There’s more to hearing loss than just hearing aids. The growing market for over-the-counter amplification devices has concerned the Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) and Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) associations. According to these associations, hearing loss can be affected by a number of factors such as earwax, genetics, illness, medication, trauma, noise exposure, and age. Determining the underlying cause of one’s hearing loss through a complete hearing assessment should be the first step in your hearing healthcare. Purchasing an over-the-counter amplifier ignores the possibility that further medical assistance may be necessary. Don’t self-diagnose. If you have questions about your hearing, see a certified hearing specialist. Enhanced Hearing Centres, EnhancedHearingCentres.com
Community News
How to set SMART fitness goals
What better time than the New Year to set goals? SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. These are the qualities that help to create a fitness goal that is more easily achievable.
Specific: be very specific in your goal setting – what is it that you want to achieve?
Measurable: it is important to set goals that you can measure – how will you track your progress?
Attainable: set a goal you know is realistic – it’s not wrong to want to dream big, but setting lofty goals can sometimes set you up for disappointment!
Relevant: goals need to be relevant – why is achieving this goal important to you?
Timely: ensue that you don’t give yourself too much time to accomplish your goal – too long of a timeline and you might get bored and give up!
For more information on how to set SMART goals, come chat with one of our trainers!
Set Intentions, Fulfill Your Dreams
People set intentions on all kinds of dreams. When you set an intention and then act on it to demonstrate your commitment, amazing things occur. Intention can also give us fortitude for dealing with tough times. I am currently rebuilding my home. I simply wanted to add on a new bathroom, but with all the surprises an old house can offer, every turn has been a shock, sometimes even a nightmare. My intention is to live through this process with dignity and grace. I am tested daily. It’s often not easy, but this intention has helped me maintain composure, sanity, and on a good day, a sense of humour.
Rev. Anne Ahokangas, Spiritual Director, Centre for Spiritual Living Winnipeg, CSLWinnipeg.org
Medication-Related Falls among Seniors
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among Canadian seniors. Between 20% and 30% of adults 65 and older have at least one fall per year. Medications are increasingly being recognized as contributors to falls, and common problematic medications include opioids, sedatives, anti-depressants, cardiac medications, and hypoglycemic agents such as insulin. It is important that seniors and their caregivers are aware of possible side effects of medications, and that correct dosages are given and any negative drug interactions are avoided. A pharmacist can assist in determining how and when to use medications to help avoid injury from falls.Source used: https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/safetyBulletins/2015/ISMPCSB2015-12_Falls.pdf. Care at Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca
Sciatica? Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for sciatica, an excruciatingly painful condition. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body; it carries sensory and motor information down to the legs. Most people present with a sharp pain running down the back of the upper thigh and, in very severe cases, reaching the foot. It can also involve a pain that runs down the side of the leg or, less often, the front of the leg. The exact position of the pain determines the choice of the acupuncture points to be used. The longer you put up with the pain, the more muscles and structures are affected, and the more treatment is required. Straight to the Point Community Acupuncture, Sttpca.com
Have a Denture Check-up Every Year
Your dentures should be checked on an annual basis to ensure you still have a correct fit. Your face and tissues in your mouth change over the years, while your dentures are rigid and stay the same. Your appearance and comfort can be compromised the longer you delay receiving care from your denturist. Annual visits to your denture clinic can help ward off many potential problems including headaches, neck and joint pain, irritated gums, indigestion, problems with chewing, and even bone loss and occasionally changes in facial contour. Are you due for a check-up? Andrew Fast, Fast Dentures, FastDentures.ca
When to Set an Intention
You could set an intention every day. It could be to work less and make more, or to find a new career that you are passionate about. It could be to get healthy and physically fit, or to spend more quality time with loved ones or alone.
At age 70, Bessie set an intention to become a world famous photographer. Although many thought she was too old, she didn’t. She entered a photo contest and won the first prize of $10,000. Her prize-winning photo toured around the world with a Kodak exhibit. She told me, “We’re never too old to make a dream come true.”
Rev. Anne Ahokangas, Centre for Spiritual Living, CSLwinnipeg.org
Natural Product Review: pureWash Pro
Are you still using detergent to wash your clothes? There’s a healthier, safer, and smarter way to do laundry. The secret is activated oxygen. PureWash Pro transforms ordinary water into a powerful cleaning agent by adding dissolved oxygen, giving you clean clothes while killing up to 99.9% of pathogens, mold, and bacteria. Used by hotels and hospitals for years, this amazing and affordable cleaning and disinfecting technology is now available for home use. Get your clothes clean without the need for soap or bleach, using only cold water. The oxidizing technology helps relax fabrics, so your clothes stay wrinkle-free without using fabric softener. Ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities, this is a product that everyone should use. Protect the environment, your clothes, and your washer. PureWash Pro pays for itself in months, saving you hundreds of dollars on hot water costs and laundry products. See the PureWash Pro at Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com
Book Club:
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Many of the defining moments in our lives are the result of accident or luck—but why would we leave our most meaningful, memorable moments to chance when we can create them? The Power of Moments shows us how to be the author of richer experiences.
Where Is Love?
You’ve decided enough is enough. You have plenty going for yourself and you want to share your life with someone special but where on earth are you going to find them? Times have changed. We live in an electronic world but computers don’t have hearts and you don’t know if the person behind the screen is authentic. You have asked your friends and coworkers if they know anyone right for you and you have been insulted by who they have suggested! A matchmaker specializes in finding love for people who are looking for one special partner. An effective matchmaker meets with all potential clients in person and determines who the right person is for them. A criminal record check should be conducted on each client. When choosing a matchmaker it is important that you work with a service that has been in business for quite some time and has many success stories. Lianne Tregobov, Camelot Introductions, Camelot Introductions.com
Alkalizing Your Body
Having an overly acidic diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Here are six ways to alkalize your body! 1. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon! 2. Trade coffee for green tea. 3. Use stevia, coconut sugar, or small amounts of honey in place of sugar. 4. Eat more greens. 5. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body, and to avoid stagnation. 6. Reduce stress by meditating, practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, and getting plenty of sleep.
Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca
