Between 40% and 50% of Canadians over age 65 will have skin cancer at least once! With warmer days ahead of us, it’s important to practice sun safety when it comes to protecting our skin and enjoying the long summer days. Here are a few precautions: *Avoid the hottest time of the day. *Seek shade. *Wear protective clothing. *Use sunblock and re-applied every two hours and after water activities. *Know the signs of skin cancer – Seniors should ask their doctor to conduct an annual skin cancer assessment. Early detection is critical for treating skin cancer quickly and effectively.
Community News
Weight Training is Important
Weight training becomes increasingly important as we age for several reasons: *Muscle mass naturally declines as we age which can lead to decreased mobility, strength and overall health. Weight training can help to slow this decline by maintaining and building muscle mass. *Weight training can improve bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. * Weight training can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It’s never too late to start weight training. With proper guidance and a well-designed program, weight training can be safe and effective for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Senior Health Precautions
We’ve all been inundated with reminders to get vaccinated for COVID-19 over the past few years, but don’t forget your other vaccinations! All seniors are strongly encouraged to keep up with their seasonal influenza vaccinations. It is also important to get a Tdap vaccine to protect against Whooping Cough (if you did not receive one as a child). Finally, vaccinations against shingles and pneumococcal conjugate (pneumonia) are recommended for those over 65 years of age. Always talk to your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated to ensure the right course of action for your individual health needs.
3 Key Factors of Physical Health
There are three key factors when it comes to our physical health; Fitness, Food and Mindset. Fitness or any activity that gets you moving is important but not in the way you might think. Focusing on muscle growth and cardiovascular performance is WAY more important than how many calories you burn. You can’t out-train a bad diet. Therefore, focus on whole foods, eat your veggies and good quality fats and proteins. Lastly, our mindset can be what unconsciously drives our behavior, so unless limiting beliefs are addressed, they can lead you back to old habits that won’t help you reach your goals.
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.
Fresh Air & Exercise for Well-being
One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Springtime is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Spring Clean Your Life
May is a great time to spring clean your home and spruce up your exercise and eating habits. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the May Contest for a chance to win a Holistic Health Plan sponsored by Rose Nutrition.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.
Try Something New
Spring is a new beginning and a great time to start new and healthy habits. Moving out of our comfort zone can result in new and exciting experiences. Spring is a perfect time to go outside and spend time in green spaces. The possibilities are endless. Things to try include birdwatching, rock hounding, searching for sea glass on the beach or an outdoor fitness class. The beginning of a new exercise routine is great for your overall well-being. If you prefer to stay inside, an online course, a painting class or dance lessons may be the perfect new experience to celebrate spring.
Benefits of Air Polishing vs Rubber Cup Polishing
Air polishers are more effective in removing stains and more efficient. They easily target stain particles within grooves, fissures and in between the teeth in a way that rubber cups physically can’t. Consequently, this leaves behind some stains and biofilm. Also, air polishing powders may actually serve to help reduce dentinal sensitivity. Sometimes air polishers are used prior to scaling to reduce plaque and stains that may interfere with visibility during scaling, especially if biofilm levels are high. It’s like “sweeping before you mop.” It’s easier to clean a floor without loose debris and it’s easier to clean patients’ teeth by pre-polishing.
Tips for Spring Cleaning
The green season is upon us and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Many people dread this yearly task; the best way to tackle it is to go low and slow. Go through one drawer or cupboard a day, to get the ball rolling in the right direction without taxing yourself. In the bathroom, look for expired medications. Collect these and take them to the Pharmacy for proper disposal. Ask for help. Decluttering with the help of a friend can make the task much easier. Or call us to help you! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind and home.
