An important bylaw change took effect recently which increases the number of allowable interments per traditional burial space in our cemetery. This new bylaw applies to traditional burial lots in select gardens and allows for the placement of up to two additional cremation interments in a qualified lot. This is a unique opportunity to add to your existing family heritage on your current lot and save more. Please contact us for more information on this opportunity or to discuss other options. We’re here to help.
Community News
Early Detection of Hearing Loss
Identifying a hearing loss and aiding hearing loss early helps preserve the brain’s ability to receive and use the incoming sounds in a meaningful way. Early intervention keeps the brain sharp. Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do help improve your hearing and your ability to communicate. The longer you wait to aid hearing loss, the harder it is for your brain to adapt to the sound of hearing aids. The benefits of hearing aids increase the sooner and more consistently you use them. See a hearing professional if you suspect that you may have some hearing loss.
We All Need Social Support
Social support is important to our physical and mental health. We need other people who can offer many different kinds of social support. When you reach out to a close friend or family member about a personal issue you are looking for emotional support. This is someone you contact when you just want to talk about a problem and share your thoughts and feelings. You connect with a specialist about accessing a service or reach out to a counsellor or doctor when you’re looking for information or a deeper level of knowledge. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Help for Smelly Feet
Do you have bromodosis? Smelly feet is a very common medical condition from buildup of sweat resulting in bacteria growth on the skin. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body with naturally occurring bacteria to help break down sweat. Bad odor forms when bacteria and sweat are allowed to build up. Some simple tips to prevent bromodosis include washing your feet at least once a day and alternating between two pairs of shoes. Choose well-fitting socks like Voxx socks made with antimicrobial fibers to wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and sweet smelling all day.
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a recent 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.
Grinding Your Teeth?
When under stress, many people find themselves grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. It is often something we do when we sleep. Bruxism can be caused by stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite or missing and crooked teeth, or it can be due to sleep disorders. Bruxism can lead to symptoms such as dull headache or a sore jaw. Severe grinding can lead to painful or loose teeth which can lead to fractures in your teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
Reluctant to Accept Help?
It can be very difficult to accept help. Seniors often think that accepting help means losing their independence. It is as if by accepting help, they are telling the world that they are no longer able to live independently. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase your independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in your home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Hike for Hospice – Community Fundraiser
The annual Hike for Hospice takes place on September 11th at Westwood Lake Park. Walk, run or hike the 1km or 6km option at your own pace. Register by August 11 to be entered into the Early Bird Draw. Funds raised stay local. Gather your family and friends – walk to honor the memory of your loved ones. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of age, means or culture. Volunteers and professional staff offer free programs resources & education. See their website NanaimoHospice.com/Events for more information and to register for the Hike.
Summer Pop Up Concert Series
Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.
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 symptoms of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behavior, 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 armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.
