When insomnia is ongoing, try altering your sleep habits. There is ample clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of a concept called Sleep Hygiene – recommendations that help with the specific aim of improving sleep quality. Even a few slight adjustments can mean the difference between sound sleep and a restless night. Have a bedtime routine, let your body know it’s time to sleep. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed and avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Create a restful bedroom environment that is cool, dark and quiet. Schedule ‘worry’ time for the next day and go to bed worry-free!
Community News
Words to Live By
“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Words to Live By
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent van Gogh
Eliminating the Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a seasonal depression affecting 18% of Canadians, but there’s a lot you can do to get back to your healthy self again. Start by taking Truehope EMP, a micronutrient supplement that goes well beyond supporting your mental and physical wellbeing. Scientifically backed by 34 medical journal publications and researched at 14 universities worldwide. For even greater results, combine EMP with healthy fats, regular exercise, social time with your friends and a balanced diet. Empower yourself with this holistic approach and say goodbye to winter blues!
Loneliness May Lead to Bad Health
Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.
It’s Time to Quit Smoking!
Thinking about some resolutions for the New Year? Quitting smoking may be the most important change you can make to improve your health. There are numerous immediate benefits to quitting smoking including reducing your blood pressure and heart rate, improving your sense of taste and smell, and improving your circulation making it easier to exercise. With every year that you are smoke free, your risk of stroke and lung cancer decreases. After 15 years, your risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked. (source: www.quitnow.ca). Talk to your healthcare professional today about quitting. It’s never too late!
Gambling Support and Treatment Services
Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2
Ask The Expert
Q: How bad is it for your eyes to open them under water?
A: In short, prolonged exposure to water can be irritating or dangerous in many ways. Contact lenses can be easily lost. Chlorine from pools can inflame the ocular surfaces. Freshwater itself can cause edema in the eye just from the lack of salinity. Water from hot tubs, outdoor freshwater and sea water can carry all sorts of infectious microorganisms. The human eye doesn’t focus well under water, so the vision is blurry. Try to use swim goggles or masks when you know you’ll be needing to see underwater.
Made in the Valley: Brian’s Arthritis Cream
Arthritis can be quite a debilitating affliction. This had been known especially by one of the ladies who works at Green Valley Aromatherapy, as her father Brian was dealing with a severe case. Her father’s arthritis had gotten so severe that he was unable to fully enjoy his life. We decided it was time to make a blend specifically for arthritis. It contains Eucalyptus, Sweet Birch, Clove Bud, Rosemary, and Camphor essential oils; all mixed into an emu oil base. All of these have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help ease the pain of arthritis. Now, Brian can fully enjoy life without the hindrance of arthritis to hold him back.
In Your Community
At Ocean Chiropractic, Dr. Patrick Johnson and his team specialize in Chiropractic care using the Koren Specific and Torque Release Techniques. Along with Chiropractic care, Ocean Chiropractic is proud to offer a unique approach to custom orthotics and foot rehabilitation to the residents of the Comox Valley. As a chiropractor, Dr. Pat is trained to assess whether orthotics are right for you. “Our mission is to empower our practice members to make healthy and informed decisions and we will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan to restore your health. We also strive to serve, love, heal and transform you beyond your greatest expectations.”
Planning for Aging in Place
The first step is to assess the home, perhaps with help from an occupational therapist. It’s possible that your residence isn’t suited for senior living – maybe it’s too large or too remote, for instance. In that case, you can think about alternatives, such as a different home, a retirement residence or assisted living facility. Often, homes can be made safer with modifications. Small, inexpensive changes that can make a big difference to a senior’s comfort and safety include installing railings and grab bars; improving lighting for hallways and staircases; eliminating tripping hazards; changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls to lever handles; adding higher toilet seats; and widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
