Follow these tips to stay healthy and well this summer: *Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day. *Know the Side Effects of Medications: side effects may include drowsiness or sun sensitivity. * Stay Cool: Use A/C, stay indoors, and go swimming. * Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Wear breathable clothing and light colours that reflect the sun. * Have Emergency Contacts: Have a list of people to call in case of an emergency. * Know the Weather Forecast: Plan your days according to the weather. We wish you a happy and safe summer.
Community News
Drink Up to Stay Hydrated
Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
Stay Healthy While Travelling
Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, have abnormal blood clotting disorders, or are obese, 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 Sigvaris 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.
National Injury Prevention Day July 5
There’s no better time to talk about the risk of falling. You may be at increased risk of falling if you have muscle weakness, blood pressure that drops when you stand up, slower reflexes, or compromised vision. Learning how to prevent falls is paramount for seniors living independently. Here are some tips: *Exercise and eat well (and enough! ), *wear non-slip, low-heeled footwear, *use non-slip strips or a mat in the bathtub, and *install grab bars and use walking aids. These tips can help prevent a fall and, thus, an injury. Stay safe out there!
Online Health and Wellness Resource
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the WellnessHub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The WellnessHub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips, articles and podcasts on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to subscribe to receive a monthly email letting you know about events and the monthly contest. You can also read the digital version of our five island editions of the newsletter.
The Link Between Nutrition & Aging
Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: *consulting a doctor or registered dietitian; *focusing on nutrient-rich staples; *staying hydrated; and *addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.
Take Care of Your Fascial Web
Tensions or injuries in the joint at the base of your head or in your feet and ankles can inhibit your mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also cause tension throughout the body and negatively impact your balance. As a test, fold forward like you are trying to touch your toes. See how far you can get, then massage your feet and ankles for a few minutes (or get someone else to do so), then try bending forward again. You might find you can fold further! The fascial web connects everything in the body, so make sure you’re taking care of it!
Stay Safe in the Heat
During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight-fitting clothing. A symptom of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behaviour, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to the armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Hearing Aids & Summer
As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.
Acupuncture for Skin & Digestive Health
July is an ideal month for vacations, offering a break from routine and a chance to focus on health. It’s the perfect time to take care of your skin, which is often exposed to the sun. Acupuncture can help improve skin health by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. This traditional Chinese practice also aids digestion, often disrupted during travel, by balancing the body’s energy. Incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine can promote overall well-being, ensuring you return from your vacation rejuvenated and refreshed. Enjoy the summer, relax, and take steps to care for your body and mind.
Stress-Free Moving
Many people are very anxious about moving; this is especially true for seniors. Moving can be very stressful, so consider hiring a service that offers a start-to-finish service! Service includes *Downsizing services that make the process easy and enjoyable. *Decluttering services that help you decide what to keep, what to sell or give away, and what to dispose of. *Moving services that provide reusable totes and packing materials and then safely transport everything. *Setup services include everything from unpacking to making your bed and hanging pictures. We look forward to making your next move stress-free.
