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Community News
Coping with Senior Isolation
One of the biggest issues for seniors is that their social circles begin to shrink as the years go by. Friends, significant others and family members move or pass away. Even those who still live close may be inaccessible due to limited mobility, especially once a senior can no longer drive safely. Age-related changes in one’s physical condition, such as hearing loss, can make it so difficult to communicate that it doesn’t seem worth the effort anymore. Local senior centers or agencies are great resources providing home-visitation services as well as community transportation and outings. Do you have a loved one who may be lonely? Try to put in more effort to spend time with them.
Do You Know Your Numbers?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of kidney damage, heart attacks and stroke. The most accurate way to measure blood pressure is at home using a home blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors are easy to use. It is important that the cuff of the blood pressure monitor fits you properly. Most home blood pressure machines will keep a record of your measurements, so you can share them with your health care provider. High blood pressure responds well to treatment so know your numbers and seek treatment if needed.
It’s Your Turn to Quit Smoking
Laser Therapy is an accu-pressure point therapy similar to acupuncture but without the dreaded needles. It is a modernized natural approach to help heal the body without the use of drugs. The entire procedure is external, and the laser treatment conducts low energy to accu-pressure points to your ears, face, hands, arm, legs, and feet. The first hurdle in quitting smoking is to get through the nicotine withdrawal phase, which people often dread. The laser treatments significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so people generally sail through this phase with greater ease and break their nicotine addiction.
The Connection Between Your Eyes and Your Ears
As we age, we’re more susceptible to hearing loss and vision changes. Both conditions can creep up on us, making preventive measures essential to sustaining the quality of life we’re used to. According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), you’re at greater risk of social isolation and reduced community participation if you have a vision loss. The same goes for hearing loss. Having both a vision and hearing problem can affect your ability to lip-read, which is detrimental to communicating with co-workers, family, and friends. A decreased ability to socialize is linked to a greater risk of dementia. However, Statistics Canada reports that 90 percent of people with hearing loss can improve communication with a properly fit hearing aid, counseling, or environmental changes.
4 Actions for Mental Wellbeing
There are some surprisingly simple things we can do each day to improve our mental wellbeing. Some great examples include: 1) Practice gratitude: Make a list of everything you are grateful for, and tell those closest to you how much you appreciate them. 2) Be organized: Tidiness and organization can help you feel in control of your life and your wellbeing. Why not start by making your bed each day? 3) Get active. Physical activity can help improve your mood and focus. 4) Strive for mindfulness. Immerse yourself in each moment and let go of past and/or future concerns.
In Your Neighborhood
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre (720 Henderson Highway) is holding a series of presentations:
Israel: Land of Faith, Land of Conflict – Feb. 6 2:00 pm – No charge
Executors & Funerals – Feb. 12 1:30 pm – no charge
The Upside of Downsizing – Feb. 19 at 1:00 pm – no charge
The Mystery of Life and Death – Feb. 24 at 10:00 am – $5.00
Discovering Africa, Part 1 – Feb. 20 at 2:00 pm – no charge
Sore, Itchy, Burning Eyes?
It could be “Dry Eye”. This is a medical condition that occurs when the eye does not produce the correct volume of tears, when tear chemistry changes, or when tears disappear too quickly. Dry eye can be a temporary or chronic condition caused by risk factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, diseases, ageing, and laser eye surgery. Dry eyes are not vision threatening but can affect everyday life in doing things comfortably like computer use and reading. It should be managed to avoid future potential problems such as corneal scars. See your Optometrist, as they will assist in prescribing proper relief of symptoms.
Is Your Cat’s Litter Toxic?
Since your cat’s litterbox is something he or she comes into contact with on a regular basis, it’s important to consider how safe the litter you’re using actually is. Each type of litter has its pros and cons. Clay litter contains silica, which can cause lung problems. Clumping litter can cause intestinal issues and blockages if your cat ingests it. Wheat, corn, pine, paper, or walnut shells cat litter: mostly safe, but could contain pesticides. Try to do some research to find out which litter is safest for you and your feline friend!
Take Control of Cholesterol with Sytrinol ™
February is heart month in Canada! It’s the perfect time to learn about cholesterol and how it affects the health of our cardiovascular system. With hundreds of studies showing that commonly prescribed drugs have dangerous adverse side effects, it’s only natural that people want a safe and effective solution to their cholesterol problem. Sytrinol, a patented citrus fruit peel extract with antioxidant properties lowers cholesterol in 30 days. Sytrinol has a natural product number (NPN) and is licensed by Health Canada for the reduction of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. It also helps improve the LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio while maintaining and supporting cardiovascular health.
The Wonders of Aloe Vera
Humans have used aloe vera therapeutically for over 5,000 years. It is truly a medicinal plant, full of nutritional benefits. It contains 20 minerals, 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the body, and 12 vitamins. Aloe vera also provides the enzymes lipases and proteases, which aid in digestion; saponins, which are substances that exert a powerful anti-microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast; and salicylic acid, which when used topically helps to break down dead tissue. When taken orally, aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory. No wonder it is used for such a wide range of remedies.
