If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Community News
Count Your Blessings
December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. We are passionate about sharing health and wellness information. We continue to publish our Choices for Healthy Living ® newsletters including two SeniorsNews editions in Victoria and three WellnessNews editions on the central island. In additional to local newsletters, we offer the Wellness.News, our online resource, Wellness Expos and more. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Technology for Self-Healing
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are all around us in natural and man-made devices such as cell phones, microwaves, Bluetooth, and wireless internet. Some studies suggest that they are not dangerous and don’t impose any side effects. Unfortunately, many people complain about the damage that seems to be caused by EMFs—everything from headaches, nausea, and fatigue to various cancers, birth defects, and even death. We can protect ourselves from potential harm created by long-term EMF exposure by using the technology of the RAYD8 REGEN. It will support the body in detoxification and strengthen it for self-healing. Be sure to enter the contest for a chance to win two free sessions.
Covid and Flu Shot Clinic – December 3
The Victoria Community Health Centre (VCHC) is currently providing COVID and Flu vaccination clinics. You are eligible for a Covid booster if you have received your invite from Get Vaccinated. No invite is needed for a Flu shot. Our next Immunization Clinic is on Tuesday, December 3rd, 1 – 4pm. Please call 778-440-0221 to book an appointment for nursing services or COVID or Flu immunization. Our full-scope Registered Nurses provide a wide array of services including health assessments, injections, wound care, blood pressure monitoring, ear cleaning, and referral and assistance with virtual doctor visits.
Do People Buy Homes Over Christmas?
While many sellers opt to take their homes off the market during the holidays, sales never grind to a halt. The last week of December is often busy! However, the motivation of buyers is different from the normal spring season where buyers want to buy. Over the holidays, they typically NEED to buy. Coupled with seasonal lower inventory, this often means sellers do well. Could that be you? We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.
Be a Santa to a Senior!
Each holiday season, Home Instead’s “Be a Santa to a Senior” program spreads joy to lonely or financially challenged seniors across North America. Through this initiative, community members can purchase gifts for seniors in need, creating an uplifting experience for all involved. This year, Victoria residents can also support seniors by purchasing a meal through Refire Kitchen at their downtown location at 843 Fort St., 100 Aldersmith Pl in Esquimalt, or by phone (778) 406-1011. Your purchase will help a senior in your local community feel remembered and valued. Join us in making a difference this holiday season and brightening the lives of seniors who deserve extra cheer.
Smile Bright This Fall and Winter!
Keep your dentures in great shape with these easy tips. *Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth. *Cut crunchy fall treats into smaller pieces to protect your dentures. *Stick to a daily routine—brush twice a day and soak them overnight. *Use denture adhesive for extra security during gatherings. *Avoid sticky sweets and be careful with hot drinks. *Traveling? Pack a small cleaning kit. * Moisturize your lips, maintain good oral hygiene, and schedule a check-up before the holidays. If it’s time for a new set of dentures, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for a comfortable, confident smile. Enjoy the season with a bright, healthy smile!
Stay Hydrated this Holiday Season
While you are enjoying this holiday season, be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids to stay well-hydrated. Water is best. Dehydration, especially for seniors, can be dangerous, with symptoms that may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, fainting, and weakness. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it is best to match every drink with a glass of water. Drinking too many caffeinated beverages can also lead to dehydration. Try to consume high-water-content foods such as soups and fruit with delicious desserts and holiday treats to help with hydration. Happy Holidays!
December Trivia Answers
1. Italy. 2. 364. 3. “Inauguration” in English and “Dedication” in Hebrew
Reducing Your Dementia Risk
Dementia prevention focuses on reducing risk factors that contribute to cognitive decline. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a key role, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean or DASH diet), and staying mentally active through learning and social engagement. Managing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol is crucial, as they increase the risk of dementia. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also helps. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, research suggests that staying physically, mentally, and socially engaged may delay or reduce the likelihood of developing cognitive impairments.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally and don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject changes, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If your listener is not following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
