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 & 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 is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
Community News
Fall Prevention Month
November is Fall Prevention month in Canada. The importance of addressing the impact of falls on older Canadians cannot be understated. Falls can have devastating and long lasting outcomes on a person, resulting in chronic pain, reduced quality of life, injury and even loss of independence. Additionally, falls are the primary reason for injury-related death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. The cost of falls in the older adult population costs the Canadian economy $5.6 billion a year in medical and other expenses.
Tips to avoid falls:
● Exercise to build strength and balance.
● Don’t rush when getting up out of a chair or walking.
● Get your sight and hearing checked regularly; ensure you get and use glasses and/or hearing aids if they are required.
● Manage your medications and review them with a pharmacist as some may cause dizziness and falling.
● Wear well-fitting shoes, even when in your home.
● Consider using a cane or mobility device.
● Make sure you have proper lighting in your home and remove tripping hazards and clutter in hallways, stairs and rooms.
● Install handrails where appropriate. Preventing falls is critical to staying healthy for older adults in Canada. Take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of falls.
Denture Fit and Health
Improperly fitting dentures can cause oral tissue damage, including blisters, sores, cuts, and scrapes. These injuries lead to inflammation, bleeding, and increased risk of infection. Ill-fitting dentures may also hinder chewing, resulting in poor nutrition and health problems. Jaw pain caused by poorly fitting dentures can lead to headaches and earaches due to inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A misaligned bite affects head and neck muscles, leading to TMJ pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD limits mouth opening, impacting eating, speaking, and other issue associated with the head and neck. Book your yearly exam to make sure your dentures still fit you perfectly.
The Power of Zinc
Zinc plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, helping the body fight off colds and the flu. It can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms by preventing the virus from multiplying in the nasal passages and throat. Zinc also helps activate T-lymphocytes, which are essential for immune responses. Studies show that taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms can lead to quicker recovery. It may also reduce the risk of getting sick in the first place by boosting the body’s defense mechanisms and maintaining the integrity of the respiratory system.
Find Your Calm
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you have too much on your plate? You’re not alone, and help is available. At Safe Harbour Therapy Centre, our skilled talk therapists are here to provide compassionate support tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions, we offer a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. Don’t let life’s challenges weigh you down—reach out to Safe Harbour today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Post Partum Depression Prevention
Preventing Postpartum Depression (PPD) isn’t just about treating symptoms when they appear. It’s about building a solid foundation of emotional, social, and medical support uniquely suited to each mother. By surrounding yourself with the right people and resources before, during, and after pregnancy, the chances of PPD can be greatly reduced, giving both mom and baby the best start to this new chapter of life. The Power of Early Screening
One of the best ways to prevent PPD is through early detection, and that’s where regular screenings come in. These screenings during prenatal and postnatal visits give healthcare providers the chance to check in on how you’re really feeling. Spotting early signs of PPD using validated screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) can open the door to much-needed support and help stop it from escalating. It’s all about catching things before they become overwhelming. Preparing for Motherhood: The Role of Education
No one can truly prepare you for motherhood, but perinatal education programs come close. They provide insights into what’s normal during pregnancy and the postpartum period while also teaching you how to recognize signs of PPD. From in-person classes to online resources, these programs meet you where you are and help set you up for success.
What is a Sound Bath?
A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in soothing sound waves produced using specific instruments like gongs, singing bowls, chimes, and drums. The vibrations from these instruments promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and help balance energy. Our sound baths take place in a tranquil environment where participants lie down and the healing tones, frequencies and vibrations wash over them allowing the mind and body to physically, mentally & emotionally release tension. People report feeling more centered, calm, and rejuvenated after a session, as the harmonic frequencies promote both mental and physical well-being through deep relaxation.
Alzheimer’s & Home Safety
If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container. It’s a good idea to bring in a homecare professional to ensure proper safety and comfort.
Reconnect with Reiki
In today’s fast-paced world, Reiki serves as a valuable tool for reconnecting with oneself. It offers support in revitalizing energy, alleviating daily stress, navigating life transitions, and fostering a spiritual connection. People come to reiki for all sorts of reasons. Some want to revitalise their energy levels, alleviate the stress of daily life, move through burnout, navigate life transitions with more ease or create momentum when they get stuck. Others are drawn to reiki for a spiritual connection, a desire to experience a greater sense of meaning in life. Beyond stress reduction, Reiki complements traditional pain management by potentially alleviating discomfort.
(part 2)
Support Systems: You’re Not Alone
Mothers aren’t meant to go through this journey alone, and a solid support system can be a lifeline. Whether it’s family, friends, or your local community, these people play a massive role in helping to prevent PPD. They’re there to lend a hand with the baby, listen to your concerns, and remind you that what you’re feeling is okay.
Creating Your Own Network:
1. Speak Up About Your Needs: It’s okay to ask for help. Let your loved ones know what you need, whether it’s a shoulder to lean on or an extra pair of hands.
2. Build Your Circle: Surround yourself with a mix of emotional and practical support — from close family to trusted healthcare providers.
3. Lean on Your Community: Make the most of local resources like support groups and parenting classes. These connections can be invaluable.
4. Partner Support: Involving your partner in caregiving duties can lighten your load and make recovery smoother. You’re in this together.
Lifestyle: Simple Changes That Make a Big Impact
Your mental health is closely tied to your physical health. What you eat, how much you move, and how well you sleep can all make a huge difference in preventing PPD.
● Eat Well: A nutritious diet fuels your body and mind, helping you feel more energized and emotionally balanced. Omega-3s, found in foods like fish, are especially helpful for mental health.
● Move Your Body: Gentle exercises like walking or postpartum yoga can lift your mood by releasing feel-good hormones. Always check with your doctor to make sure your body is ready before starting any new activity.
● Rest When You Can: Sleep is critical for both mental and physical health. Try to rest when your baby sleeps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with nighttime feedings. Prioritizing sleep can make a world of difference.
By embracing early screenings, learning about mental health, building a support system, and making simple lifestyle changes, you can take control of your postpartum experience. But even with the best planning, PPD can still affect so many new parents. In the next and last article in this series, we’ll share real stories from people who’ve walked this path and found their way through. Their experiences remind us that, no matter how tough things may seem, there’s always hope and a way forward.
Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss
Embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier you with the power of hypnotherapy for weight loss. Say goodbye to fad diets and grueling workouts, and unlock the secrets hidden within your subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy gets your mind working with you rather than against you. Hypnotherapy aligns your mind and body, creating an environment where it feels easy to adjust your habits, motivations, and beliefs. Imagine effortlessly shedding those extra pounds as negative beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns melt away. With the guidance of a skilled hypnotherapist, you’ll rewrite your story, rewiring your mind for success and achieve your weight loss goals.
