Q: What should I do about marks and bumps on the side of my nose where my eyeglasses sit?
A: Minor indentations and irritations on the sides of the nose are usually normal for people who wear glasses, and can be greatly lessened by choosing lightweight eyewear with hypoallergenic materials. Unusual growths or chronic sores should be investigated by your doctor.
Community News
Overcoming Mental Burnout
Are you feeling overwhelmed but don’t know why? Perhaps you try to get the sleep you need only to feel tired? No doubt you have heard that the next pandemic to hit is one of mental health. We are hearing more about burnout now than ever before while many of us begin to experience the symptoms of it (as noted above). Moving out of burnout takes more than a few days off or a good night’s sleep. It is a lifestyle change. Maybe it’s time to book an appointment to talk supportive, health-affirming strategies. Our intern program offers low fee counselling without the wait list!
Benefits of Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga has shown to improve overall health when practiced regularly and can be modified for people of varying abilities. It is beneficial for people with limited mobility and for those who want to practice yoga at their workplace. The benefits of practicing chair yoga poses (called asanas) include: Improved flexibility, increased strength and reduced joint strain. Also, better concentration and incorporating breath work with the poses can help clear your brain of unwanted thoughts, improve mood and decrease stress. Martina Forster, Yoga teacher/Occupational Therapist
Product Review:
Introducing the NEW pureAir 3000 with ODOGard®, the only purifier to combine both active and passive air purification technologies with the odor-eliminating power of ODOGard®. The advanced active technology includes ionization and a proprietary form of photocatalytic oxidation, active radiant catalysis (ARC®). In addition to reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the pureAir 3000 reduces allergens such as pollen, pet dander, smoke from wildfires, and odors caused by mold, bacteria, and other pollutants. Visit GTECANADA.CA to learn more and use the coupon code WN3K for a free pureAir 50 when you purchase a pureAir 3000 + ODOGard®.
Business Profile: Initio Medical
Located in Vancouver, INITIO is Western Canada’s only private PET/CT diagnostic scan facility committed to providing immediate PET/CT scans and results supporting patient-centred care. All referrals are booked promptly with quick turnaround on results, as timing of PET/CT screening matters to help prevent or catch disease before it’s too late. PET/CT scans assist with: CANCER – detecting cancer, revealing cancer spread, confirming cancer treatment effectiveness, and finding a cancer recurrence. BRAIN DISORDERS – ALZHEIMER’S by confirming possible Alzheimer’s diagnosis, clarifying early diagnosis of dementia, and altering treatment options. HEART DISEASE – Confirming cardiac sarcoidosis presence/recurrence. For life-changing diagnostic information that helps physician treatment planning, you can count on INITIO for immediate PET/CT scan appointments and results. Physician referral required. Further info online at initiomedical.ca. Why wait? KNOW. NOW.
Senior Brain Health
It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, but especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A diet rich in healthy fats is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
Do You Need Dentures?
Did you know the need for dentures isn’t only determined by your age? You could benefit from dentures if you have: 1) Missing teeth – fewer teeth doing all of the work can weaken or damage them. 2) Shifting teeth – can indicate potential gum disease, and unstable teeth may eventually need to be extracted, leading to a need for dentures. 3) Poor oral hygiene – not taking care of your teeth can lead to health issues beyond your mouth. 4) Gum problems – sensitive and bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss over time.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Unfortunately, putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems, which is why establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Keep Gambling in Check
Have you heard of Canada’s Low Risk Gambling Guidelines? They recommend keeping it under 1% of gross household income, 4 days/month or less and only 2 types of gambling. Also consider the following which can increase your risk of developing a gambling problem: 1) If you struggle with mental health and addictions issues, or have experienced gambling problems in your family, 2) If you are drawn to fast-paced games that involve frequent betting like slot machines, in-game sports betting, or many online forms of gambling, and/or 3) you’re playing for escapism or to make money. Check out GamblingGuidelines.ca #LRGG.
Karen Hlady, VI Gaming Support
Keep Mobile and Independent
An electric scooter can help you retain your independence and get you where you need to go; here are some things to know if you’re trying one out for the first time. 1) To operate a mobility scooter in British Columbia you do not need a license, registration or insurance. 2) You ride the scooter on sidewalks or road shoulders and follow the same rules as pedestrians. 3) Consider taking a test drive of your future scooter to ensure you can operate it safely and comfortably.
Meditation for Mental Wellness
The benefits of sitting quietly and going within are profound. The deep state of rest produced by meditation triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These chemicals play many roles related to well-being, including increasing feelings of happiness, decreasing feelings of pain, and reducing the side effects of stress. Studies have found that meditation and mindfulness can decrease symptoms related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood-related disorders, without side-effects that might be experienced while taking medications. Meditation can play an important role in maintaining and improving your mental health and well-being safely and effectively.
