Community News
When a Loved One Has Dementia

Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: *Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. *Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. *Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.

What Defines Addiction?

Addiction is known to be a primary, chronic issue that occurs in the brain. It is a condition that causes a person to engage in behaviours or the use of a substance for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental resulting consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some studies show that there are possible genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?

Monitor Headphones to Prevent Hearling Loss

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 Event – HUSTLE for Hospice!

Bike, swim, hike, dance, kayak, backyard game, garden tour or whatever your way through this community fundraiser for Nanaimo Community Hospice. Register online as an individual or as a team, pick up your registration package and complete your “Hustle for Hospice” activity before August 28. Be sure to follow all the current Provincial Health guidelines while doing your activity. Record your activity and post the image or videotape online. Prizes awarded for the most creative costume or “Hustle for Hospice” activity. Dare to be different! Join the virtual “Hustle for Hospice” Celebration on September 12th. Full information on our website.

Ozone Therapy Increases Oxygen Utilization

What makes us healthy and invulnerable to disease? Discover this for yourself right now. Hold your breath for 60 seconds. What happened? Clearly there is absolutely nothing as critical to our health as oxygen metabolism. Oxygen utilization is the single most important predictor of your risk for degenerative disease and premature aging. As we get older our cells become less able to efficiently use the oxygen we breathe, some as much as 50%! Ozone therapy activates the immune system, prevents free radical damage and helps the body detoxify, the ultimate preventative tool to stay healthy and happy into old age.

Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health

For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline. Having care givers can help stem the existence of loneliness in the lives of our seniors. We enjoy conversations, daily walks, shopping, cooking and folding the laundry together. These can be moments of joy when done together in the right way. Comfort Keepers engage the human spirit.

Recognizing Caregiver Stress

The effects of the pandemic is felt by everyone; even more so by those caring for loved ones. Over 4.5 million Canadians play a role in caring for a family member and caregiver stress and burnout is a significant issue. Caregivers need to be honest about how much care they can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.

The Feeling of Gratitude

We have so much to be grateful for! Say ‘thank you’ for the things you enjoy and have; be grateful for every meal and the comfy pillow you lay your head on. Listen to music that makes you want to dance. When our body feels the vibration of true gratitude, it feels lighter and more in balance. Keep your vibration high by smiling and thinking positive thoughts. Visit a practitioner who will work with you to get you to a state of calm and relax. It is important that we remind our body how it feels to be good and free.

A Team of Hearing Care Professionals

At our Amplifon clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service and take the time needed to help you find your ideal solution. We offer an extensive range of leading hearing aid technology at competitive prices. Enjoy peace-of-mind with our 90-days money back guarantee. We value our relationship and strive to offer you a lifetime of better hearing with our free lifetime aftercare program. Request a complimentary hearing test today! Currently, our clinic is open reduced hours. Please contact us by phone to find out the exact opening days and times and to make an appointment.

City Of Nanaimo Park Programs

We may be in the midst of a global pandemic, but Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture is bringing the community many opportunities for recreation throughout the summer! These activities are perfect for all ages. The Water Safety Education Team will be visiting local parks and waterfront areas this summer. Visit our website for all the details on summer camps like our playground program, the “ParkIt Challenge”, as well as many adult programs happening in the parks. Look for our recreation staff for random “pop-ins” at Nanaimo parks throughout the summer. They are giving away swag.

Where to Keep your Medication

Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.