Community News
Caregiver Support Group

Did you know that CVSS offers caregivers Support groups? For those providing care for a loved one living with dementia, being able to visit with and seek support from others with similar experiences can be very helpful. You are not alone in the caregiving community. For more information, please call the CVSS office at 250-871-5940 or email at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area. In April or May. Please contact the CVSS office of you are interested in attending!

Bringing Mobility to You

Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free Canada Scooters safety guide and ask your local Canada Scooters shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.

Understanding Dementia

The ageing of human populations across the globe has contributed to dementia being identified as one of the public health issues of the 21st century. The MOOC curriculum addresses this health issue by drawing upon the expertise of neuroscientists, clinicians, and dementia care professionals from both within the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, and beyond. The Wicking Dementia and Research Centre offers free online courses. Based in Tasmania, Australia, these programs use data from around the world to provide excellent information for students. Links to the following course can be found here: https://mooc.utas.edu.au

Income Tax

The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Beginning March 15, the team will be ready to go. Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca to register.

Board Members Wanted

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupportsociety.ca for more information.

Comox Valley Seniors’ Expo Feb. 25

Comox Valley seniors and caregivers won’t want to miss the 2023 Comox Valley Seniors’ Expo, presented by the Village of Cumberland on Saturday, February 25 from 10am-3pm at the Cumberland Cultural Centre. Discover a wide range of supports available to seniors in the Comox Valley, learn about new products or services and connect with friends and neighbours who care about helping local seniors live their best lives. The expo will feature a wide variety of local exhibitors and guest speakers throughout the day, with refreshments available for purchase.

Vulnerable Seniors

There is still a significant period of unpleasant weather ahead this winter. Please think of isolated and vulnerable seniors in your community who may need assistance in inclement weather. If you are unable to assist them yourself, please help them connect with CVSS and we will help them find what they need.

Heart Awareness Month

Did you know that 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle and diet. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years! You can further reduce your risk by considering these heart-healthy steps: • Be physically active • Control your blood pressure • Keep your blood cholesterol levels in check • Eat a healthy diet and look for healthy ways to reduce your stress. Talk to your professional CAREGiver™ to discuss how they can help you to make some positive changes in your life.

Super Bowl

In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sport betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas odds makers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points, or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in its neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?

24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring

Did you know that we offer ambulatory BP monitor rentals? An ABPM consists of a BP cuff and a portable monitor that you wear for 24 hours. It gives your physician a complete picture of how your blood pressure changes during your daily activities and at different times of the day. If you are affected by “white coat syndrome,” when BP measurements are artificially elevated in the physician’s office, an ABPM can provide more accurate, real life results. If you have a prescription for this service, call us to schedule an appointment for our pharmacy team to set up the device for you.

Your Annual Denturist Checkup

It’s time to plan out your 2023, and you should start with visiting your denturist! Full dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants all need the same level of care as natural teeth. If you wear dentures or have implants, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for maintaining great oral health. Routine checkups help prevent any major oral problems from developing and allow for planning any changes your dentures require to ensure you’re never without your teeth. With yearly checkups, your dentures and implants will continue to perform properly and your maintained oral health will mean shorter and smoother visits!