Community News
An Important Step to Solving Reading Difficulties

When a student struggles with reading and learning it is important to first rule out the possibility of a vision problem. Often this can be an eye coordination problem which means that your child will pass most vision screenings in school and even at the pediatrician’s office. Vision screenings typically test for how clearly one can see the letters on the eye chart (“20/20”) which is only 1 of 17 visual skills required for reading and learning. If reading is difficult and homework takes longer than it should, be sure to schedule a developmental vision evaluation, with a Developmental Optometrist.

Natural Product Spotlight:

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Improve Your Focus & Concentration Naturally

Very often the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHS-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. Alternative approaches such as Biofeedback testing and treatment are highly effective in improving focus and concentration. It detects imbalances, or weaknesses, in the stress handling areas of the body, and in turn, stimulates the affected areas to help the mind and body better function in times of overload, overwhelm and fatigue.

Trouble Remembering Your Daily Medications?

Talk to your pharmacist about different ways we can make things easier on you and improve compliance. Whether it’s as simple as setting a daily alarm or using easy-to-open pill bottles, pharmacists can help point you in the right direction and make sure your medication is taken properly and safely. There are many compliance packaging options available such as dosettes, medication strips and various styles of blister packs. Talk to your pharmacist to see what might be right for you!

Back-to-School Vision Care

Along with the usual back-to-school preparations, children’s vision should rank high in importance. It is not unusual for the refractive status of eyes to change up to age 18, but these changes are more likely during the early growth years. Young kids might not readily notice problems at a time when 80% of what they learn is through the eyes. In addition, eye muscle imbalances can affect reading and concentration, both of which are important for academic success and a confident student. Arrange for a professional and comprehensive oculo-visual assessment, including ocular health, for your child soon!

Laser Therapy for Quitting

Quitting smoking can be difficult and those who are looking to kick the habit can often use all the help they can get. Low level laser therapy (soft laser) can be a safe, affordable, and effective tool. Laser therapy sessions can help you quit smoking by addressing all three parts of addiction: physical, psychological, and detoxification. For the physical aspect, laser therapy helps stimulate key neuro-chemical pathways to produce endorphins and curb nicotine cravings. Laser therapy sessions can help with relaxation and allow you to focus on the psychological reasons for nicotine cravings, and as part of the sessions, detoxification techniques can also be discussed.

Which Pet Collar is Best?

There are several types of collars and harnesses out there. A good rule to remember is “how would you feel if it were used on you?” Standard, Choke, Prong and Electrified Collars – only attach a leash if you are an expert in each one’s application. They can cause serious physical or mental harm to your pet. Head Collar/Snout Harness – great for dogs that do not make sudden dashes to the end of their leash. They can cause neck/spine injuries. Off-neck Harnesses – come in chest, back or combination attaching rings. These are all good for most dogs that pull when fit properly.

Recognizing Oral Cancer Symptoms

Each year, 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer. When caught early, oral cancer can be effectively treated. Denturists are qualified to recognize the symptoms associated with oral cancer, as well as other oral health issues. In addition to getting regular checkups, familiarize yourself with symptoms, including: sores, particularly those that bleed or won’t heal; growths, lumps or thickened skin; trouble swallowing or chewing; pain in the tongue, jaw or throat; loose teeth; or poorly fitting dentures. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a visit with your denturist as soon as possible.

Hearing Loss & Depression

Hearing loss affects one’s ability to communicate, which can cause stress, fatigue, social isolation, and, in turn, depression. Along with depression, clients with untreated hearing loss are known to experience anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, and other negative emotions. However, hearing aids have been found to help combat these issues. A study by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) found that those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia, and they were less likely to participate in organized social activities compared to those who wear hearing aids.

Clean Eating: Turmeric Hamburgers

1 lb. of organic grass-fed ground beef, 1 egg, ½ cup of oatmeal or bread crumbs, 1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper, 1 Tbsp. turmeric, 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp. organic BBQ sauce, 1 chopped onion, 1 minced head of garlic. Mix together lightly. Form patties. Brush lightly with oil. Grill on low/med heat, 5 min. per side.

Thank you, Live Life Alarms

My husband is in the early stages of Alzheimers. He continues to enjoy riding his bike and I used to get very worried as he would sometimes have difficulty finding his way home. Getting him a Live Life mobile alert was the best thing we have done as now I can readily find out quickly where he is. He recently went out cycling and was gone for some time so I called him on his alert pendant. Not only could I talk with him but the Mobile Alert sent me an automatic return text showing his exact location on Google Maps. This has given me so much confidence now and allows him to continue doing what he loves. ~ Vicki Ogston.