We had cool, wet weather out here on the island recently, which was in contrast to our expectations. This can lead many people to start to focus on regrets and lost possibilities of what “could have been”. The challenge with focusing on what “could have been” is that it never can be, so starts a negative thought pattern of rumination. One way to avoid constant and repetitive thoughts about what could have been is to shift the regret into disappointment instead. When we acknowledge the disappointment, we can focus our attention on what we will do instead.
Community News
Free Hearing Test Components
Hearing loss is a fairly common health issue for adults in Canada.
The good news is that it is treatable, especially when addressed at earlier stages. If your hearing is not what it used to be, why not schedule an appointment to get it checked as soon as possible.
To help with this, NexGen Hearing is pleased to offer free hearing tests at our hearing clinics across Vancouver, Lower Mainland BC, Vancouver Island and the British Columbia Interior.
What can you expect during this hearing test? That’s what we’ll explore in this edition of the NexGen Hearing blog.
What Does a Hearing Test Entail?
Being proactive about your hearing health today will pay off tomorrow.
That’s why we recommend getting your hearing checked, especially if you have concerns regarding hearing loss or feel as though your hearing has deteriorated over time.
Our free, three-step hearing test includes:
1. Air Conduction
You will be listening to tones of decreasing volume until they are no longer audible.
Both left and right ears will undergo this test independently.
2. Word Discrimination
You will listen to spoken words in both ears.
Since you won’t be able to read the speaker’s lips, this will effectively measure your ability to identify speech.
3. Tympanometry
In a tymnpanometry test, we will check whether your eardrums and middle ear system are working properly.
This way, we will be able to determine if your hearing loss is coming from your inner ear or your middle ear.
Hearing assessments are painless and take less than one hour of your day. All you have to do is choose a NexGen Hearing clinic near you to book your free hearing test.
Reasons to Test Your Hearing
While most adults get their eyes examined frequently, many people do not get their hearing tested as often as they should.
While hearing aids cannot repair hearing damage, they can help restore the sounds of the world around you.
Still, it is preferable to maintain the hearing level you already have and use preventative measures to ward off further hearing loss. A hearing test can help determine where that hearing loss is occurring, so that you can take measures to preserve your hearing from here on out.
Here are 3 reasons to visit an audiologist:
To catch hearing loss early
One in five adults in Canada experiences hearing loss.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for your brain to adapt to hearing aids.
For health reasons
Hearing loss does not only occur due to aging.
It can be a symptom of several health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Also, if you work in a noisy environment, getting your hearing tested can help you protect your ears better.
To establish a baseline
If you are in your 50s or more, and you haven’t gotten your hearing tested recently, it’s time to visit your local audiologist.
Even if there is no significant hearing loss, your test will serve as a benchmark for future assessments.
If you find yourself turning the volume up while your family complains about your hearing issues, or you are frequently asking other people to repeat themselves, you might be experiencing hearing loss. Do not postpone your hearing test any longer!
Listen to Your Body
Having established the importance of getting one’s hearing checked, we invite you to contact us today to schedule your free hearing test.
By examining your unique hearing requirements, our specialists will determine the best next steps for your hearing needs and assist you with any questions you may have.
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. Travel socks do not work unless you wear them. Voxxlife socks provide comfort compression that clients love to wear.
Music and Dementia
The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.
Ask Your Pharmacist
Do you have questions about vaccinations, how to quit smoking or other health issues? Your Pharmacist can help provide information and answer many of the questions that you may have. Vaccines can help prevent disease and save lives. Ask what vaccines might be right for you. Is 2023 your year to QUIT SMOKING? The B.C. Pharmacare’s Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible B.C. residents of any age stop using tobacco products by covering the full cost of nicotine gum, lozenges and patches. Ask your Pharmacist for more information about this program and vaccinations today.
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
National Volunteers Week: April 16 – 23
Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? At Nanaimo Lifeline, we have two wonderful opportunities for you to give back. Our Check-In Service offers a daily friendly phone call to our clients, providing reassurance to those who might be isolated. Best of all, you can make these calls from home! Are you techy? Another volunteer opportunity is to also install our plug-and-play equipment in new clients’ homes in your area. We will provide the training and accompany you until you’re ready. For more information about our volunteer opportunities, please go to the About Us section of our website.
Retirement Lifestyle
When is the best time to start thinking about downsizing and moving to a smaller house or a retirement community? The answer is … well before you need to do so. Downsizing is often a stressful process. Start slowly and give yourself plenty of time to make it seem less overwhelming. Take photos of cherished items to remember them by. Research and look at the various options for retirement living before you need to make a move. It will take the fear and stress away knowing that you have done your homework and have started the downsizing process.
Nutritional Insecurity
“I always find that as the weather changes, I move from eating lots of soups and winter roots to lighter fruit and vegetables. However, sometimes it is hard to get my hands on my favourite healthy foods and I wind up eating the stuff that is easier at hand and faster to prepare.” Does this sound familiar? For approximately one-third of seniors in Canada, factors including ease of access, cooking time, mobility, loneliness and more, contribute to nutritional insecurity. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help you shop, prepare and enjoy healthy home-cooked meals! Contact us.
FIT Fitness into Your Life
Fitting regular exercise into your routine can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, it can become a manageable part of your lifestyle. One key strategy is to start small – aim for just 10-15 minutes of exercise each day at first and gradually build up to longer workouts. You can also try: *incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, * scheduling your workouts into your calendar, *finding an exercise buddy or *joining a fitness class. Remember, any amount of physical activity is better than none – prioritize your health and well-being by making exercise a consistent part of your routine.
Every Child Needs the Chance to Play
Studies show that when children participate in recreational activities, they benefit from more than just physical development. Play teaches important life-skills such as cooperation, leadership and how to handle adversity. It builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Many parents are finding it challenging to afford these activities. That’s why SOS Child, Youth & Family programs and the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program are so important. To learn more about these free programs and how to access or support them, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
