Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache and fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water and get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with your feet up and drink plenty of water.
Community News
Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing is a vital sense that allows us to connect with the world around us. However, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to a report by the World Health Organization, hearing loss is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people.
There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Loud noises are encountered everywhere in your daily routine, from the sounds of busy traffic, construction sites, concerts, listening to music and even the TV.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable!
Here are some steps you can take to protect your hearing from loud noises:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs:
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic.
Exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea. The cochlea is a shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals. This damage can lead to both hearing loss and the development of tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can be a simple yet effective way to protect your ears.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of earplugs or earmuffs for your needs. Make sure they are comfortable to wear, fit well, and provide adequate noise reduction. If you’re not sure which type to choose, consult a hearing healthcare professional or audiologist who can recommend the best option for you.
Turn down the volume:
It’s also important to be mindful of our listening habits. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud music or noise through headphones or earphones.
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music or podcasts through headphones, try to keep the volume at a reasonable level. As a general rule of thumb, if someone can hear the music coming from your headphones while standing beside you, the volume is too high! A good way to ensure that your volume is at a safe level is to use the 60/60 rule. This rule recommends listening to music at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Afterward, give your ears a break for at least 5-10 minutes to recover.
Take breaks:
If you’re exposed to loud noises for extended periods, take breaks in quieter environments to give your ears time to recover. Taking just a five-minute break every hour can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage from loud noise exposure. So, if you’re in a loud environment for a prolonged period, try to take short breaks regularly to give your ears a chance to recover.
While hearing loss prevention is important, it’s also essential to get regular hearing tests. Many people don’t realize that hearing tests are just as important as regular physical exams or dental checkups.
Hearing tests are essential because they can detect hearing loss early on, which is crucial for effective treatment. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
It’s worth noting that hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive function, making it more challenging to perform daily tasks and affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine has demonstrated that individuals who take action to address their hearing loss at an early stage are more likely to experience positive outcomes, such as enhanced communication abilities, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Your ears are essential to your quality of life, and we want to help you LoveYourEars by taking care of them properly.
Book a free hearing test and take the first step towards better hearing today!
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Senior Health Precautions
We’ve all been inundated with reminders to get vaccinated for COVID-19 over the past few years, but don’t forget your other vaccinations! All seniors are strongly encouraged to keep up with their seasonal influenza vaccinations. It is also important to get a Tdap vaccine to protect against Whooping Cough (if you did not receive one as a child). Finally, vaccinations against shingles and pneumococcal conjugate (pneumonia) are recommended for those over 65 years of age. Always talk to your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated to ensure the right course of action for your individual health needs.
Residence Options for Seniors
When the responsibility and cost of home ownership become overwhelming, it may be a good time to sell the family home. Today’s seniors have the option to live in beautiful surroundings where their independence is respected but assistance is available if required. The best time to start looking for options is before you have to do so. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to make new friends, have new experiences and make wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!
Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
Between 40% and 50% of Canadians over age 65 will have skin cancer at least once! With warmer days ahead of us, it’s important to practice sun safety when it comes to protecting our skin and enjoying the long summer days. Here are a few precautions: *Avoid the hottest time of the day. *Seek shade. *Wear protective clothing. *Use sunblock and re-applied every two hours and after water activities. *Know the signs of skin cancer – Seniors should ask their doctor to conduct an annual skin cancer assessment. Early detection is critical for treating skin cancer quickly and effectively.
Time to Celebrate You
Summer is here – let’s enjoy it! It is a time to celebrate you and the joy of being alive. Is there something holding you back from really celebrating? Are you carrying a few extra pounds that you are ready to release? When you release trapped emotions around food the result is a lower number on your scale. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release those negative emotions that cause you to eat unhealthy foods. Call today for an appointment and make it your best summer yet.
Weight Training is Important
Weight training becomes increasingly important as we age for several reasons: *Muscle mass naturally declines as we age which can lead to decreased mobility, strength and overall health. Weight training can help to slow this decline by maintaining and building muscle mass. *Weight training can improve bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. * Weight training can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It’s never too late to start weight training. With proper guidance and a well-designed program, weight training can be safe and effective for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Celebration of Collective Caring
This year, SOS is celebrating 55 years of caring for residents in District 69. As a way of honouring our past and looking forward to the future, we are holding a Legacy Concert. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Raymond James Qualicum Beach Branch, the concert will feature renowned Canadian actor, musician, activist and Companion of the Order of Canada, Tom Jackson. It will take place Wednesday, June 28 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm at the amazing in-house theatre of our Host Partner – Berwick Parksville Retirement Community. To learn more about this celebration and to purchase tickets, visit our website or contact us.
Seasonal Allergies?
It’s June! Your neighbours are cutting their grass, everything is blooming and you are struggling with seasonal allergies! Allergies can be miserable so here are some preventative measures: *Avoid outdoor activities early in the morning. *Don’t hang laundry out to dry. *Check the weather forecast for pollen counts before heading out. *When you come in from outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes. *Ask for help with lawn care and flower beds or wear a mask. If you have questions or think you may need medication for your allergy symptoms, please speak with your Pharmacist today!
Community Profile: Motion
At Motion, our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Contact one of our experienced rehab consultants today for more information about *power lift recliners, *stairlifts, *vehicle lifts, *mobility scooters, *folding power wheelchairs, *rollators, *bathroom safety items and more. We’re also here to help with rental equipment, repairs and maintenance and to assist with navigating funding opportunities. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions. “Because it’s not a place, it’s a partnership.”
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.
