Community News
The Healthy Book Club

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health – distills 25 years of research on men’s health into a comprehensive resource. It covers diet, exercise, supplements, and diseases like prostate cancer. The guide also offers advice on alcohol consumption, stress control, and navigating the healthcare system, making it an essential reference for men’s health. Ask at your local bookstore.

What Happens When You Quit

The quitting smoking timeline varies from person to person, but generally follows a similar pattern:
20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate drop.
12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease.
2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves, lung function increases, and physical activity becomes easier.
1 to 9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease as lung function continues to improve.
1 year: The risk of heart disease is halved compared to a smoker’s risk.
5 years: Stroke risk is similar to that of a non-smoker.
10 years: The risk of lung cancer is halved compared to that of a continuing smoker, and the risk of other cancers decreases further.

Your Annual Denture Check-up

Has it been a while since you’ve last had your dentures checked? Full dentures and partial dentures need the same level of care as natural teeth. If you wear dentures, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for maintaining great oral health. Routine checkups help prevent any major oral problems from developing and allow for planning any changes your dentures require to ensure you’re never without your teeth. With yearly checkups, your dentures will continue to perform properly, and your maintained oral health will mean shorter and smoother visits!

What is Photokeratitis?

Sunburn on the eyes, also known as photokeratitis, results from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds. This condition affects the cornea and conjunctiva, causing pain, redness, tearing, and a gritty sensation, akin to having sand in the eyes. Prolonged UV exposure without protection, such as sunglasses or goggles, increases the risk. Symptoms usually manifest within a few hours after exposure and can last up to a few days. Prevention involves wearing UV-blocking eyewear and avoiding prolonged exposure to bright sunlight, especially at high altitudes or near reflective surfaces like water.

Senior Living: Emotional Wellness

Living in a senior living community extends beyond addressing physical needs. Emotional and social well-being are equally vital. Seniors thrive in communities where they forge friendships and share interests, countering the prevalent feelings of isolation and loneliness. Group exercises, arts sessions, and music events foster interaction and mental stimulation, bolstering emotional health. These activities, abundant on community calendars, cater to diverse interests. Mental health support is integral. Approachable staff ensure residents feel comfortable discussing their feelings, fostering a supportive environment. In nurturing social bonds, Misericordia Terrace prioritizes holistic wellness for their residents.

Which Sunscreen is Best?

Summer is here! Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.

Maximizing Impact – Matching Donations

Peace Arch Hospital urgently needs to upgrade its medical imaging department. Outdated equipment causes inefficiencies and discomfort for patients. We’re close to reaching our $10 million goal for new equipment but need $1 million by August 25. Generous matching donors, the Surrey and White Rock Firefighters Charitable Societies, will match donations up to $500,000. Your contribution, big or small, will have double the impact. Together, let’s transform healthcare. Join us in Making a Difference. Support is crucial for this project. Whether through donations, advocacy, or spreading the word, every action shapes our community’s healthcare future. Donate today –

Chiropractic Care for Migraines

Do you suffer from migraines? Chiropractors can help, by using various techniques targeting spinal alignment and nervous system function. Misalignments in the spine can create tension and disrupt nerve communication, contributing to migraine episodes. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors realign the spine, relieving pressure on nerves and reducing migraine triggers. They may also employ massage therapy, stretching exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to address underlying causes like muscle tension and poor posture. By addressing these root issues, chiropractors help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall nervous system function, providing holistic relief for migraine sufferers. Dr. Priscilla Narotam who specializes in migraine therapy can also recommend nutritional advice to alleviate/avoid triggers.

June Reflection

June marks Men’s Mental Health Month, a vital time to highlight the often-overlooked struggles men face. Coupled with Father’s Day, this period serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional burdens fathers silently bear. At our cemetery, we honor the legacies of fathers past and present, acknowledging the weight of their responsibilities. We encourage families to visit and reflect, fostering open conversations about mental health. By breaking the silence, we support fathers in nurturing their well-being. Let us cherish their memories and advocate for a future where every father’s mental health is prioritized and valued.

Wildfire Smoke Health Risks

Wildfire smoke, a blend of PM2.5 and gases like carbon monoxide, poses severe health risks in Western Canada. It obstructs oxygen intake, irritates the respiratory system, and triggers inflammation, manifesting in eye irritation, coughing, or headaches. While most symptoms are manageable, severe cases require medical attention, especially if experiencing breathlessness or chest pain. Smoke exposure heightens infection risks and even ear infections in children. Minimizing exposure is crucial. HEPA air filters like PureHEPA+ and sealed environments help indoors. While driving, maintain closed windows and recirculated air. During smoky periods, reduce exertion, exercise indoors, and stay hydrated. Prioritize health amidst wildfires. Source: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke. use code CVWN24 or a 15% discount

Downsizing Solutions

In an evolving real estate market, many clients are turning to reverse mortgages to secure new properties for downsizing. Reverse mortgages provide financial flexibility, allowing clients to buy a new home before selling their current one. Some keep the old home as a backup, while others move out and renovate it for a higher sale price. With traditional mortgages and secured lines of credit becoming harder to qualify for, homeowners are leveraging reverse mortgages, which have no income requirements, to position themselves advantageously.