Dancing is fun and burns lots of calories. Modern Square Dancing is: *A combined mental and physical workout. *A great way to meet new people and have lots of fun. *A cooperative sport where all work together to execute a series of calls in time with the music and caller. *A joyful, rhythmic group dance done to all types of music and live singing. It’s also a fun evening out and you can top up your step count for the day! Come with a partner or on your own. All are welcome! Free Lessons September 18 & 25.
Community News
Community Profile: Island Mobile Cardio
Island Mobile Cardiology Testing offers 12-lead ECGs and Holter Monitoring in your residence, office or clinic on Southern Vancouver Island. When ordered by a physician, their services are covered by MSP. All test results are interpreted by a cardiologist. Their mission is to make cardiac testing accessible and convenient for all patients by eliminating barriers such as transportation, mobility and time. At Island Mobile Cardiology Testing, they strive to reduce stress and increase comfort for patients and caregivers.
Aronia Berries and Diabetes
There is evidence that Aronia Berries can help in the treatment of diabetes. A new study led by C. Christiansen on the Effects of Aronia melanocarpa on Cardiometabolic Diseases confirms that Aronia berry consumption may have a beneficial impact on blood glucose. This augments several earlier studies including one by Simeonov et al on the ‘Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice as part of the dietary regimen in patients with diabetes mellitus.’ In that study, Type 2 diabetics who took 200 ml of Aronia juice for three months lowered their fasting blood glucose levels from 13 to 9. Aronia Berries are Antioxidant Gold!
The Wealth of “Real Wellth”
As many may agree, wealth is about having money and possessions (our net worth). However, you may have also heard that ‘money cannot buy happiness’. By shifting the concept of wealth to “Wellth”, we shift the priority from finding the tangible/objective (wealth) to the internally realized/subjective (wellth), which leads to greater wellness and health for individual and for our community. By emphasizing “Real” we highlight that it is in the here-and-now, not focused on the future or past. Building wellness and health today is what really makes us wealthy, which supports our idea of “Real Wellth” and why it needs to be a priority.
Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation
At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.
Wellness Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo is the place to be on September 23 & 24 to Explore, Indulge, Escape & Shop. It is all about wellbeing, empowerment, fashion, friends and fun. Lots of great things to explore with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, fashion shows and over $3000 in prizes. FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See you there!
Relaxation Helps Longevity
Telomeres, small caps at the end of every chromosome, affect our aging process. An enzyme, telomerase, directly influences the rate of shortening of these caps which equates to the rate we age. The good news is we can influence this process. Stress has a direct effect on telomere length. It is strongly linked to oxidative stress in cells, a decrease in telomerase activity and an acceleration of telomere shortening. To strive for longevity choose to make relaxation time a priority. Garden, soak in the tub, have fun with family and friends. Stop watching the news and enjoy the abundance in your life.
Are Your Wants Realistic?
Most of us want to have a flat stomach, but the stomach is not meant to be perfectly flat. The ‘stubborn’ fat that doesn’t go away needs to be there to protect our digestive and reproductive organs. We need to stop berating ourselves for the ‘flab’ that actually keeps us healthy and safe. Our posture, the way we stand or an exaggerated curve in our back can make our belly look bigger. Before you skip that piece of cake or bowl of ice cream, work with a physiotherapist or a Pilates teacher to address your posture. Contact me to find out if Pilates is right for you.
I just got diagnosed with hearing loss. Now what?
You’ve finally taken a hearing test and found out that you do in fact have a hearing loss. The diagnosis is official and you need hearing aids. Now what?
It can be difficult to come to terms with this type of diagnosis, and even a bit scary. The good news is that with proper care from a good audiologist or registered hearing professions such as a RHIP, the transition is worthwhile.
Coming to terms with the diagnosis
When an individual first receives a hearing loss diagnosis, it can take up to seven years before they start seeking treatment.
Many people struggle to accept the diagnosis as there might be personal reasons holding them back from treatment.
There are several risks of untreated hearing loss such as mental fatigue, poor emotional well-being and safety hazards, especially after long periods of time without treatment.
It’s important to avoid further consequences and recognize that treatment is a way to improve your quality of life. You can be more involved with your loved ones, recognize important sounds around you and effectively function better on your own.
Although it may seem frightening, expensive, or difficult to accept – treatment can benefit you greatly.
Audiologists and hearing health professionals at NexGen Hearing work with you to find the best treatment plan for your needs and help you receive the most effective hearing experience possible.
Getting your first hearing aids
Those with sensorineural hearing loss are typically treated with hearing aids. Since technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, hearing aids are more effective than ever with various brands offering unique experiences.
Before making recommendations, your audiologist or hearing health professional will conduct a formal needs assessment to address specific lifestyle needs outside of your hearing abilities.
They will learn about your social life, career, hobbies, budget, the style of hearing aids you like and more. All the information uncovered will help them tailor a hearing aid recommendation.
Your lifestyle and environment matter when it comes to selecting a hearing aid. Some people enjoy loud social gatherings so they need a hearing aid that can block out unnecessary background sound. Others may frequently spend time watching TV, so a hearing aid with excellent Bluetooth capabilities would be the most helpful.
Once a specific model is chosen, the hearing aid is ordered and you are booked in for a fitting. This appointment will introduce you to your new devices, ensure the hearing aid is comfortable and program the devices to your prescription.
There are several follow-up appointments around a week apart to fine-tune your hearing aid programs based on your feedback. Some patients might need certain sounds lowered or others increased to hear better.
In order to provide feedback that will improve your hearing aid programming, the hearing aids must be worn regularly so you can adapt to the hearing aids and new sound environment.
The goal is to make the transition easy for each individual so they can adjust to the hearing aids at their own pace. In some cases, patients need time to get used to the louder sounds because it can be overwhelming at first.
By moving as slowly or quickly as needed, you can get accustomed to the new sound environment comfortably and eventually reaching your prescription level.
Also during these appointments, you will receive education on all of the necessary hearing aid care such as how to charge them, properly clean and change their filters, connect to Bluetooth, warranty and more.
Your audiologist or hearing health professional is there to answer your questions, provide support throughout the experience and ensure you are getting the most out of your hearing aids.
Once all of the follow-up appointments are completed and you are happy with your hearing aids, you can go back to life as normal with support from your hearing clinic.
The next steps
The hearing aid journey doesn’t stop at the fitting and programming at NexGen Hearing Clinic. It continues throughout life as you navigate the world with hearing loss and hearing aids.
Always available and willing to help, the clinic provides support to its patients for as long as needed from quarterly check-ups to walk-ins with a hearing or hearing aid problem needing to be solved.
That being said, the best part about completing the fitting and programming stage is how your new hearing aids integrate into your day-to-day life.
Amplifying the sounds you struggle to hear and creating a fuller listening experience, the hearing aids improve your quality of life.
They become a tool for your success so you can hear the things you used to miss, feel more comfortable in situations that used to make it difficult to hear and gain confidence.
If you notice odd sounds, tech issues or other problems, NexGen Hearing Clinic’s front door is always open to help patients and provide support as they accumulate to live with hearing aids.
Are you looking to treat your hearing loss?
Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced. They are here to support you on your journey to better hearing and help you experience an improved quality of life through exceptional care.
Patients are welcomed at over 45 clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
To find a clinic near you and book an appointment, click here or call 1-877-606-6671.
Socks for Many Reasons
Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style like our prime minister with his maple leaf socks. Many of us choose our socks by appearance not realizing that there are many health benefits to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Today there are socks available that not only keep your feet warm, but may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.
Senior Summer Safety Tips
Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50—every two to four hours you are outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke – so make sure to keep hydrated!
