feeling like you could use a post-holiday detox? Try these simple, every day little tweaks: * Start your day with a glass or two of lemon or apple cider vinegar water. * Eat vegetables especially leafy greens and brassicas. * Limit red meat and heavy starches, and opt for leaner proteins like poultry, fish, sprouts, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. * Stay away from processed food and sugar. * Limit alcohol consumption. *Consume lots of turmeric, ginger – season your meals with herbs and spices and take milk thistle periodically.
Be well! Excellent health and happiness in the New Year to you!

Add a Little Exercise to Your Lifestyle

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduces your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!

Community Profile – La Rosa Gardens

La Rosa Gardens in Ladysmith is a comfortable and affordable senior’s residence where seniors come first. This BC, family owned and operated residence is located on a beautifully landscaped property in a quiet residential area. A lively group of seniors welcome all newcomers. There is something for everyone and fun is always at the forefront. This includes a variety of exercise programs, games, music, and special events. They also go on outings to a variety of interesting destinations such as the Raptor Centre and regular trips for shopping. Once you get there you will wonder why you waited so long.

Modern Dentures Look Like Natural Teeth

Today, people of all ages get dentures because they have no or very few remaining natural teeth. You may think that dentures are just for seniors however that is not the case. If you need dentures, it is normal to worry that they will look unnatural, affect your speech, won’t let you eat your favorite foods or will fall out of your mouth while talking or eating. With the right set of dentures, and the care of a skilled denturist, you do not have to worry about any of these things. Modern dentures look amazingly natural and function almost like natural, healthy teeth.

Manual Osteopathy and Ozone Therapy

When our body is in physical and mental distress as a result of daily activities and stressors, it may try to adapt by realignment or protective readjustments. Unfortunately, these adaptations may result in more problems. A manual osteopathic practitioner works with your body to enable it to successfully manage physical and mental stress without any subsequence problems. In most states of stress or disease, we find a related low oxygen state. Giving the body a shot of ozone helps it heal faster as the cells get a boost of oxygen and nutrients which are elements the cells need to work normally.

Keep Moving with Indoor Activities

Now that it is January, the weather can be cold and crisp. Freezing temperatures and snow may cause you to want to stay indoors. There are many inside exercises you can do to keep fit and to keep your body moving. Using your own stair case to climb up and down is a good way to keep the strength in your legs and back, and to give you better balance and agility. Yoga poses and stretching will help keep the blood flowing and make you feel good and less tired. Happy New Year from Bastion Physio.

Easing the Move to Long Term Care

When you have made the decision to move a loved one into a long term care community, here are some tips to help with the transition: – Be open with family members – talk about the decision; – Arrange for your loved one to visit the community where they will be going; – Determine what can be done before moving day such as preparing their room with personal items and labeling clothing; – Take moving day off and spend it with them; and – Introduce your loved one to the staff members. Keeping these tips in mind will help make the move easier for everyone.