The connections in the brain are like a super-highway with information zipping around, sorting and filing. After a brain injury, the connections are like roads under major construction, torn up pathways full of obstacles, detours and disconnected. It takes time and energy to process information. It’s frustrating, discouraging, exhausting and mind boggling. Research on the brain validates that after an injury, many new connections can be made and ‘roads’ or pathways in the brain can be rebuilt. Processing information gets smoother and faster with practice learning the new detours or the new road. Strategies are the key. New challenges become less scary.
Community News
Support for Excessive Gambling – Service Profile
Has excessive gambling become an issue for you or someone you love? The BC Government provides British Columbians with free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviours with respect to gambling participation. BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program provides services that are confidential and free of charge, funded by the Government of British Columbia. This includes *24/7 Gambling Support Line, *Outreach Support and *Personal and Group treatment. Call 1-888-795-6111 or go to BCRresponsibleGambling.ca for more information.
February – Take Heart
Eating a natural whole foods diet and exercising regularly are both vital for your heart and whole health. In addition there are some key supplements to consider. *Garlic- along with eating it, enteric-coated capsules of garlic can give you a good daily dose of circulatory and immune support *Cayenne- along with seasoning food, is available in capsules gives a good circulatory boost and metabolic aid *Hawthorn- lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevents arteriosclerosis *CoQ10- ATP are an energy powerhouse *Omega 3 are essential fatty acids for healthy blood cholesterol and fluidity. See your health food store for more information.
Small Steps, Big Rewards
Small changes when you’re working to better your overall health and wellbeing can really add up! This year, consider some simple habit shifts like these: If you frequently find yourself reaching for junk foods, make healthy snacks like fruit and nuts available at all times to curb your cravings. Practice simple deep breathing exercises throughout the day. Count to five as you breathe in, hold your breath while you count to five again, and slowly breathe out while counting to five once more. Take a break from sitting throughout the day by taking brisk walks inside or outdoors!
Why Am I So Sensitive to Loud Sounds?
People who have hearing loss will often say that despite not being able to hear well, louder sounds still irritate them. This sensation is called recruitment. As we age, the fragile hair cells in our inner ears start to degrade, but they don’t degrade evenly. Some of them remain functional and can still detect sound waves. These healthy cells get “recruited” to work in place of dying cells and respond forcefully, resulting in the sound feeling painful and uncomfortable. Visit our hearing clinic to get an assessment today!
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, short-term form of psychotherapy. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target current problems. CBT is “problem focused” (undertaken for specific problems) and “action-oriented” (therapist tries to assist the client in selecting specific strategies to help address those problems). This type of therapy has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness.
Dentures & Dental Implants
Many denture users develop habits to hold their dentures in place when eating, speaking or laughing. These habits may lead to muscle strain, bruxism and mouth tissue sensitivity. Dental implants can be used to hold the denture in place to allow normal movement and facial muscles to relax. Patients often remark on how similar the dental implant feels to their own natural teeth because they are now able to eat, laugh and speak with confidence. Dental implants have a long demonstrated rate of clinical success. Your denturist can refer you to a qualified dentist for implant placement.
Natural Foot and Back Pain Relief
Did you know that lack of stability and balance account for a large portion of foot and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology. Come see a balance demo at the Wellnessnews Women’s Expo on February 8th at the VI Conference Centre.
Keep Skin Hydrated This Winter
Winter weather can bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin all over your body. As soon as you turn on the heat inside your house, be it electric, wood or natural gas, your skin begins to dry out. During this time, it is very important to use skincare products that hydrate, nourish and pamper the skin. If not hydrated, skin can get so dry that it begins to flake or crack. Use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to nourish and repair your skin – naturally.
New Year’s Resolutions
A common ritual around New Year is to make resolutions for the up-coming year. For many, these resolutions are typically broken within the first couple weeks. The greatest challenges with these resolutions is that they are focused on what we ‘think we should do’ as opposed to what would be really helpful to us. Common resolutions are: exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking, and so on. Now, all of those ideas are healthy, however they are not always a good plan for self-care. Make your New Year’s Resolutions about increasing Self-care, which is about finding activities you enjoy doing, and doing them regularly!
Gambling Support and Treatment Services
Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2
