Community News
Do you Feel Overwhelmed?

Are you feeling emotionally overwhelmed? This is a state of being that can be difficult to manage. It can prevent you from performing daily tasks and also your ability to think and act rationally. A number of things can cause emotional overwhelm including stress, traumatic events or relationship issues. Let’s explore how to release these emotions for better health – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. As a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner, Permelia can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to create calm and bring back your sense of peace.

Tough Housing Market Help

SOS and Happipad have teamed up to tackle the housing crisis in the Oceanside area by launching the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Home-Share Program. This initiative aims to match verified hosts with screened renters, creating affordable, safe housing options. In an increasingly competitive housing market, residents are facing heightened rents and mortgages. SOS recognizes that residents with similar interests and lifestyles could benefit greatly from sharing accommodations. And more than just saving money, they may enjoy the company. This program is supported by the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness and the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS). Visit www.happipad.com/pqb to learn more.

Acupuncture for Post Surgery Recovery

After a knee or hip replacement, acupuncture and cupping can significantly aid recovery. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps nerves and muscles by alleviating numbness, aching, and stiffness. Cupping enhances this effect by drawing stagnant blood to the surface, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension around the surgical site. Together, acupuncture and cupping accelerate recovery, enhance mobility, and provide natural pain management, making them excellent complementary therapies for post-surgery healing. Acupuncture and cupping are covered by extended health care plans. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure these treatments are appropriate for you.

Your Personal Pharmacist

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist for a free assessment.

Eat Protein to Improve Muscle Mass

You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.

National Injury Prevention Day July 5

There’s no better time to talk about the risk of falling. You may be at increased risk of falling if you have muscle weakness, blood pressure that drops when you stand up, slower reflexes, or compromised vision. Learning how to prevent falls is paramount for seniors living independently. Here are some tips: *Exercise and eat well (and enough! ), *wear non-slip, low-heeled footwear, *use non-slip strips or a mat in the bathtub, and *install grab bars and use walking aids. These tips can help prevent a fall and, thus, an injury. Stay safe out there!

Acupuncture for Skin & Digestive Health

July is an ideal month for vacations, offering a break from routine and a chance to focus on health. It’s the perfect time to take care of your skin, which is often exposed to the sun. Acupuncture can help improve skin health by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. This traditional Chinese practice also aids digestion, often disrupted during travel, by balancing the body’s energy. Incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine can promote overall well-being, ensuring you return from your vacation rejuvenated and refreshed. Enjoy the summer, relax, and take steps to care for your body and mind.

Critical Illness Protection

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating, very costly disease for families specially when it progresses and more care is needed. It can severely impact the person’s income-earning ability and deplete savings, placing financial strain on loved ones. Incorporating insurance into your financial planning strategy is crucial to mitigate these risks. Critical illness insurance and life insurance with living benefits are financial tools that can provide essential financial support in times of need. Contact me to learn more about your options.

Beat the Summer Heat

Summer is here, bringing the heat! Stay safe by preventing these heat-related issues: 1) Dehydration – drink more water and electrolytes to avoid weakness, headache, and fainting. 2) Heat stroke – cool down with shade/AC and water, seek medical help for body temperatures of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, and hot, dry skin. 3) Heat exhaustion – rest in shade/AC and drink fluids to counteract heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. 4) Heat syncope – lie down with feet up and drink water if you faint due to high temperatures. Senior residences offer air-conditioned spaces, safe outdoor areas, and social activities, enhancing comfort and well-being.

Stay Healthy While Travelling

Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, have abnormal blood clotting disorders, or are obese, you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include: *maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization; *contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours; *wear below-knee graduated Sigvaris compression stockings; and *choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.

Health Benefits of Volunteering

Life often feels too busy, so it can be difficult to find time to volunteer. Giving back to the community and supporting others can have greater health benefits than we realize. Volunteering helps keep you mentally stimulated while reducing stress, combating depression, and providing a sense of purpose. It can also help improve your social life and create meaningful connections. SOS has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including helping at the Thrift shop, driving residents to medical appointments, and being a mentor for local youth. Contact SOS today to find a role that fits your life and interests.