Christmas Cookies, Eggnog, Candy Canes, what do all these things have in common? We tend to consume a lot of them at this time of the year, and their sugar content is very high. This high sugar content has a big effect on your teeth and gums. Acid that attacks the teeth is produced when bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth. This can eventually result in tooth decay which is why consuming sugar filled drinks and snacks takes a toll on teeth. During this holiday season you can enjoy all the good things offered as long as you do not neglect brushing and flossing your teeth.
Community News
An Emotional Holiday
The holiday season can be an emotional time. It may be a time of loving reunions, heartfelt connections and joy, or they can be filled with obligations, expectations, and old memories. You may feel a range of emotions from happiness to sadness. Be gentle with yourself in allowing any emotions you may be feeling. The holidays are an opportunity to nurture ourselves in the midst of giving and receiving. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to make this season easier for you. Holiday Special: 2 Body Code Sessions for the price of 1.
Wishing You Health
As we settle into the busy holiday season, we like to honor our relationship with our customers. Thank you for the trust and confidence that you have given us. Thank you for trusting our team to take care of your overall health and wellbeing and for choosing a locally owned pharmacy for your healthcare needs. We will continue to provide personalized pharmacy services including free local delivery, medication reviews, compounding, vaccinations, and so much more! Your personal pharmacist can help to make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. We care about your health!
Brighten Christmas for Local Residents
For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas for local residents. With community support, we provide a special gift for children and youth, and adults receive local grocery store gift cards. To support the program, donate online at www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093. To help fill the SOS Toy Shop, find an SOS Angel Tree in a participating local businesses, attend a local event that benefits the program, or drop off a new, unwrapped gift or monetary donation to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. See our website for drop-off times.
Relief for Restless Legs
Are your legs keeping you from falling asleep? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
It Is Important to Remember
In Canada, we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th. It is a day to remember those who went to war and those who didn’t return. Their sacrifice made Canada a country that makes its own destiny. Remembering is important. If you are emotional about your own memories, the Body Code healing modality can assist in putting them in perspective. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that will assist you with creating healthy memories.
Caring for Hearing Devices
Taking good care of your hearing aids can significantly prolong their life. *Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids. *Clean them regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. *Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming and store in a dry location away from condensation. *Remove them before applying perfume or hair spray. *Store them in their case or drying cup away from heat sources and direct sunlight. *If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them separately. *Use a hearing aid expert if you need repairs.
3 Ways to Improve Mental Health
Seniors are at risk for developing anxiety and depression due to chronic disease, isolation, and loneliness. If you’re a senior, here are 3 proven ways to help improve your mental health: 1. Move your body and stay active. Exercise has been scientifically proven to boost your mood and relieve stress. Aim for 30 minutes of activity each day. 2. Make time for friendships. Research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer and happier than those who don’t. 3. Flex Your Mind. Routine brain exercises help you maintain healthy cognitive function, so grab a new book or challenge yourself to a puzzle.
Creating a Season of Comfort and Joy
If you’re living on a fixed income or struggling to afford the rising costs of groceries, the upcoming holidays can be a time of dread rather than a season of comfort and joy. For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been making sure local children and youth have something special waiting under the tree for them. The program also provides grocery gift cards so residents can choose food that is meaningful to them over the holidays. Visit the SOS website to make a financial donation, find out gift drop-off times for the SOS Toy Shop, and learn more about registration.
ReGroup Family Support
ReGroup Family Support is now being offered online for families negatively impacted by problematic gaming behaviours. We recognize that some families are experiencing the impacts of unhealthy gaming. It can overtake other activities, commitments, and self-care. Concerns over consistent co-parenting, whether living together or in separate households, transition adjustments, rage quitting, meltdowns, concurrent physical and/or mental health problems all add to the complications of gaming disorder. Reach out anytime to inquire about the ReGroup Family Support group. Our other services include in-class presentations, workshops for educators, parents and caregivers, health and social service professionals, interested in learning about gaming and/or gambling.
Look After the Caregiver
When you are the caregiver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from burn out: *Withdrawal from family and friends *Changes in sleep patterns *Feelings of irritability, helplessness and resentment *Decline in your own health. Things you can do to support yourself include talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; finding a support group and being realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that the time may come when your loved one will need specialized long term care and know that it is available in your community.
