Did you know that dogs and cats are attracted to the smell of ear wax? This includes the ear wax found on your hearing aids. Unfortunately, most people learn this only after the pet has already destroyed the hearing aid device. To protect your hearing aids, remember to store them in the factory box OR a dry-aid jar to keep them away from possible pet damage.

It is often said “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. This time of year on the West Coast is often very dull and grey, making it at times, difficult to keep a positive outlook. We often feel isolated as we spend more time indoors during poor weather. Research indicates that laughter is a powerful antidote to conflict, depression, pain and stress. When we laugh, it triggers the release of endorphins known as the “feel good” hormone. With the release of the endorphins there is an improvement in our mood thus improving our general wellbeing.

Vitamin D is considered an essential vitamin, meaning our bodies need to take it on a regular bases. As a fat based vitamin, we store vitamin D in our adipose tissue until needed. Living above the equator, Canadians are at great risk of becoming Vitamin D deficient, especially in the winter. Deficiencies have been linked to numerous diseases including, Alzheimers, osteoporosis, diabetes and some cancers. Signs you may need to increase your vitamin D include; depression, bone and muscle aches, hair loss, slow healing and fatigue. If you suspect you are low, contact your health care professional as supplementation may be necessary.

With the holidays over, we are looking forward to the renewal of spring! A medical grade chemical peel is a great way to renew your skin by improving skin texture and tone. By using a blend of acids chosen for your particular skin type and needs, they induce exfoliation and stimulate new cell growth. This process causes superficial layers of dead skin to peel, revealing a smoother, healthier, and improved, radiant complexion. Chemical peels can be done in a series or seasonally. Complimentary consultation are available with professional, licensed medical estheticians.

Oxygen is the lifeblood of the cellular system. Ozone is a supercharged form of oxygen that contains an extra atom. When treatment is applied, this extra atom breaks off inside the body and does more than just oxygenate cells. These oxygen singlets are free to bind and destroy any viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, molds, yeasts and abnormal tissue cells. Once these abnormal cells are oxidized and eliminated from the body, they are replaced with healthy cells. Ozone therapy in conjunction with injection therapy is used to treat and eliminate chronic pain resulting from nerve injuries, degenerative joints and ligaments.

Complex Care that provides medically complex and specialized services is much needed in the community. This type of care is essential for individuals suffering from many chronic health issues and functional limitations. If you or your loved one is physically dependant with medical needs that require professional nursing care, it is time to look for a planned program that will retain or improve functional ability. When choosing complex care for a loved one, it is important to maintain their quality of life. Look for one with comfortable living space and an individual care plan with 24 hour support in place.

Think you’d notice if you have impaired hearing? Think again.

Those with hearing loss are often the last ones to recognize it. Unless the impairment occurs through sudden physical or medical-related trauma, hearing loss generally occurs slowly over time. This gradual change presents itself as people mumbling, unclear voices, or difficulty hearing through background noise. Friends and family are usually the first to notice when they aren’t being heard, or when they are consistently asked to repeat themselves. You may be tempted to brush it off as selective hearing. But if those close to you have said they suspect you have a hearing loss, it’s time to get your hearing checked.

Do you lack energy? Do you become anxious or tense easily? Suffer from depression? Never before have our bodies been exposed to so many chemicals. Our psychological environment is changing. There is more traffic and less nature to balance our needs. Many people are struggling just to survive; with very few thriving well into their elder years. Nutritional and lifestyle changes can help decrease the effects on our brain and other areas of our body that accumulate oxidative stress and age us prematurely. We need to ensure our blood sugars are balanced, eat complex carbohydrates like legumes, lentils and healthy grains and smart fats like olive oils, free range eggs, salmon and coconut oil.

The feeling of safety and security in your home is now available wherever you might be! Whether in your home, walking to your mailbox or going on vacation, there are devices available that give you 24/7 access to help. These on-the-go devices, can send an alert when you press a button, sense when you fall and send an automatic alert, and provide direct, two-way communication with a 24/7 Response Center. They are designed to help locate the user in a variety of situations – home or away, indoors and out. It really is possible to get out there and enjoy life with peace of mind.

With the New Year upon us, this is the time we reflect on the past year and look forward to what we hope for the new year. Amidst the cliché resolutions to ‘stop procrastinating’, ‘eat healthy’ and ‘wake up early’ many of our hopes boil down to three simple things; health, family and happiness. This may mean looking for help to keep your elderly family members healthy and happy. Keeping loved ones comfortably in their own homes as long as possible alleviates some of the stress off the family’s primary caregivers allowing for more quality family time.