The mind processes complex thoughts, making memories stick, clearing out brain waste and much more. Sleep retains neuroplasticity, giving the ability for brain cells to strengthen important connections, and get rid of less important ones which is still an active area of research. When you don’t sleep, it’s harder to control emotions and moods. Sleep helps maintain executive functioning skills making us moody, less irritable, and less likely to lash out. While the brain sleeps, harmful toxins are cleared out. Certain proteins accumulate in the brain over the course of the day while awake. Proteins get cleared out during sleep.

Across BC, more than 85,000 people are currently living with dementia. This number is growing. To raise funds and awareness to create change for people affected by dementia, The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is taking place on May 28th. Funds raised ensure that people living with dementia and their families have access to Alzheimer Society of BC support, education and information. We encourage you to walk in honour of someone in your life or community who has been touched by dementia. Nurse Next Door will participate in this walk to honour our clients living with dementia.

In 2012, an international survey of adult skills needed for success in work and everyday life was completed. Results showed that 45% of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 have difficulty accomplishing some daily living tasks due in part to limited literacy skills. There are likely as many reasons for low literacy as there are students. Online resources and community organizations can help; a major problem lies in finding and persuading those who could benefit to seek assistance. Perhaps an important first step that everyone can take is to help reduce the stigma associated with lower literacy levels.

Getting a little help may allow you to live in your home for as long as you want to. From compassionate, licensed Caregivers to Registered Nurses, care is available because “There’s no place like Home”. When searching for a Home Care Service, look for *A 24/7 Care Team that you can reach anytime, *An emphasis on reliability and professionalism, and *Carefully selected caregivers for a great fit, who meet your needs, interests and personality. With the ability to age comfortably at home, your or your loved one is empowered to keep living life to its fullest. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy.

Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.

Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.

We had cool, wet weather out here on the island recently, which was in contrast to our expectations. This can lead many people to start to focus on regrets and lost possibilities of what “could have been”. The challenge with focusing on what “could have been” is that it never can be, so starts a negative thought pattern of rumination. One way to avoid constant and repetitive thoughts about what could have been is to shift the regret into disappointment instead. When we acknowledge the disappointment, we can focus our attention on what we will do instead.