Q: I’m worried about my blood sugar over the holidays – should I be worried about my eyes? A: Assuming that you’re diabetic, then of course your eyes will need basic routine checkups; we commonly check for diabetic eye problems like retinal bleeding or severe changes in focus. This sounds like a more general concern about your health, and you may need to talk to your physician or dietician about more specific concerns about your blood sugar control.
Community News
Holiday Season Safety for Pets
The holiday season presents many hazards for pets. Holiday treats such as rich, fatty scraps of meat, pork and poultry bones, alcoholic beverages, chocolates, and other treats have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause a dog’s blood sugar to suddenly drop, potentially leading to kidney failure. Holiday plants like berries from mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses, and poinsettia are toxic to pets. Christmas tree water can be poisonous, and things like ornaments, hooks, tinsel, candles, lights, and electrical wiring can all pose hazards to a pet’s wellbeing. Keep your pets safe this holiday season!
Living With Dementia?
People living with dementia can feel isolated and unsure of where to go for support. You are not alone. The Alzheimer Society is here to help. Our offices across the province can provide you with the information, education and support. Plus, with our virtual and in-person programming, you can join our education sessions, Minds in Motion® program and support groups from wherever works best for you.
Contact us today to reach a reassuring ear by phone or get a quick response by email. Visit our website to find an office near you at alzheimer.mb.ca.
Men’s Health
Although November is a great yearly reminder to think about prostate, testicular and mental health, men should be focusing on their physical and mental well-being every month. It’s important for men to take charge of their own health. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through nutritional testing and supplementation. If an area is found to be weak or underperforming, specific, natural formulations can be taken to boost and maximize your body’s ability to function optimally, so you can have a better quality of life every month.
The Many Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used to help with symptom relief from a variety of health conditions. Some examples include: 1) Musculoskeletal pain – acupuncture can help with all kinds of musculoskeletal pain, including spastic or painful muscle from trauma, as well as joint pain, sciatica, and tendonitis. 2) Hormone imbalance – acupuncture may decrease symptoms related to infertility, menstruation, and menopause by assisting with hormone balance restoration. 3) Mood disorders – acupuncture can be an effective way to cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. 4) Sleep disorders – acupuncture can help with insomnia, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Are You Iron Deficient?
Iron deficiency knows no boundaries – from women (it is estimated that up to 26% of reproductive aged women are iron deficient), to athletes, the elderly, and vegetarians – shortage of this mineral is widespread. Iron is an essential element for the body, and when it’s low, energy levels decrease. Other tell-tale symptoms include: weakness, pale skin, dark under-eye circles, brittle hair and nails, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet. Think you may be deficient? Try a natural liquid iron supplement. It will help fight back against iron deficiency by promoting the formation of healthy red blood cells. Visit a LifeSmart clinic and talk to the Pharmacist about your options!
Negotiating vs. Compromising
I used to believe that relationships were all about learning to compromise with each other to find a middle ground. When we compromise, we tend to give up our own needs for the betterment of staying connected to others. When we learn to negotiate, we zero in and distill those needs that are fully needed to be met by finding the bridge between ourselves and another. By giving ourselves permission to express and negotiate our deepest desires, we find a creative way where both people can get their core needs met, which then leads to less resentment and greater satisfaction without losing themselves in the relationship.
Scents and Our Brain
Almost all information about smell is stored in the brain’s hypothalamus, a part of the limbic system, which seems to play an important role in controlling mood, memory, behaviour, emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, stress, and hormonal balance. When a person inhales a smell, a certain signal is sent to the brain, which then spreads throughout the body. Choosing specific scents can lower our stress levels, boost mood, and improve memory. For better concentration, for example, combine a few drops of rosemary, sweet orange, and basil essential oils in your diffuser to increase your focus and productivity.
Dentures vs Implants
Dentures are removable teeth which replace the natural teeth, and cover a portion of the gum. Your denturist will recommend either full dentures, which replace all the natural teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw, or a partial dentures, which replace some of the lost natural teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, consist of an anchor or screw-like component that is fastened into the jawbone, then the denture is attached to the implant to hold it into place. Speak with your local denturist to learn more, and which option is right for you.
Ask Dr. Tyler Anderson OD
Q. What exactly is Dry Eye?
A. “Dry Eye” is a condition in which symptoms include dryness, scratching, burning and a “foreign body sensation” caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication of the eye’s front surface. Poor tear quality and/or quantity can also cause blurred vision and less enjoyment of visual tasks such as reading. Treatment options include lubricating eye drops and applying a warm washcloth to the lids while lightly massaging to release oils from the glands along the eyelid rims. Visit your optometrist who can help identify the cause of your dry eye symptoms and recommend the best therapy options.
Keep Your Cat’s Mind Sharp
Cats kept indoors live much longer than cats that roam outside, but they also need more stimulation to keep their minds sharp. From kittenhood, you should provide your cat with things that keep them mentally fit, such as scratching posts, a variety of toys, and puzzles for play and mealtime. As cats age, continue to spend time playing with them, and keep them occupied with access to a window and vertical spaces for them to climb. You can also work on training your cat throughout their lifetime when it comes to things like walking on a leash, for example.
