According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion 12 to 35-year-olds, risk irreversible hearing loss from exposure to loud sounds such as music played on their smartphone. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss and related conditions such as tinnitus – commonly experienced as a ringing sound inside the ear – monitor how loud, and for how long, you listen to music. Sound is measured in units called decibels or dBA. Music through headphones at maximum volume measure 94-110 dBA. Sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Test your hearing today at NexGen Hearing!
Community News
Island Ford Superstore Matching Donations
Sundrops afterschool program now has a new 24 passenger bus equipped with TWO wheelchair lifts to transport kids to and from community activities. Variety, the Children’s Charity has covered half the cost and Clements Centre has announced a fundraiser “Kick-Start” the Bus to raise the other 50%. Our friends at Island Ford Superstore are generously matching community donations up to $10,000. You can help to Kick Start the Bus with this incredible opportunity to double your donation and double your impact! Every dollar you donate will directly touch the life of a child by providing barrier-free access to community activities.
Hike for Hospice – Community Fundraiser
The annual Hike for Hospice takes place on September 11th at Westwood Lake Park. Walk, run or hike the 1km or 6km option at your own pace. Register by August 11 to be entered into the Early Bird Draw. Funds raised stay local. Gather your family and friends – walk to honor the memory of your loved ones. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of age, means or culture. Volunteers and professional staff offer free programs resources & education. See their website NanaimoHospice.com/Events for more information and to register for the Hike.
Summer Pop Up Concert Series
Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.
Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Bluetooth technology allows you to connect two electronic devices without using a cord. Bluetooth hearing aids connects your hearing devices to other devices like your smartphone or TV. They stream sound directly from a technology source into your ear. When watching television or using the computer, the data transfers to your hearing aid from the monitor using radio waves. There’s no need for headphones or a separate Bluetooth headset. Similarly, talking on the phone is now easier than ever. You don’t have to hold the phone up to your ear to hear and enjoy your conversation.
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.
Reluctant to Accept Help?
It can be very difficult to accept help. Seniors often think that accepting help means losing their independence. It is as if by accepting help, they are telling the world that they are no longer able to live independently. 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.
Staying Active, Really?!
The old saying “If you don’t use it you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favor to stave off falls, increase independence and help prevent illness like a stroke, diabetes type 2 and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you do like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking and even mowing the lawn counts. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.
Stay Safe in the Heat
During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight fitting clothing. A symptoms of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behavior, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Grinding Your Teeth?
When under stress, many people find themselves grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. It is often something we do when we sleep. Bruxism can be caused by stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite or missing and crooked teeth, or it can be due to sleep disorders. Bruxism can lead to symptoms such as dull headache or a sore jaw. Severe grinding can lead to painful or loose teeth which can lead to fractures in your teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
Do You Feel Abundant?
Abundance means different things to different people. Often times we think of abundance as having a lot of money or wealth. Abundance is so much more than a healthy bank account. Abundance is a Feeling; an appreciation of life, joy and strength of body, mind and spirit! If you FEEL abundant, you will be abundant! If you aren’t feeling it, a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions. These emotions can keep you feeling that you don’t deserve abundance in your life.
