When insomnia is ongoing, try altering your sleep habits. There is ample clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of a concept called Sleep Hygiene – recommendations that help with the specific aim of improving sleep quality. Even a few slight adjustments can help immensely. These can include having a bedtime routine and avoiding nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Listen to soothing music, and schedule ‘worry’ time for the next day. Patients can phone Cerebra Health to get a sleep study sent directly to their home. The results are interpreted by a specialist at Cardio 1 Medical and the appropriate treatments are reviewed with each person one on one.
Community News
Ayu What? Ayurveda!
Chances are you’ve heard it before.. so what exactly is it? Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic wellness system from India that is interested in the root cause of our symptoms and in many cases, it is simple and subtle things that we would never have expected would be causing an issue. For example, three drops of hot sauce on your eggs every morning leading to burning headaches, or fresh salad for lunch every day causing constipation, or even eating too much because your taste buds are being deprived of delicious herbs and spices. Ayurveda teaches that everyone is unique and therefore affected by diet and lifestyle in their own unique ways.
Treating and Soothing Dry Eye
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, this is a condition called dry eye. Those with dry eye can experience blurred vision, a burning sensation, red/irritated eyes, eyes that overproduce tears, and pain when wearing contact lenses. There are many causes of dry eye, with some common ones being certain medical conditions, smoke/wind/dry environment, blepharitis, eye fatigue/lack of blinking, and allergy/cold medications. If you are experiencing dry eye, speak to your ophthalmologist or optometrist, who can recommend prescription eye drops or ointments, warm eye compresses, eyelid massage, eyelid cleaners, and omega-3 fatty acids that can be added to your diet.
Tea and Toast Syndrome
“Tea and toast syndrome” refers to malnutrition in seniors when a lack of desire or inability to prepare and/or eat proper meals results in them relying on simpler meals like tea and toast. Seniors who skip meals almost daily, have gained/lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months, take medications, have dental issues, or have a disability can be at risk for malnutrition. Some common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, memory issues, digestive issues, a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and anemia. There are support services available to help seniors eat well and regularly!
Yearly Eye Exams Can Make All the Difference
Most people take their vision for granted, incorrectly assuming all is well because they can see “OK.” Trouble seeing in the distance or up close are signs of vision problems. But headaches, difficulty doing paperwork or trouble reading at any distance are also signs. If you have MS, Parkinson’s or had a stroke, a correctable eye coordination and/or eye movement problem could be contributing to low energy, double or blurry vision. Eye exams monitor your health, detect high blood pressure, diabetes and eye diseases which don’t have obvious signs. Yearly eye exams are vital to the quality of your life.
Vision Problems Can Look Like Learning Difficulties
When a vision problem is at the root of a child’s struggles with learning, the signs are very easy to see when you know what to look for. Unfortunately, the signs can easily be mistaken for learning difficulties or attention problems. Children don’t know how they’re supposed to see, so the only way they can tell you they have a vision problem is with their behavior. One of the signs that a vision problem may be contributing to one’s learning challenges is a short attention span when it comes to reading. This behavior could easily be mistaken for ADHD or Dyslexia. A developmental vision evaluation could open the door to your child’s success.
Little Things Caregivers Can Do For Seniors
Often in life, the most meaningful moments are the moments spent with those who teach you something, with those who share laughs with you, and with those who support you no matter what. And within those moments, it’s the little things that become the most significant and valuable. Professional caregivers can be there for you, when you need a little extra hand around the house or someone to accompany you on your outings. Caregivers can help with the day-to-day tasks, so you have time to enjoy the little things in life, while remaining safe and independent in your own home.
Microchip Your Pet!
A simple procedure can save a lot of heartache. Your veterinarian can inject a microchip — the size of a grain of rice — beneath the surface of your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It’s almost instantaneous, but it contains contact information so that if you and your pet ever become separated, a shelter or veterinarian will easily be able to reunite you. Being separated from their owner, especially if lost in a strange environment, is traumatizing for an animal. Get your pet microchipped – then be sure to keep the information up-to-date if you move or change your phone number.
Recognizing Oral Cancer Symptoms
Each year, 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer. When caught early, oral cancer can be effectively treated. Denturists are qualified to recognize the symptoms associated with oral cancer, as well as other oral health issues. In addition to getting regular checkups, familiarize yourself with symptoms, including: sores, particularly those that bleed or won’t heal; growths, lumps or thickened skin; trouble swallowing or chewing; pain in the tongue, jaw or throat; loose teeth; or poorly fitting dentures. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a visit with your denturist as soon as possible.
Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy
Why is chiropractic care so important during pregnancy? At its most basic premise, chiropractic will help you and your nervous system adapt during this major shift. It will help you deal with all the structural, hormonal and emotional stressors. Structurally, chiropractic will help keep your joints moving appropriately so you can make room for your growing baby. When the pelvis and low back vertebrae are moving appropriately, your nerves can freely flow to all your muscles and organs, which may result in less pain and more nutrients to baby. Other benefits seen during chiropractic during pregnancy include headache relief, decrease in nausea and overall stress reduction.
Aging At Home
Many seniors would prefer to stay at home than move into a senior care home, but there are some challenges to consider. Factors like finances, physical mobility, social network, health concerns, and safety in the home are all things to think about. If you decide to remain in your home, discuss your plans with your family or a trusted advisor. It’s important to prepare your home to ensure you can live comfortably and safely there, using various aids and tools to make things easier. In-home care can also provide much-needed day-to-day support, as well as transportation to appointments and gatherings.
