Vital longevity is a strategy to extend lifespan while preserving function, or healthspan. As a result, patients find themselves enjoying more “good” years and delaying age-related frailty so they can continue to be active and engaged. Lifestyle medicine plays a key role in vital longevity by using evidence gathered from studying centenarians (people who live to be over 100) and applying the findings to everyday behaviours. Vital longevity also takes into account individual risk factors and supports patients in adopting proven strategies to live a healthy lifestyle now, so they can avoid many age-related diseases in the future.
Community News
Safe for the Holidays
Keeping you or your loved ones safe this holiday season should be a top priority. One way to do that is to use a personal medical alarm. Personal medical alarms are recommended not just for seniors, but for anyone who has a disability or who suffers from a medical condition that could put them at risk for falling while at home. Statistics show that 60% of falls occur in the home, so a personal medical alarm can help provide independence and a sense of safety for anyone who could be at risk. An alarm can also make a thoughtful gift!
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention!
The Powerful Little Black Seed!
Black Seed is quickly becoming the herbal oil to watch with its anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce symptoms of asthma, hay fever and eczema. This unique oil even has a medical patent for its asthma benefits. Enerex Black Seed Oil with Vitamin E offers an easy way to take the herbal remedy that has been shown in research to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions that are shown on the skin or in the respiratory system. Go to Enerex.ca to learn more and see a Bath Bomb recipe using Black Seed Oil on our community blog. Enerex Botanicals.
Socks for Christmas
What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas this year? How about a gift of Wellness? This year, give your loved ones a pair of socks. But not just any sock. Socks with wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance for months to come. Knee high socks with mild compression are great for the travellers on your list. For the hikers, chose wool sock that hug the feet and keeps them warm in the outdoors. And don’t forget yourself, you too deserve a gift of wellness.
Our Mind is our Greatest Treasure
Our mind is our most important asset – more important than our house, bank account or stock portfolio. We insure our house and work hard to pad our bank account. To enhance our brainpower we need a brain workout. A vigorous and diverse mental life with mental challenges stimulates growth of new neurons and new connections between them. The brain is a complex organ with different parts in charge of different mental functions. Functions such as memory, attention, perception, decision making, or problem solving requires a whole network of brain regions rather than a single region.
Live Theatre – Miracle on 34th Street
This is the Christmas story that we all want to believe in! Kris Kringle, a retired old man, is hired as Macy’s Santa in New York, and begins to spread Christmas cheer by directing parents to other stores, where they can find the exact special gift on their child’s Christmas list. As he threatens their commercialization of Christmas, those in charge try to have Kris committed. The stakes are raised with a court competency hearing, and the risk of one little girl’s belief in Santa. When the court confirms Kris is the true Santa, both children and adults alike experience the delight of childhood fantasy.
Winter Falls
‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls. Falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles you’ve tracked inside your home.
Gifts of Wellbeing
Here are some ideas to give a gift of wellbeing to your loved ones. *Diffusers and essential oils humidify and purify the air you breathe. Depending on the essential oils used, can provide a variety of health benefits including detoxification, respiratory, calming/sleep, and mood-boosting. Also a great way to scent a room. *Local Beeswax Candles, non-toxic to burn, provide wonderful scent, light, and ambiance. *Himalayan bath salts: relaxing lavender, stimulating grapefruit, or relieving eucalyptus *Handmade soaps:natural ingredients, nourishing oils/butters, essential oils and plants *Himalayan salt lamps: beautiful light, air cleansing, with many health benefits for whole family
Community Profile – Soul Comfort
Soul Comfort Sheepskin, Sheep’s Wool & Hemp has been dedicated to creating natural wool products for more than 38 years. Wool’s natural healing qualities have been known by holistic practitioners around the world for centuries. Soul Comfort’s goal is to spread the word to healthcare professionals and patients that health-grade wool offers both preventive medicine and pain relief. They have extensive knowledge of the benefits of wool and are always learning more to help create even better products for you and your loved ones. Soul Comfort is continuously committed to bringing you the finest quality sheep’s wool products.
Travelling? Visit Your Pharmacist First
Travelling is a rewarding experience that will expose you to new languages, foods and cultures. Whether you travel for fun or for work you want to ensure the health of you and your family. Your pharmacist is a good resource to ensure you have everything you need for your trip. When travelling, you are at increased risk of contracting illnesses due to exposure to different environments. Some questions for your pharmacist regarding your destination includes, are any vaccines required and do I need to take any other precautions? Make sure you benefit from his or her advice before you leave. Enjoy your travels!
Winter ‘Blues’
As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, many people start to feel the effects of the lack of light. Out on the West Coast of Canada, we also get a lot of overcast skies. These realities of our environment can sap our energy and bring about feelings of general moodiness. This is a normal experience for many people, and there are things you can do about it. Self-care at this time of year is important. One of the recommendations is to find a full spectrum light and get some quality time in front of it. Use it while reading, working at the computer, or even when watching television!
