Community News
Communication Tips for Dementia

1. Set a positive mood. Use warm facial expressions and tone of voice to help convey your message and show your feelings of affection.
2. Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart. Be patient in waiting for your loved one’s reply. Watch for nonverbal cues and respond appropriately.
3. Remember the good ol’ days. Reminiscing is a soothing activity. Many people with dementia may not remember what happened 30 minutes ago, but they can clearly recall their lives 30 years earlier.
4. Laugh a little or a lot! Use humour whenever possible. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you.
Alevtina (Alia) Tuhari, Reliable Home Care Agency Inc., ReliableHomeCare.ca

Matchmaking Testimonial

“I joined Camelot Introductions and found the love of my life! If it wasn’t for Lianne’s persistence, and her innate ability for matching people, then I would still be floundering. On-line dating was a waste of my time. Camelot was exactly what I was looking for – a professional service dedicated to matching people with similar interests and dreams. Getting married in November – I’ve never been happier! Thanks Lianne!”
~Brian. Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

Get More From New Year’s Resolutions

If you’re planning to adopt a healthier lifestyle this year, know that no matter what type of stress-handling techniques you use, how well you eat, or how much exercise and sleep you get, to achieve your goals and get the most out of your efforts, your body must be functioning optimally. You could be eating healthy and exercising, but if your thyroid, adrenals, or digestive system are not working efficiently, you are not going to burn calories or build muscle. Options like specialized nutritional testing, biofeedback, and digital pulsewave analysis can help you get the information you need. Centre for Alternative Healing, AltHealing.ca

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

Why Use Essential Oil Diffusers?

1. Stress Relief. Create a calming effect in your home with your essential oil diffuser. Some recommended oils for promoting calm and easing anxiety are bergamot, chamomile, rose, and frankincense. 2. Ward Off Illness. Diffusing essential oils can help boost your immunity, reducing the likelihood of a cold or flu. Oregano oil can help prevent flu, peppermint can ward off a cough or cold, and lemon can help prevent or reduce the severity of viruses. 3. Boost Your Mood. On the days when you’re feeling down, essential oils can brighten your mood. Try bergamot, lavender, sweet orange, and clary sage. Nutrition Plus, NutritionPlus.com

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Many people assume that knee OA predominantly affects the elderly; however, 56% of Canadians with OA are younger than 65. Another common misconception is that exercise will damage joints. Studies have shown that range of motion exercises, combined with stretching, aerobics, and strength training, can help modulate pain, increase range of motion, and reduce soft tissue inflammation. Losing weight can also make a difference. For every 1 lb of weight lost, there is 4 lb less of force through the knee in every step you take. If you were to lose 10 lb, that would reduce 48,000 lb of load through the knee for every mile walked! Kristi Hunter, MPT, BSc, Certified in Acupuncture, Prairie Trail Physio, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca

Lose Weight & Still Enjoy Wine!

Research suggests people who follow a Mediterranean diet lose 52% more weight than the standard low-fat diet because it isn’t just a fad or limited list of foods. It’s a lifestyle based on a balanced approach to your meals, which focuses on produce, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even some red wine. Committing to losing weight for three months using the Mediterranean diet as a base, along with three booster products and three lifestyle changes, guarantees results. And there is no meal skipping! Look and feel great for all of your holiday parties and events!
Valdine – Modere, Valdine.ca

Acupuncture for your Child

Many parents are turning to acupuncture because it offers a safe, natural and effective approach to pediatric care. Acupuncture focuses on treating symptoms leading to a safe resolution of illness and preventing illness in the future by stimulating healing and restoring the body’s own resilience. This proven therapy helps children and teens with a wide range of issues, including:
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Earaches
• ADHD
• Bedwetting
• Asthma and allergies
Modern acupuncture treatments are done using painless acupuncture and non-needle treatment techniques, so even children afraid of needles will find the treatments easy and painless. Acupuncture is ideal for minor to moderate issues. If the issue is moderate to severe, the child should see their pediatrician. Naomi Johnson,
Hekla Acupuncture, HeklaAcupuncture.com

Ayurveda and Winter Skin

Winter takes a toll on our skin. According to Ayurveda, the skin is governed by three subdoshas, or biological forces. Bhrajaka pitta allows beneficial molecules applied on the skin to penetrate deeper and protects the skin by keeping unwanted particles from entering the bloodstream. Shleshaka kapha maintains moisture levels in the skin and keeps it lubricated. Vyana vata maintains a balance of friendly bacteria and keeps nutrients well distributed. Avoid synthetic soaps and products that strip the skin and create an imbalance in the three subdoshas. Self-abhyanga (massage) with warm sesame oil (unrefined, cold pressed) keeps the skin moist and lubricated. Make it a daily habit!
Purnima Chaudhari
Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Reflexologist & Reiki Master
AyuReviveAyurveda.com

Break Free from Sadness

We know that sadness is appropriate when we face a loss of any kind. We also know that time has a way of bringing us back to enjoying those activities and relationships that are meaningful to us. In some cases, however, we feel stuck in sadness. With a decrease in sunlight, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) might even get a grip on us. If there’s often a sad undercurrent in your life that you sense doesn’t need to be there, it’s time to reach out for help. Brainwave Optimization is a technology that addresses issues through the brain itself, helping it reset itself so you can enjoy life again.
La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com