Community News
Importance of Social Inclusion

For many seniors, living alone may directly affect how often they engage in social activities. Social interactions often decrease as we age for a variety of reasons, which is why it is important to be involved in Social Activities as often as possible. The more active you are, the better you will feel in many ways (particularly physically and mentally). If you are finding yourself lonely, while living on your own, you may want to connect with others by joining groups; such as, volunteering with organizations including a local senior centre. Another solution is to consider moving to a seniors’ residence which is ideally suited to create many opportunities for social interaction and fun on a daily basis.

Service your Dentures Regularily!

Many people believe that dentures last forever but the reality is that they need to be serviced regularily and replaced about every five years. Wearing the same dentures for more than five years without having them checked can result in; softening of the gums, painful and irritated gums, accelerated bone loss, more laborious chewing and difficult digestion and a crumpled mouth. It can also lead to headaches, ear aches, neck pain and joint problems as well as a whole host of other issues. Regular consultation with your denturist to have your dentures checked and cleaned may prevent problems in the future.

Plasma Skin Tightening

Plasma skin tightening is the revolutionary cosmetic treatment taking the world by storm! As we get older, our skin starts to lose elasticity and texture, leading to wrinkles and loose skin around the delicate eye area. Plasma skin tightening is a non-surgical blepharoplasty procedure that instantly removes excess skin volume and tightens your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. This procedure is especially effective for eyelid lifting.

Suffering from Foot Problems?

If you have problems with your feet, you are reminded of your foot pain with every step. The foot is the foundation of the body, so pain at the ankle, knee, hip and lower back may be foot related. Foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in BC. If you are living with diabetes, foot problems is one of the leading causes for hospitalization. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle-related pain. Their extensive experience can often provide relief from pain on the first visit.

Muscle and Joint Pain?

Muscle and joint pain associated with sprains and strains can be very frustrating when striving to maintain an active lifestyle. Certain essential oils have been approved by Health Canada for use to help with relief of pain associated with sprains, strains and rheumatoid arthritis. Oils such as lavender, marjoram, clove, black pepper, eucalyptus globulus or peppermint, and blends such as Deep Relief and Aromaease are great mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, and applied directly to the skin to help soothe muscle pain. The essential oils you choose should be pure and not topped up with synthetic additives and preservatives.

Risk Factors for Falls

In addition to mobility, there are other risk factors that can lead to falling. These include: Sensory Deficits; problems with sensation, whether it be with the eyes, ears or feeling in the feet can increase your risk of falling. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Low Blood Pressure; when we quickly go from lying or sitting to standing, our blood pressure drops, this can interfere with balance, vision and coordination. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly and ensure you have good footing before taking a step.

Ease the Pain of Downsizing

Moving into a retirement home often involves downsizing and making tricky decisions. When assisting others it is important to realize the sentimental attachment individuals have to things. So, be patient and understanding. Remind the individuals that the memories are always there no matter what. When reviewing items, always ask what is of low to high importance and organize accordingly. Sometimes it helps with decisions if an alternate home can take the item where it can continue to be utilized or gives others the happiness that it brought the current owner. Other downsizing methods include advertising items for sale or having a yard sale.

Know the Risk Factors

In today’s stress-riddled world, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is quite challenging, including staving off addictive behaviours like gambling. Be aware of the risk factors, including having experienced a big win early in our gambling history, and/or recent loss or change, and/or financial difficulties. Gambling behaviour is concerning when used as an escapist activity, anxiety-relief and/or distracting us from our families and health. You have more control over your life than you realize. In fact, recognizing a problem is powerful and is the first step in healing. Reach out for help!

Healthy Individuality

The concept of Healthy-Individuality is based on the fact that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison. That is why, in the long run, fad diets tend to fail. Health practitioners working on the principle of Healthy-Individuality, will support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences and ancestral background. A personalized, holistic approach ensures that you will have great success!

Choosing a Denturist

Your dentures do not last forever so it is important to choose a denturist with whom you feel comfortable! Dentures need to be checked and cleaned regularly so you will have an ongoing relationship with your denturist. Don’t make your decision based on price alone. You need to know more than the dollar value to make an informed and educated decision. Dentures are not all fabricated using the same materials or techniques. Ask your family doctor or dentist who they would recommend. Schedule a consultation to meet the denturist and ask questions. All dentures are not created equally and neither are denturists.

Sleep well and Recharge

A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and re-energized. Not only will it boost your mood and leave you looking fresher, getting enough quality zee’s helps reset your body and its organs. Adequate sleep is a key component to a healthy lifestyle and benefits your weight, heart, mind and memory and so much more! A regular sleep schedule helps your immune system to quell inflammation and disease and also regulates hormones. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, and have already nixed the afternoon caffeine and shut off the pre-bedtime screens, come in for some natural herbal advice.