According to a recent study* in the National Library of Medicine, people with gambling problems report more exposure to and impact from gambling advertising. The study revealed that problem gambling was associated with increased perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and awareness of gambling. It also revealed that internet advertising was the strongest predictor of perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and TV advertising was the strongest predictor of advertising impact on knowledge of gambling forms, operators and awareness of gambling. If you need support, we are here. (*Relationships Between Exposure to Different Gambling Advertising Types, Advertising Impact and Problem Gambling)
Community News
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temperature of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water. Seek medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up. Drink plenty of water.
Welcome to Summer
Summer has arrived! This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and take in a baseball game or two. Check out the Wellness Hub, your local, online Health and Wellness resource for information that can help you make the most out of summer. It features hundreds of health tips and articles along with a directory of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. Our health and wellness resources also include our printed newsletters, the “Wellness Wednesday” radio show and our Expos. Check out the Hub for more information and to enter our July contest.
Natural Pain Relief
Do you know that lack of stability and balance accounts for a large portion of foot, leg and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug-free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology.
Digitalize or Print? The Modern Question
As I age and read hints about what to keep and what should go, I cringe every time I read “Digitalize your photos; get rid of/destroy photo albums.” Not me. Here’s my rationale. Paper, in one form or another, has been around for at least five millennia; tablets and memory stick for less than 40 years. How long before something else takes its place and makes them obsolete? Browsing through my albums brings back many happy memories of childhood, family and community events. No way will my albums go; my children are already discussing who should get them!
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates corrects your posture, addresses muscle imbalances, and mobilizes your joints. Pilates helps you manage pain, recover after an accident or rehab an injury. It can be adapted for any ability, fitness level, size or medical condition. Complement your Pilates with cardio, like running, boxing, swimming, or biking. Pilates is for injury rehab, not weight loss. Adding in other exercise, especially cardio, can help make your heart stronger and improve your endurance. Cross-training makes your Pilates practice stronger. Pilates can help people with arthritis, vertigo, migraines, knee injuries, brain trauma, ADHD, Erb’s palsy, Graves’ disease, dyslexia, clinical depression and diabetes.
Aronia Berry Smoothie Recipe
Looking for a quick, nutritious and tasty breakfast or snack? Try this delicious Aronia Berry Smoothie! Brimming with anti-oxidants, the Aronia berry is a powerhouse for health. This smoothie tastes delightful and takes only a minute to whip up. Your body will love it! INGREDIENTS: *1 cup frozen Aronia berries from Berry Up!, *1 banana, *1 cup plain yogurt, *½ cup apple juice, *½ cup crushed ice, *½ cup soy milk or almond milk. INSTRUCTIONS: Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!
Acknowledge Disappointment
We had cool, wet weather out here on the island this spring, which was in contrast to the expectation. This can lead many people to start to focus on regrets and lost possibilities of what “could have been”. The challenge with focusing on what “could have been” is that it never can be, so starts a negative thought pattern of rumination. One way to avoid constant and repetitive thoughts about what could have been is to shift the regret into disappointment instead. When we acknowledge the disappointment, we can focus our attention on what we will do instead.
Clean Your Teeth
Most dental problems are caused by bacteria. Bacteria hide along the gum line or in tartar that builds up on teeth and attacks surrounding tissues causing inflammation and bleeding. Good dental hygiene at home and regular cleaning at your dentist’s office are very important to eliminate the growth of bacteria and maintain good gum health. Left unchecked, bacteria can melt the bone around the teeth causing root exposure and pockets where more bacteria can hide. This can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. Call your dentist today to book your next cleaning.
Use Mobility Aids Correctly
Learning to use a mobility aid after a fall or injury is very important for maintaining independence, ability to enjoy leisure tasks and to perform household tasks. In order to prevent re-injury, the mobility device must be used correctly and have appropriate adjustments for posture, seating and gait. Once an assistive device is prescribed to a patient, we can make adjustments and corrections to the fit and then prescribe exercise based on the client’s mobility goals. Goals may include navigating stairs, curbs or opening doorways. An exercise prescription, in conjunction with a prescribed assistive device, produces much greater mobility progression.
Tips to Avoid Heatstroke
With summer in full swing, it is important to know how to “Beat the Heat”. *Drink plenty of cool water even before you feel thirsty. *Use an air conditioner or fan to circulate air or go to an air-conditioned place for a few hours during hot days. *Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing. *Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. *Avoid the sun and *Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. Be aware of these signs of heat stroke; *dizziness or fainting, *nausea or vomiting, *headache, *extreme thirst, *rapid breathing and heartbeat. If heat stroke is suspected, seek medical help immediately.
