Community News
Meet the BC-Grown Aronia Berry

The Aronia berry is dark purple, about the size of a blueberry, with three times the anti-oxidants. Its outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties are well documented. Aronia berries contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown may help in reducing inflammation, free radical damage, and blood glucose in diabetics. Local BC Aronia berries are available frozen to make wonderful smoothies. You can also purchase delicious local Aronia berry juice, jams and bottles of vinegar. When dried, they are excellent in cereal, trail mix and salads. Aronia Berries Are Antioxidant Gold™

Sleep Changes & The Elderly

Seniors who wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, usually have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Profile: Heart to Home Meals

Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious, nutritious meals right to your door. The company’s team of experts has developed a wide-ranging menu to suit many tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyles, including high-protein, low carbohydrates and/or saturated fat, low sodium, high fibre, vegetarian, and no added sugar options. Heart to Home Meals has a useful diet coding system to help you choose meals that are right for you. Meals also come in mini versions (for smaller appetites), hearty versions (for larger appetites), as well as minced or pureed options. It’s as easy as ordering online or by phone!

Heart Health Recipe

Crispy Chickpeas & Pumpkin Seeds. 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and well drained, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, grated zest 1 lime. Preheat oven to 425 °F. Combine chickpeas, oil, paprika, cumin and garlic powder. Toss until well coated. Spread mixture on large baking sheet in single layer. Bake 30 min. Stir every 10 minutes. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, stir and bake 5 minutes more or until chickpeas are crispy. Remove from oven and toss with lime zest. Let stand 30 minutes for crisp texture and peak flavours.

Meet the BC-Grown Aronia Berry

The Aronia berry is dark purple, about the size of a blueberry, with three times the anti-oxidants. Its outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties are well documented. Aronia berries contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown may help in reducing inflammation, free radical damage, and blood glucose in diabetics. Local BC Aronia berries are available frozen to make wonderful smoothies. You can also purchase delicious local Aronia berry juice, jams and bottles of vinegar. When dried, they are excellent in cereal, trail mix and salads. Aronia Berries Are Antioxidant Gold™

Sleep Changes & The Elderly

Seniors who wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, usually have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

In holistic dentistry, the mouth is viewed as an integral part of the digestive tract, which is crucial to overall health. A holistic dentistry practitioner takes time to educate patients on key nutrients for systemic and emotional health, the importance of restful oxygenated sleep and proper digestion, and the dangers of infected teeth and gum inflammation. Specialized technology is used in holistic dentistry, such as PRF, ozone, lasers and CBCT imaging, to properly diagnose and manage disease. In addition, only biocompatible materials are used, as opposed to ‘tolerable’ ones such as BPA-free composites, zirconia, and no amalgam silver fillings.

Dentures and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition that involves the salivary glands not producing enough saliva to adequately keep the mouth moistened. This lack of saliva can alter the fit and comfort of dentures, since saliva helps dentures retain their suction and stay in place and also has a lubricating effect that keeps dentures from rubbing on the gums and creating sores. Those who take certain medications, are older, and use tobacco and alcohol are more susceptible to dry mouth. If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms as a denture-wearer, contact your denturist to discuss your options.

5 Tips for Being Physically Active

1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off.
3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigourous physical activity per week.
4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-healthy benefits of social interaction.

COVID Boosters & Flu Shots

This is going to be a very busy season for vaccinations in the pharmacy. For the first time, you will be able to get a COVID fall booster AND a flu shot during the same visit. As before, you will not be able to schedule a COVID shot if it has been less than 6 months since your previous booster. To book an appointment, call 1-833-838-2323 or go online to gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated, and choose Medicine Shoppe #414 as your preferred site. We will open up additional appointments as long as there is demand and we have a supply of vaccine. See you soon!
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, MedicineShoppeCourtenay.ca