The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.
Community News
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.
Theatre: All In the Timing
This production consists of witty, absurd, and funny sketches written by David Ives. Each story is engaging and intelligent. Using small bites of pure humanity, Ives is a master at recognizing our foibles and presenting them on a silver platter for our pleasure. From construction workers perched on a skyscraper in Mere Mortals to a laboratory with precocious primates in Words, Words, Words, All in the Timing takes the audience on a multi-levelled dive into humour and intellect. Adult language is to be expected in one or two of the sketches because Ives writes as we speak, with frustration, kindness, curiosity, and joy.
Balance your Body’s Hormones
The endocrine system of the body contains many glands. These include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. All the endocrine glands produce hormones that direct the metabolic functions of the body. We absorb stress from the world into our endocrine system. This stress can create a hormone imbalance that can sometimes mimic a nervous breakdown and contribute to chronic fatigue. An endocrine massage helps cleanse the endocrine system and balance the body’s hormones using Young Living essential oils and crystals. It helps to realign the energy centres of the body. Book your massage today!
Acupuncture for Blood Sugar Balance
Acupuncture, an ancient practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, can be a valuable complementary approach to managing blood sugar levels. 1. Regulates Insulin: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins and improve insulin sensitivity, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. 2.Reduces Stress: Acupuncture promotes relaxation by releasing tension and reducing stress hormones, aiding in glycemic control. 3. Enhances Digestion: Improved digestion can lead to better nutrient absorption and more stable blood sugar. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical advice or medication. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss how acupuncture may help you.
Exercises Simplified
How are your New Year’s resolutions going? It isn’t a surprise if you started strong and have been falling apart as time passes. Many make the resolution to get “healthy” and then get overwhelmed by the many areas that need to be addressed to “become healthy.” Exercise is one such area, so let’s simplify it. Move in whatever way you enjoy and will be able to do frequently. That is it. Movements that involve weight-bearing and elevating your heart rate are ideal, but consistency is the most important. Exercise could include gardening, cleaning the house, and doing at-home exercises.
Prepare for Unexpected Events
Life is full of surprises and unexpected events. When it comes to our families, we want them to be secure and protected. Living benefits can protect your financial situation in the event of a loss of income. Living benefits are insurance products that provide financial support to the insured in case of an unexpected illness or disability. The products include long-term care benefits, critical illness insurance, whole-life insurance, and loss of income due to injury or illness. Mary Ann educates her clients and families about the importance of saving and protection against financial loss. Contact her to learn about your options.
Elderdog – Help for Senior Dog Owners
If you are a senior (55+) dog owner who has trouble taking care of your dog, Elderdog can help. They will help care for your dog so that you can keep love in your home. Elderdog’s volunteers provide free assistance to older dog owners living in Nanaimo, Oceanside and Ladysmith. Their many services include dog walking, transportation to vet appointments and food delivery. If an owner is unable to temporarily care for their dog due to hospitalization or surgery, Elderdog provides foster care in a pre-approved home. To find out more, arrange services or volunteer, visit their website.
World Immunization Week
This month, we shine a light on the importance of immunizations during World Immunization Week (April 22–30). Did you know that you can get immunized or vaccinated at any age? Even though most immunizations are given in childhood, you always have the option to catch up on any immunizations you may have missed! Immunizations and vaccines provide the longest-lasting protection against diseases. Just make sure you speak to your doctor first to ensure you’re a good candidate for a particular vaccine. It’s really important for everyone’s health!
Time to Get Out and Socialize
Spring is here, and there is a feeling of hopefulness and renewal in the air. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we tend to want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health, and socializing helps with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthy things, so get out and go for a walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better about it!
Staying Active, Really?
The old saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favour to stave off falls, increase independence, and help prevent illnesses like stroke, diabetes type 2, and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking, and even mowing the lawn count. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.
