Aromatherapy is also referred to as essential oil therapy. It can be defined as the art and science of using highly concentrated medicinal plant extracts to promote mental and physical health. Did you know that one of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils is by diffusing? Breathing deeply relaxes the body and allows the essential oil molecules to be utilized very efficiently. Massage is another wonderful way to enjoy essential oils. Add 3-4 drops to 1 oz of coconut oil and enjoy. Never use essential oils directly on your skin without a carrier oil and NEVER ingest essential oils. Just breathe!
Community News
5 Ways to Improve Sleep for Seniors
If you have trouble falling asleep, you might need to shake things up a bit in order to make good sleep a habit. Avoiding artificial light such as from a laptop, smartphone and so on a few hours before you sleep will help your body release melatonin. Next, adapt your clothes and how many blankets you use to the season as our bodies respond to temperature fluctuations similar to how they respond to light. In addition to the above, a consistent sleep schedule, less sugary food and a regular bedtime ritual will all work in conjunction with each other so that you feel rested.
Neurology & Your Health
Optimize your neurology and you optimize your health! Did you know that the metatarsal area of your foot has over 10,000 nerve receptors? Their main purpose in life is to report back to your brain, via your nervous system, what is happening in your body. A neurological problem, such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Fibromyalgia can compromise messaging to the brain. Voxxlife HPT helps to improve that communication. VOXX HPT is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuro-receptor activation on the bottom of the feet that triggers a signal that aides in the brainstem reaching homeostasis.
Choosing Your Best Eyewear
Choosing the right frame for you can be a challenge. Most opticians have special training in how to choose the right frame. They know what styles look best on each face shape and what will also work with your new prescription. They also have a good sense of colour and design. If you are having a hard time deciding, perhaps you should consider a rimless frame – these work no matter what the occasion! Once the frame is chosen, now you have lens choices, and lens treatments. Stay tuned for our article next month to help guide you through those decisions.
Smart in Everything but Reading?
Children who are considered bright underachievers often have vision problems that make reading difficult. Sometimes they’re described as auditory learners because they can remember things they’ve heard much faster and easier than anything they’ve read. A clear sign that a vision problem may be at the root of your child’s difficulties is poor performance on written or standardized tests. It may surprise you to learn that many children who have vision problems interfering with learning actually have 20/20 eyesight (with or without glasses). A Developmental Vision Evaluation is needed to determine if a vision problem is interfering with reading.
Special Care for Senior Pets
November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and those with senior pets know that they offer unique benefits and lots of love. As pets age, they need our care even more, with regular veterinary checkups and a focus on dental health to avoid periodontal disease and other associated health problems. When you’re away from home, use only a professional pet sitter experienced in caring for senior pets. Pet owners should inquire about a potential pet sitter’s experience with senior pets and any specific training they’ve had, such as Pet First Aid & a Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting Program.
Stop the Cycle of Oxidation
Antioxidants in foods have the unique ability to donate an electron and transform the free radical back into a stable atom. However, antioxidants all suffer from one drawback. By donating an electron to neutralize a free radical, it becomes a new free radical itself, thus contributing to the never-ending cycle of oxidation, illness, disease and death! The solution to this problem turned out to be as simple as drinking a glass of water. But not just any water. It must be high quality ionized water with abundance of FREE electrons. Free electrons are the ONLY antioxidant that can stabilize a free radical and STOP the cycle of oxidation.
Seniors’ Nutrition
As people age, proper nutrition can become a challenge. For example, seniors may have smaller appetites, making it difficult to eat enough to ensure good nutrition. They may also have health conditions that change their sense of taste or smell, making some foods unappealing. In addition, seniors who once cooked big, healthy meals for family can find themselves uninspired by the thought of cooking for one or two. But good nutrition is important at every stage of life. Seniors should focus on eating a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains and protein to help ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Community Spotlight: Blossoms Senior Care
Locally owned and run, Blossoms Senior Care is a senior home care provider with over 35 years of experience. They offer a wide range of services for older adults who are no longer able to care for themselves and do not wish to leave their homes. Having the ability to stay at home lets individuals retain independence, pride, and self-esteem. Blossoms Senior Care has highly qualified and trained caregivers/healthcare aides who are ready to help you and your loved ones with a variety of daily activities such as companionship, housekeeping, meal planning, medication reminders, personal care, respite care and scheduling and attending doctors’ appointments.
The Science Behind Acupuncture
What does science have to say about acupuncture? In a 2012 publication of Jama/Internal Medicine, a meta-analysis of nearly 18,000 randomized patients provided the most robust evidence to date that acupuncture is a reasonable referral option for patients with chronic pain like non-specific back or neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic headache, musculoskeletal disorders, and osteoarthritis. Another study published in a 2013 issue of The Clinical Journal of Pain involving 1,139 patients showed that acupuncture may be more effective than medication for symptom improvement in lower back pain. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy when performed by a certified acupuncturist.
Prevent Hospital Stays with Early Treatment
Many seniors hesitate to see a doctor because they are afraid their condition may put them in the hospital. In reality, seeing a doctor sooner with a medical concern can prevent long hospital stays. A common example is found when a person develops urinary dysfunction. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common but overlooked cause of dehydration, lethargy, and altered mental status. Early detection can minimize the severity of the condition. A prolonged UTI can lead to sepsis wherein a person becomes very ill. Community Paramedics Service provides economical non-emergency assessment and transportation. Don’t wait until you become an emergency.
