Puzzling is a mental workout that stimulates both sides of the brain. Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help improve visual-spatial reasoning, short-term memory and problem-solving skills, as well as reduce the rate of cognitive decline and dementia. It can help improve your mood by boosting dopamine production. Puzzling helps reinforce connections between brain cells, improving mental speed and thought processes. Engaging yourself in puzzle-making can serve as an exercise in mindfulness and help relieve stress. Puzzles are a great way to exercise the small muscles in fingers and eyes especially for those with arthritis or who have experienced a stroke.
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Stimulate Your Brain with Change
Create change. Your brain will love you for it. Take charge of things you can change. Invite little changes into your life daily. It feels good and it will keep your neurons firing. Change stimulates your brain by providing new experiences. The change increases brain activity and builds networks of connections. Just small everyday changes will stimulate your brain. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, put your opposite leg in your pants first, rearrange things in your living room, drive a different way on a regular route, or try a new recipe. Keep your brain active and neurons firing.
Be Aware of Scams
Most of us believe that we would never fall victim to a scam. Unfortunately, the scammers are good and so convincing that it happens to many people every year. Here are some tips: *Never give anyone permission to log in to your computer, whether in person or via phone. *If someone calls saying they are a family member in peril, always tell them you will call them right back! *The Canada Revenue Agency will never call you to ask for back taxes. Do not give the caller any information; hang up immediately. *Never pay a fine or penalty with Gift Cards. *If in doubt, call the non-emergency police number and ask for advice.
Keep Betting in Perspective
March Madness (NCAA Basketball) is one of the biggest sports betting events across North America. According to a study at AmericanGaming.org reported on 888Gambler.org, in 2019, 47M Americans gambled on March Madness, with an estimated $8.5B wagered. More than 40M participants filled in over 149M brackets, with 18M Americans wagering about $3.9B on sportsbooks alone. And these are strictly American statistics. In Canada, online sports betting was recently legalized (August 2021), however, 3rd party apps abound, offering sports betting enthusiasts many opportunities and types of gambling. Keep sports betting fun and in perspective. Don’t let a game you can’t control, control you.
The Journey to Better Hearing
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss in yourself can be difficult, and taking steps to address hearing loss can be even harder. Many individuals with hearing loss delay treatment 7-10 years and are often not sure how to seek assistance. With the right steps, creating a treatment plan can be simple.
Don’t Wait – Have Your Hearing Assessed
Once you start to notice signs of hearing loss, the first step is to obtain a hearing assessment. You can do this by contacting a local hearing health professional or obtaining a referral from your primary care physician.
During the hearing assessment, the clinician will determine your lifestyle and communication needs as well as the type and degree of hearing loss present. If a medical condition is identified a referral will be made to the appropriate health professional.
Hearing Aid Selection & Fitting
If hearing aids are recommended, the clinician will work with you to find the right product that will meet your hearing and lifestyle needs. A trial period with the chosen hearing aid is an important part of the process, as it provides you time to adjust to the hearing aids so you are able to assess the benefit accurately. It can sometimes take multiple visits to the clinic to have the hearing aids adjusted. It is important to establish a trusted relationship with your hearing health professional as hearing aids require ongoing maintenance and at a minimum should be checked annually.
NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings, leasing options and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671
Literacy and Health
Most people, when they hear the word “literacy” think of reading and writing. What other skills are needed to navigate our world? We need to be able to work with numbers and use computers or cell phones to manage our money. What about being able to read medicine label instructions or understand health information from your doctor? This is known as “health literacy”. Health literacy can also include finding and using health information and services on the internet. And knowing whether or not that information is accurate. By increasing your health literacy, your health and wellness will improve.
Qi Coil™ Cutting-Edge Technology
“The future of medicine is the medicine of frequencies.” – Albert Einstein
PEMF Therapy
Imagine a world where wellness wasn’t limited to exercise and nutrition, but instead harnessed the power of frequencies to enhance the body and mind. This future is now a reality, thanks to the innovative technology of
QI Coils™ and the science behind Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy.
QI Coils™ are cutting-edge devices that use PEMF therapy to promote relaxation and overall wellness. By emitting specific frequencies, these coils work to harmonize the body’s own frequency patterns, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. They can be used as a tool for stress management and to improve sleep.
But the benefits of QI Coils™ go beyond simple relaxation. These devices are also designed to improve overall wellness, helping to boost energy levels and promote a sense of balance and inner peace. Numerous scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of PEMF therapy in promoting physical and mental well-being. One such study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found that PEMF therapy improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels in participants.
So why wait for the future of wellness when you can experience it today?
QI Coils™ are easy to use and offer a natural, non-invasive approach to enhancing well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or improve your overall health, these powerful devices are the key to unlocking the true potential of frequency therapy.
Experience the power of frequency therapy for yourself with QI Coils™. Make your wellness a priority and take control of your future with this scientifically-backed revolutionary technology.
Learn more on www.QiLifeStore.com
Hearing Aids and Compatible Apps
Are Hearing Aids and Apps Compatible with my Cell Phone?
A common concern for new hearing aid users is the ability to use their phone while wearing the devices. Thankfully, a few years back the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented rules for phone manufacturers to ensure users could differentiate compatible versus non-compatible cell phones. This change obliged companies to make their devices hearing aid friendly. Today, there are applications and adaptors readily available to assist with the struggles of hearing loss.
What Phones are Hearing Aid Compatible?
Mobile devices have come a long way since the FCC rule was introduced, and since then all smartphones are required to be hearing aid compatible (HAC). With smartphones evolving at a rapid pace, the features and abilities for hearing aid users continue to progress. Users now have the ability to connect hearing aids to landlines through adaptors, making comfortable conversations possible at home and on the go. With this ever-changing technology, it is recommended you speak with your hearing healthcare professional for phone suggestions and assistance with connecting your hearing aid to your mobile and landline devices.
What is a Hearing Aid App?
There is a wide range of hearing aid apps that are designed to help individuals with hearing aids in a variety of ways. Some apps give users the ability to adjust their hearing aid levels, which is a useful tool when going from a loud environment to a quiet one, or vice versa. These apps often allow settings to be saved, so those with hearing aids can easily adjust their levels when returning to their common spaces. Hearing aid apps are also a useful tool for checking on battery levels for rechargeable hearing aids, ensuring users never have to question if they have enough battery life to last through the day.
Some of the most common hearing aid apps are those that connect directly to audio. With these apps, users are able to stream shows, music, phone calls and more straight to their hearing aids. Other apps provide decibel-measuring, which allows users to know how loud their surroundings are. In addition, some apps are designed to help train one’s brain with hearing exercises and keep track of hearing progress. These apps are also beneficial for hearing experts because they provide detailed information that can help determine the best plan of action for one’s hearing journey.
Is There an App for Tinnitus?
Millions of Canadians experience tinnitus, symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to a disrupting of daily life. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some apps that can help ease the symptoms, which are often described as a ringing, chirping or buzzing noise in one’s ears. One of the most common treatment methods for tinnitus is sound masking, and there are several apps designed for this, with some compatible with hearing aids. Sound masking works by stimulating your brain and amplifying background noise to cover up the unpleasant sounds of tinnitus. Other apps include educational information about tinnitus, guided meditations, and breathing techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, it is important to meet with a hearing expert to discuss treatment options. An audiologist or Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) will help guide you through your hearing process for an improved quality of life.
What are the Next Steps?
If you are wondering whether your smartphone is compatible with your hearing aids, or you’re searching for an app that works best for your hearing health and lifestyle, a hearing expert will be able to provide detailed information that’s tailored to you. Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced.
NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings, leasing options and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671
Celebrate Important Relationships
As February arrives, people are reminded of the importance of spending time with family and the importance of relationships in their lives. Valentine’s Day brings up mixed emotions for many, with some looking to celebrate it, while others, for various reasons, try to avoid it. If we look at Valentine’s Day as we used to when we were children, we can see the day as a way to celebrate the important relationships we do have, regardless of type, and connect with all of them to let them know we are thinking about them.”
Keep Learning and Stay Active
People who reside in our independent living community don’t think of themselves as old folks. Residents are artists, writers, photographers and learners, exploring and discovering new things every day. Aging is inevitable; growing old is a choice. Janet Lancey wrote about the label old. In Janet’s words, “Age is not a number, and it has nothing to do with appearance or status. It is, indeed, how you choose to lead your life”. Janet emphasized the importance of grasping opportunities to keep growing, learning, and helping others gain better lives. Residents are encouraged to participate in an array of activities.
Fall Prevention
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Here are some tips for fall prevention: *Keep moving – activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi can reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. *Wear sensible shoes – properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles help with balance and stability. *Make an appointment with your health care provider or pharmacist – they may want to talk about your medications and health conditions if you’ve had falls previously. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.
