If your loved one is constantly asking others to repeat themselves, it is an indicator that they may be experiencing some form of hearing loss. Lovingly explain to your spouse that it is becoming increasingly frustrating to have to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Propose that for one week, you will track the number of times you need to repeat yourself. Discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. Test your hearing today.
Community News
Loneliness May Lead to Bad Health
Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.
Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle
Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!
Medicinal Roots for Wellness
Our bodies could use some support during the cold season, illness, and especially during times of increased stress. Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stress and bring you back to balance. Here are a some roots for you to consider: *Astragalus – preventing cold/flu, coughs, heart health, immunity. *Ginseng – Panax(stimulating) or Siberian(more yin), both are used for stress, balance, immune support. *Maca – Peruvian ginseng, stress, stamina, libido and vitality. *Ashwaghanda – Indian ginseng, endocrine balance, depression, sleep, thyroid. *Valerian – sedative, sleep, anxiety and stress. While all these roots will support adrenals and immunity, talk to your local natural health advisor to determine which herbs are right for you.
Socks for Christmas
What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas this year? How about a gift of Wellness? This year, give your loved ones a pair of socks. But not just any sock. Socks with wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance for months to come. Knee high socks with mild compression are great for the travellers on your list. For the hikers, chose wool sock that hug the feet and keeps them warm in the outdoors. And don’t forget yourself, you too deserve a gift of wellness.
Our Mind is our Greatest Treasure
Our mind is our most important asset – more important than our house, bank account or stock portfolio. We insure our house and work hard to pad our bank account. To enhance our brainpower we need a brain workout. A vigorous and diverse mental life with mental challenges stimulates growth of new neurons and new connections between them. The brain is a complex organ with different parts in charge of different mental functions. Functions such as memory, attention, perception, decision making, or problem solving requires a whole network of brain regions rather than a single region.
Live Theatre – Miracle on 34th Street
This is the Christmas story that we all want to believe in! Kris Kringle, a retired old man, is hired as Macy’s Santa in New York, and begins to spread Christmas cheer by directing parents to other stores, where they can find the exact special gift on their child’s Christmas list. As he threatens their commercialization of Christmas, those in charge try to have Kris committed. The stakes are raised with a court competency hearing, and the risk of one little girl’s belief in Santa. When the court confirms Kris is the true Santa, both children and adults alike experience the delight of childhood fantasy.
Winter Falls
‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls. Falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles you’ve tracked inside your home.
Gifts of Wellbeing
Here are some ideas to give a gift of wellbeing to your loved ones. *Diffusers and essential oils humidify and purify the air you breathe. Depending on the essential oils used, can provide a variety of health benefits including detoxification, respiratory, calming/sleep, and mood-boosting. Also a great way to scent a room. *Local Beeswax Candles, non-toxic to burn, provide wonderful scent, light, and ambiance. *Himalayan bath salts: relaxing lavender, stimulating grapefruit, or relieving eucalyptus *Handmade soaps:natural ingredients, nourishing oils/butters, essential oils and plants *Himalayan salt lamps: beautiful light, air cleansing, with many health benefits for whole family
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule that they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
The Evolution of Hearing Aids
The ear trumpet, considered the first hearing aid, was invented in the 17th century. Then came the collapsible ear trumpet in the late 18th century, followed by the first commercial device in 1800. In 1898, the first electric hearing aid was created, and by the late 20th century, the digital hearing aid was commercially available. The invention of the carbon microphone, transistors, digital signal processing chip, and the development of computer technology has helped transform the hearing aid to its present form. Learn more about the products available today by visiting a Hearing Care Professional at a Hearing Clinic.
