It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
Community News
Medication Review Services
Your pharmacist is a medication expert who can help you better understand your medications. Accessible and convenient, your pharmacist is available to help you with a variety of clinical pharmacy services, such as Medication Review Services and more. If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.
Take Care of the Caregiver
In Canada, over 4.5 million individuals play a role in caring for elderly family members. Caregiver stress and burnout is a real issue. If you find yourself in a caregiving position, be honest about how much care you can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Reach out for help available in the community. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.
Summer Contest
After a long year with many restrictions, we are looking forward to more freedom and a change of scenery. We are thrilled to offer our readers a chance to win a Summer Adventure at Mt. Washington. The prize includes 3 nights of accommodations at Paradise Ridge, a gift basket to enjoy along with mountain adventures. The winner will be able to soak up the mountain vistas and enjoy getting out in nature. Draw date is July 31, 2021. Prize can be redeemed between August 14 and November 1, 2021 or between June 1 and November 1, 2022. Good Luck.
On Line Gambling Support
Did you know that “Online gamblers stand out from gamblers in general on several harm related variables”? According to the newly released British Columbia Online Problem Gambling Prevalence Study (Oct. 2020), “One-third (34%) have had a problem with at least one of their gambling activities in the past 12 months, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (17%)”.
“Two-in-ten (20%) have attempted to cut down, control or stop gambling, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (10%).” At VI Gaming Support, we’re here to help you reset, regroup and restore the balance in your life.
Social Activity & Aging Well
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
Can I Exercise with Hearing Aids?
Having hearing aids doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Modern hearing aids are designed to suit your life, that means sport and exercise also! Here are some simple things to do to ensure the longevity of your hearing aid. *Use hearing aid sweat bands to protect your device from sweat dripping into its holes, *Using hearing aid clips helps keep your device in place when doing more rigorous routines, *After your workout, immediately clean your hearing aid with antimicrobial products. Don’t forget to remove the battery from your hearing aid to allow it to fully dry up from your workout.
Tips to Prevent Medication Mishaps
As we age, for many of us, medications begins to play an important role in maintaining health and longevity. This often means taking multiple medications. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: *Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, *Shake bottles of liquid medications before use, *Take all medications as prescribed, *Use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, *Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, *Never stop taking a medication suddenly without checking with your doctor. Most importantly, conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mental Health Awareness Challenge
“Ride Don’t Hide” is the largest mental health awareness challenge in Canada raising over $1 million annually. Join thousands of riders, walkers, runners, yogis, spinners and more in communities across Canada as we bring mental health into the open. The Medicine Shoppe plays an important role in providing support to patients and their loved ones struggling with mental health concerns, in and out of the pharmacy. They have proudly sponsored the Ride Don’t Hide challenge for the past three years. The Nanaimo Departure Bay and Parksville Medicine Shoppes, with help from their clients, are donating $1,000 each to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Finding Joy
What does “Joy” mean to you? The dictionary defines it as a noun, “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are. Joy means something different to each person. Author Robert Holden suggests affirming every day: “Today I will follow my joy”. Spiritual Teacher Eckhart Tolle teaches that Joy can flow from deep within us out to the world. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more JOY in your life.
SOS Supports the Community
Did you know that District 69 reports higher unemployment than other BC region? Single parent families in our region have lower incomes than other BC regions. Nearly half of renters in our region spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, if they can even find housing. SOS is committed to supporting families and individuals experiencing hardship. We provide food vouchers and advocacy support, deliver healthy meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and help connect people with professional counsellors, and much more. We have a plan to reach more and do more to help lift our residents out of poverty.
