Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, abnormal blood clotting disorders or obesity 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 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.
Community News
Help is Available
December can be a challenging month at the best of times. Online gambling and sports betting have gained incredible popularity recently. Vulnerable people can be at an increased risk of developing gambling issues when combined with the financial and emotional stress the holiday season can bring. If gambling which was once a light-hearted and fun activity has become a coping mechanism for emotional and/or financial relief, reach out to VI Gaming Support. We are available by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram) or online on our website. Our toll-free support line is open 24/7. You are not alone.
Make Life Accessible
Our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions, including *wheelchairs, *stairlifts, *walkers, *power lift recliners, *bathroom safety items and more. “Because Motion isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.” Monthly payments are now available with financing from humm Canada.
Do You Feel Emotional?
The holiday season can be an emotional time; a time of loving reunions, heartfelt connections and joy or it may be filled with obligations, expectations and old memories. You may feel a full range of emotions from happy to sad. Be gentle with yourself in allowing any emotions you feel at this time. The holidays are an opportunity to nurture ourselves while 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. Call today for a complimentary information session. Are you searching for wellness talk topics? Let’s chat!
Community Profile: Accura Denture Clinic
Accura Denture Clinic, located in Parksville, at French Creek Landing, has produced personal, handcrafted dentures for 28 years. They believe that your dentures should be as unique as you are. Their services include; new dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported dentures. Maintenance of existing dentures is very important; they provide relines, rebases, repairs, equilibration, tooth additions and adjustments. At the clinic, they also offer a complete line of denture care products including; cleaning solutions, containers and denture brushes. They would be pleased to have you join their family of satisfied customers. Contact them today for personalized service.
Count Your Blessings
December is a perfect time to count our many blessings. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Gambling Awareness and Education
Gambling has become progressively more complex with the growth of online gambling products worldwide, including sports betting apps, websites, as well as a variety of in-person and lottery products. Vancouver Island Gaming Support (VIGS) helps navigate this emerging landscape. VIGS contracts with Gambling Support BC (GSBC) to offer education and awareness workshops to anyone in the community interested in learning more about gambling-related topics. Topics include seniors and casinos, young adults and sports betting, affected families and friends, brain chemistry and behavioural addictions and more. We also provide outreach support and counselling services at no charge. We are here to help.
Foods for Brain Health
The best foods for supporting memory and brain function are those that encourage good blood flow to the brain. Research suggests the following foods may help keep your brain sharp and improve your cognitive function, memory and alertness. 1) Broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens. Enjoy salads, wraps and stir-fries. 2) Walnuts. Can be added to salads or oatmeal or just eaten on their own. 3) Berries and cherries. Can be eaten fresh as a snack or added to oatmeal or baked goods. 4) Omega-3 fatty acids. Can be found in seafood, flaxseeds and fatty fish.
Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis
Arthritis is a serious and debilitating condition affecting 1 out of every 5 Canadians. Causing pain and mobility restriction due to chronic inflammation, arthritis can lead to irreversible damage to the joints. There are several measures that we can take to treat and prevent this condition. To reduce your risk of arthritis, you can; *Control your blood sugar levels to reduce inflammation, *Exercise and stretch daily to keep your joints mobile, and *Eat fish twice a week to get your Omega-3s which help reduce inflammation (Yummy!).
Hearing Aid Purchase Guide
Digital hearing aids are made up of a powerful minicomputer. The minicomputer analyses the sound environment from data gathered by the microphones. The computer selects the sounds you need help with. The highest quality and best hearing aids only amplify the parts of sound you need help with. They also remove any excess sound and amplify the personalized result in your ear.
The right hearing aid for you depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your manual dexterity. However, a hearing aid that one person likes might not work for someone else, even if both have almost identical audiograms.
And even within the same brand, there can be several versions of a given model. That kind of variation makes comparing hearing aid models and brands very challenging.
When it comes to getting the hearing aids that suit your hearing needs this is what you should do
1. Find a hearing centre with licensed hearing professionals
When searching for a hearing care center, prioritize finding a location where a professional can assess your hearing and provide individualized counselling based on your specific needs. The centre should test your hearing in a soundproof booth and should give you a copy of the hearing test results. The provider should verify that the hearing aids are working effectively for you (including in a noisy environment). He or she should also review the instructional brochure that accompanies the hearing aids.
Connect with a hearing professional now
2. Find a convenient clinic location
Find a provider who has a local hearing center near home or work and is also part of a global network. This will give you access to a large network of hearing care providers. Professional help is never too far away. Your hearing aid provider should have convenient business hours, offer walk-in repair service, and make it easy to schedule an appointment.
3. Choose a provider that offers personalized, ongoing customer care
Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. Unlike standardized solutions, specialized hearing care centers allow you to build a relationship with your hearing care provider, and you will have the choice of a large spectrum of hearing aid types and brands so that you can find the optimal solution for you. The provider should discuss the effect of hearing loss on your lifestyle and relationships, and how best to manage difficult listening situations. The conversation should touch on the level of challenges you experience in hearing over the phone. The provider should ask about your manual dexterity and vision status because these can affect your ability to handle hearing aids successfully. The dispenser should also discuss realistic expectations and ask about your lifestyle, which can affect your choice of style and recommended features.
Find hearing centres with modern hearing technology
To learn more about hearing aids you can book a consultation with one of HearingLife’s 220+ clinic. Book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-384-2245
Prioritize Social Interactions
The fall and winter months can restrict our social interactions and activities if we allow that to happen. It is time to prioritize social interactions and become more active. Being social and active is associated with many health benefits; Activities help our physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health. Walking is a perfect activity that can be done outside when conditions permit or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. Once we start, we tend to do more healthful things, so get out and have a walk with a friend, socialize and engage – you’ll feel better for it!
