Q: I’m 68 years old and my health insurance only covers glasses every two years. Why does my optometrist keep asking me to come in every year?
A: BC’s Medical Services Plan usually partially covers yearly optometric examinations for those over 65, regardless of your own personal health insurance plan. This is because it is well known that age increases the risk of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, which are checked during eye examinations. Having a yearly eye exam as a senior doesn’t mean you need to get new glasses every year; the exams are recommended for the health of your eyes.

There are many misconceptions about the ‘right’ way to invest into retirement. Everyone has different ideas, needs and investing temperament. You may become very conservative when employment income ends, but you may not. Investing for growth (at least to some degree) is crucially important for most of us, as we will need growth to provide income and not erode purchasing power as we age. Many of us will also have 20-30 years (or more) dependent upon our own investments to meet our lifestyle needs. Seek out a Certified Financial Planner for an analysis and review of your accounts to see if your portfolio is optimal for your situation.

Essential oils have long been used to aid in the body’s wellbeing. Chakras (a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel of energy”) play a big role in keeping you balanced and healthy. It is possible to use essential oils to help in the healing of chakras, and to release accumulated emotional and physical disease from them. For example, Green Valley Aromatherapy’s Heart blend goes together with the fourth chakra. This chakra governs blood circulation, the immune system, skin, hands, and the heart. It is associated with understanding, forgiveness, healing, sharing, sincerity, and unconditional love. With the use of this blend, it may be possible to heighten all these wonderful traits and create balance within your body.

Helping Seniors Live at Home
Where do you want to live out your senior years? Chances are you’d want to keep living in your own home. It never hurts to think ahead. Often, homes can be made safer and more accessible with minor or major home 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, staircases and rooms; eliminating tripping hazards (rugs, power cords, uneven surfaces); changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls to lever handles; adding higher toilet seats; and widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

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!

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!

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