Community News
Health Fun Facts

Fantastic facts about the human body – we are truly awesome: *Every square inch of human skin consists of twenty-five feet of blood vessels. *A cough releases an explosive charge of air that moves at speeds up to 60mph. *Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself while standing still. *The eye of a human can distinguish between 500 shades of gray. *The width of your arm span stretched out is equal to the length of your whole body.

Help to Remain in Your Home

As we age, it becomes more difficult to stay in our own homes and enjoy an independent lifestyle. Home care can help with a range of services that include; companionship, homemaking services, personal care and nursing care. A caregiver can also provide social activities as well as helping to prepare meals. Caregivers establish individualized care-plans to help suit your needs which provide the right amount of assistance in helping you to stay independent as long as possible. With a little extra help, it may be possible for you to stay safe and happy in your own home.

Options for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can create many issues including loss of functionality and gaps in your smile that can cause you to be very self-conscious. There are several options available to replace missing teeth; the most advanced methods include bridges and dental implants. The main advantage of bridges is that they are considered to be one of the most cost-effective methods for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are the most natural way to restore missing teeth while placing the least amount of burden on the surrounding teeth. Consult your dentist to discuss what method is best for you.

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Sunglasses are a health and wellness must when you venture outside in the summer months. They provide blue light and UV protection which is so important during the long days of intense sun. Blocking UV and blue light is critical to help ward of cataract and age-related macular degeneration. There are a wide variety of sunglass frames on the market that can be fitted with prescription lens to correct your vision or non-prescription lens to enhance your style and fashion. Come see our wide selection of high quality products and best ophthalmic lens option in the current market.

Book Club: From Strength to Strength

Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life – by Arthur C. Brooks. The roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness.

Low-Fee Counselling Without the Waitlist!

If you need counselling support now but are unable to pay a private rate, why not consider an intern counselling service? Intern counsellors have completed their graduate studies and can work with clients on a wide variety of challenges including burnout, stress/anger management, anxiety, and depression. For a rate of $40/hr, our intern counsellor can see children, youth, adults, and couples. Whether online, in person, or any day/time that works for you, our intern counsellor is available.

Ask The Expert

Q: The lenses in my glasses used to get dark in the sunlight but they don’t seem to work any longer, what’s going on?
A: It’s very rare, but sometimes photochromic lenses degrade over time and can’t be fixed. If you bought them in the last couple of years they might still be under warranty for replacement.

Class IV Laser for Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain? Acute Injury and a lot of swelling? Try Class IV Deep Tissue Laser which kick starts your body’s own healing capacity 2-3 times! It’s clinically proven by the World Health Organization to reduce pain and restore function to tissues. Injuries need blood flow and circulation to heal and laser does just that. Common ailments that have proven successful are: muscle strains, tendon injuries such as rotator cuff tears, as well as joint sprains. Even acute swelling or bruises can be treated with laser to accelerate the healing process and decrease scar tissue formation!

Local Spotlight: Canada Scooters

Canada Scooters is the leading supplier of electric mobility scooters – offering a wide rage of 3 & 4-wheel new and used scooters, portable scooters, accessories, and rentals. They deliver right to your door for an in-home demonstration or a test drive. They also carry mobility products such as walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, wheelchairs and bathroom safety products or equip your home with lift chairs, ramps, and railings. Canada Scooters offers service and repairs, safety courses and expert professionals with service across all Vancouver Island, all with flexible financing and payment options.

Treating Heat-Related Health Problems

Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include: 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache, fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water, get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with feet up, drink plenty of water.

What is Your Mouth Telling You?

The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Here are some things to watch for: 1) Bleeding when you brush your gums could be a sign of gum disease. 2) Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity, but cold sensitivity might just indicate that a change of toothpaste is needed. Heat sensitivity could be more serious. 3) Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but sometimes by a throat infection. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help, and be sure to see your dentist regularly!