Wellnessnews, Author at Wellnessnews

Proper Nutrition for Long Term Health

A friend went to visit her elderly aunt and described the scene at the breakfast table; “There were at least 10 bottles of vitamins and supplements by her plate. She opened each one and counted out the pills. She explained that they had to be taken in a certain order, some with juice, others with water. I cannot imagine how she could keep up that regime.” Like my friend’s aunt, we need balanced nutrition for good health, proper energy levels and successful weight management. Choosing the right supplement is important. Look for an all-in-one formula that is easy to consume and combines core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Dorothy Spencer, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange

All Is Well When Your Feet Feel Good!

The pair of socks you are wearing can make a difference in how you feel during your day. Have you ever had a pair that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt? Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot? Traditional cotton socks hold water and keep feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice. To improve your day, wear socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping. Look for socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection. The right socks can also provide stability, support and increase balance.

I.Ostman, VOXX Life Socks, Facebook.com/VoxxSocksForALL

Is Your Sleep Affecting Your Weight?

Are you one of the 30% of people with sleep issues? Inadequate sleep has many implications on your health, one of which is difficulty losing weight. Inadequate sleep slows down the metabolism; increases the huger hormone and the stress hormone which may lead to late night snacking. It also causes decreases in frontal lobe activity resulting in lack of self-control and poor decision making. Insulin levels become out of balance and the body stores more calories as fat. This then leads to increased levels of fatigue and less motivation for exercise and life. Luckily there are natural and healthy ways to improve sleep and lose weight.

Tammy Phye, RA, EOT, LifestyleHarmony.ca

Every Breath You Take

Each of the 20 breaths you take per minute supplies essential oxygen to your body’s cells while dispelling carbon dioxide. This helps revitalize your entire body from the respiratory system to your digestive system. How you feel, your energy level, clarity of mind and mood is dependent on how well your bodily systems are functioning. Breathing clean air that is free of unhealthy chemicals and gases helps maintain a healthy body and a happier mindset. Using products with activated charcoals in your home helps absorb odours and chemicals that prevent you from making every breath you take clean and revitalizing.

Christopher Tio, Owner, Aircoal.com

Urban Poling Your Way to Better Health

Evidence based research relating to older adults identify Urban poling (Nordic walking), with the proper training, as a healthy activity suited for improving quality of life. Proven benefits include increased balance & stability, increase in mobility and improved strength. A 2011 study on Nordic walking with Parkinson’s clients found pain, balance and health related quality of life were improved. If it has been suggested to you that you need a cane but the stigma of a cane is not for you, why not try Urban poles. They are sporty, fun, easy to use and facilitate a more fluid gait.

D’Arcy Boulton, Registered Physiotherapist, BastionPhysio.com

Can Hypnotherapy Help with My Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is a therapy that uses your subconscious mind to correct imbalanced thinking. By removing negative limiting beliefs, it can help you move forward with your life in a positive way. When other forms of therapy have been unsuccessful, many clients find hypnotherapy to be the key for lifelong change. Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment in reducing feelings of anxiety by changing the individual’s thoughts and feelings associated with it. Hypnotherapy can also help with many other issues including depression, disordered eating, anger issues and understanding your life’s purpose.

Germana Rovinelli, Cert. Clinical Hypnotherapist, Germana.ca

Dementia Affects 45 Million People Globally

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a collection of signs and symptoms from dozens of conditions. One of these, Alzheimer’s, accounts for 70% of all dementias; usually in people over 65 years of age. Each disease affects specific types of cells in particular parts of the brain at different stages and presents differently in each individual. Dementia is most common with aging; 90-95% of people affected are over 65. 30-40% of the cases of dementia have genetic risk factors. Quality of life for people affected is greatly increased by having access to specialized services and programs.

Lianne Ketcheson, Nanaimo Memory and Complex Care, NanaimoMemoryCare.com

I Want to Ride My Bicycle!

Riding a bicycle has many health benefits. Getting outside, taking deep breaths of fresh air and feeling the rhythm of your legs are all so good for you. Bicycling on a regular basis has been shown to improve heart health, muscle and bone strength, joint flexibility and reduce stress. An electric bike makes all of these benefits more accessible. The power assistance eliminates stress on your knees and hips and allows you to use as much of your own energy as you like. Hills become easy-peasy and barriers to riding disappear. You get more exercise because it’s so much fun you’ll want to ride it everywhere.

Ruby Berry, Pedego Electric Bikes, PedegoQualicumBeach.ca

Community Profile – “Seniors Celebrate”

Do you know an inspirational senior? Nominate them for the “Community Champion” Awards. Nanaimo Seniors Connect is pleased to announce that October 2017 has been officially proclaimed by the City of Nanaimo as “Seniors Celebrate!” month highlighting positive, healthy aging and the many important roles that seniors play in our lives and community. As a part of this, the “Community Champion” awards will recognize seniors in Nanaimo who go above and beyond. In addition, there will be many special events – films, music, art, demonstrations, health & wellness fair and more.

For details, visit our website or call 250-760-0301.

Seniors Connect, NanaimoSeniorsConnect.ca

Is My Desk Trying to Kill Me?

Many of us are used to the discomfort associated with working at a desk and computer all day. Sometimes people have to take time off to recover from injuries due to repetitive strains associated with prolonged computer work. Ergonomics is the field of study where human-workplace interactions are evaluated and adjusted to reduce the negative impact our workstations have on us. Your office may have an individual trained to perform these evaluations. If not, there are outside companies who can be hired to come in and do the evaluation. Talk to your boss and see what your options are.

Dr. Amber Kenmuir, D.C., Long Lake Chiropractic, MySpine.ca

Accept Help to Remain Independent

Sometimes people find it very difficult to accept help. With many seniors, accepting help seems like losing independence. Many feel that admitting you need help tells the world that you are no longer able to live on your own. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase your independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in your home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.

Joan Ryan, NanaimoLifeline.ca