For children on the autism spectrum and their parents, the end of the school year brings both joy and challenges. Unscheduled days and new environments can add stress. To help, maintain your child’s usual daily schedule as much as possible. Keeping a basic routine can reduce anxiety and preserve a sense of normalcy. Consider enrolling your child in a summer program where they can participate in small-group activities and receive one-on-one support. Include your child in planning activities by giving them choices or focusing on their interests. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps them adapt to new schedules. Need support? We understand the challenges of parenting a child with autism and are here to help!
Community News
Embracing Self-Care: Mobility Solutions
Self-Care Day is a vital reminder of the importance of prioritizing our well-being, especially for those with mobility challenges. True self-care extends beyond physical health; it encompasses the freedom to live independently and with dignity. Knowledgeable experts are dedicated to making life accessible for everyone by identifying unique needs and selecting solutions that fit diverse lifestyles. From wheelchairs and stairlifts to walkers and power lift recliners, the right mobility and home accessibility solutions can make a significant difference every day. Self-care is about embracing every moment, independently and joyfully.
Pursuing a Smoke-Free Life
Quitting smoking is a challenging but rewarding decision. Convincing yourself to quit begins with acknowledging the severe health risks, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Visualize a healthier, smoke-free future, filled with more energy, better taste and smell, and improved appearance. Understand the financial savings and the positive impact on loved ones. Set clear, realistic goals and seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Embrace healthy habits like exercise and mindfulness to manage cravings. Remind yourself daily of the reasons for quitting, and celebrate every smoke-free milestone as a testament to your strength and commitment.
Hearing Aids & Summer
As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.
Ask The Expert
Q: I was using my e-reader at the beach in Vancouver, and someone came up to me and said I should stop because that was bad for my eyes. Is there any truth to that unsolicited advice? A: Not much. Most e-readers have screens that are easier on the eyes than other digital devices. The bigger concern is the ambient light from being outdoors. Ideally, you’d have been wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. It’s also fairly common for prescription lenses to have some UV (and blue light) protection. Visit us at Mosaic Optometry for questions about your current lenses and your future lens options!
Relief for Postmenopausal Symptoms
Did you know that women spend 40% of their lives postmenopausal? Menopause, marked by decreased estrogen and progesterone, can cause vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and mild urinary incontinence. Bascom Medical Therapy offers the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy to treat these symptoms, collectively known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). This 5-minute, in-office procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production, enhancing vaginal health. No recovery time is needed, and three treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are recommended, with many patients experiencing relief after just one session.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Conditions
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for many conditions, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis), whether acute or chronic. It works by creating pressure waves through tissues, stimulating cells to modulate blood flow (angiogenesis), reduce inflammation, promote protein synthesis, encourage cell growth, and improve soft tissue healing.
These benefits lead to decreased pain and increased function, helping you return to the activities you love. Other treatable conditions include shoulder calcific tendinopathies, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and more! Book an initial consultation to see if shockwave therapy may be helpful for you.
Summer Challenges & Autism
For children on the autism spectrum and their parents, the end of the school year brings both joy and challenges. Unscheduled days and new environments can add stress. To help, maintain your child’s usual daily schedule as much as possible. Keeping a basic routine can reduce anxiety and preserve a sense of normalcy. Consider enrolling your child in a summer program where they can participate in small-group activities and receive one-on-one support. Include your child in planning activities by giving them choices or focusing on their interests. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps them adapt to new schedules. Need support? We understand the challenges of parenting a child with autism and are here to help!
A Gift to Lift Spirits
Sending flowers is more than a kind gesture; it’s a simple way to boost physical and mental health. Flowers improve mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of well-being. Their vibrant colors and pleasant fragrances have a calming effect, perfect for brightening someone’s day. Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or just to show your care, a bouquet of flowers can make a significant positive impact on someone’s life. Treat yourself or a loved one to the uplifting power of flowers today!
Healthy Teeth: Fun Dental Care for Kids
Self-Care Month, perfect for boosting your child’s dental health with fun activities! Turn toothbrushing into a game: let your child choose a superhero-themed toothbrush and play their favorite song while brushing. Create a “Tooth Fairy Calendar” to track brushing and reward consistency with stickers. Pack a “Smile Snack Pack” with crunchy veggies, cheese, and nuts instead of sugary treats. Introduce a fun story about the “Brave Tooth Warrior” who fights off sugar monsters with good brushing habits. This July, make dental care exciting and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Ocular Discomfort and Eye Fatigue
If you experience blurry or double vision, eye discomfort, or daily headaches with vision at work, you could be dealing with eye fatigue related to extensive eye use in a challenging visual environment. Contributing factors can include eye muscle or eye focussing inadequacies, dry eyes, improper computer ergonomics, eye refractive changes, over exposure to low wavelength light, and underlying health conditions. A complete eye exam that includes a good case history, testing of visual functions, ocular health assessment, and an understanding of treatment options, are all important to diagnose and manage the problem.
