Community News
Property Assessments

Property assessments are in! What do they really mean? Your municipality needs to determine how much your contribution to the overall budget should be, so they apply a “mill rate” to the estimated value of your house. You probably have never had a physical assessment, nor have you reported upgrades or renovations. The assessment number is a guess at best. It’s always interesting that owners want their assessment to be low when paying taxes but high when trying to sell! The assessment is irrelevant to market value; it is only determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.

Community Event – CNOY

Have you registered to walk in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk? This family-friendly walk helps Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association run programs that provide shelter, care, and holistic support, empowering people to step forward to independence and hope. There is no registration fee to enter. Team up, walk and fundraise! If you raise $150, you will receive one of this year’s amazing toques. The event takes place on February 24th and features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.

Aronia Berries are Powerful Antioxidants

Today more than ever, a healthy immune system is important. According to Healthline, Aronia berries may strengthen the immune system and even counteract some infections. Aronia –grown in BC – contains powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice, when taken regularly, reduced blood glucose. Aronia extracts have also reduced inflammation and improved immunity. In hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.

Great Socks for Travel

Many of us have compression socks for travelling. On the day of travel, put them on when you get up; that is when your legs are less swollen. This allows your body to adapt to the socks. Make sure to leave them on for a few hours after you land to again allow your body to adapt. Wearing the socks for the extra time can reduce any swelling of the legs much more effectively than if they are taken straight off. Compression socks do not work unless you wear them. Voxxlife socks provide comfortable compression that clients love to wear.

Denture Adhesive; Friend or Foe?

While denture adhesives offer a temporary boost to denture stability, it’s essential to be mindful. Relying too heavily on adhesives might inadvertently hide underlying issues with your dentures. This may delay crucial dental check-ups and adjustments that your dentures need for optimal comfort. Improper adhesive application can lead to discomfort, affect the taste of the food that you eat, and present cleaning challenges that may impact oral hygiene. Remember, adhesives can’t replace regular denture check-ups. Keep those friendly appointments with your denturist to ensure you maintain your smile, stay comfortable, and that your mouth remains healthy for the long run.

Sleep Changes & The Elderly

Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Enriched Living in 2024

In retirement homes, seniors are redefining their golden years with purposeful goals. Far from idle, residents are embracing hobbies, exercises and wellness programs they never had time for before. The pursuit of mental and physical wellness remains a priority, fostering a sense of vitality. Amidst the serene setting of retirement homes, seniors are crafting a narrative of fulfillment, proving that age doesn’t diminish the zest for life; instead, it enriches it. Dynamic hubs where the pursuit of personal goals is complemented by the joy of shared moments, proving that a fulfilling and vibrant life is possible.

Support is a Game Changer

2024 Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can tempt us to use gambling as a quick fix. Gambling can cost us everything—not only our money but our mental and physical health, especially when we are seeking financial or emotional relief. Free tools and confidential supports are available, including voluntary self-exclusions, gambling-blocking apps (GamBan, GamBlock), a 24/7 toll-free phone line, credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts (Fold ’Em), or connect with us. Support is a game-changer!

January 2024 New Year’s Resolutions

A common ritual around the New Year is to make resolutions for the upcoming year. For many, these resolutions are typically broken within the first couple of weeks. The greatest challenge with these resolutions is that they are focused on what we ‘think we should do’ as opposed to what would be really helpful to us. Common resolutions are: to exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking and so on. Now, all of those ideas are healthy; however, they are not always a good plan for self-care. Make your New Year’s resolutions about increasing self-care, which is about finding activities you enjoy doing and doing them regularly!

Make Fall Prevention a Priority

With colder weather comes slippery sidewalks. Falls prevention is key to maintaining health and longevity. Keep your body active to keep your balance. Take a look at your rugs, flooring, lights and stairs. If the rug is curling, fix it or get rid of it! If the lighting is poor, install higher-wattage bulbs. If the stairs are not safe, install a railing or look into a stair lift. Monitor blood pressure, stay hydrated and take medications as directed. When venturing outside, be sure to wear sturdy, well-fitting footwear. Prevention is always better than recovery. Call Comfort Keepers today; we can help!