Maintaining good oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums healthy – it can have an impact on the rest of your body as well. Research suggests that a buildup of dental plaque can be linked to other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and even various types of infections. Brushing and flossing away dental plaque each day can help keep buildup under control and limit your risk of other issues linked to poor oral health. It’s important to see your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth, gums, and other oral tissue are in tip-top shape.
Community News
How Do I Convince My Spouse to Get a Hearing Test?
In all my years as a hearing health care professional, this is one of the most common and difficult questions to answer. The vast majority of people living with hearing loss are either unaware of their hearing difficulties or do not fully realize the extent of their hearing loss. The number one reason prompting people to get their hearing checked is family members who have grown frustrated living with someone who has hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are many husbands and wives who resist and persist! It’s often a very sensitive topic for retired couples spending so much time together.
When someone has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, typically they will hear relatively well if you are talking to them face-to-face in a quiet environment but will not hear well if you are walking away from them, are in a different room, or if there is some other noise that is interfering with your voice. The hearing-impaired individual will quite often say, “How can I hear you when you’re talking into the fridge?” or “How can you expect to be heard when you talk so softly?” Repeatedly asking others to “please say it again” is a strong indicator that some form of hearing loss exists.
Unfortunately, trying to convince someone that the reason they keep asking people to repeat themselves is because their hearing ability is at fault can seem impossible at times. Don’t give up! It can take a few years for people to accept the fact that their hearing is deteriorating, and they need hearing aids. People may find it difficult in part due to the lingering stigma that wearing hearing aids is effectively admitting you’re “getting old”. Ironically, the symptoms of hearing loss become more prominent and obvious when hearing aids are not used, drawing people to that precise conclusion. Today’s technology allows for the discreet use of hearing aids.
What I suggest is to lovingly explain to your husband or wife that you are growing increasingly frustrated with having to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Then, let them know that for a one-week period, you are going to notate every time you need to repeat yourself. I would also set the volume on the TV to a certain level, and then track the number of times they need to increase the volume so they can comfortably hear. After 7 days, discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. You may be fearful that you are nagging them, but you will be doing yourself and them a big favour in the long run.
When they are finally ready to come in for a complimentary hearing assessment, the hearing health professionals at NexGen Hearing will be ready to answer any question or concerns they may have. Learn more or book an appointment today by vising https://www.nexgenhearing.com/relationships/
Available Resources
The Comox Valley Division of Family Practice is committed to achieving meaningful change that benefits patients, doctors, and the community. DivisionsBC.ca/Comox-Valley. The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Office, BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBackBC.ca or 1 (866) 639 0522.
Available Resources
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health works to promote seniors’ mental health by connecting people, ideas, and resources. CCSMH.ca. Crisis. Thinking of suicide? Please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7 or visit ChrisisServicesCanada.ca
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888, available 24/7
Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation. This can’t be done without changing the systems that people in pain rely on to live well. PainBC.ca
Available Resources
The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca
Make Your Home Safer
Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.
Brain Teasers Answers
.1 An echo. 2. A candle. 3. Your left hand. 4. An egg 5. That’s enough out of you.
Second Home for Seniors in the Valley
The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre has an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website ComoxSeniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.
Donations Gratefully Accepted
Comox Valley Senior Support receives roughly ⅓ of its funding from Island Health and ⅓ from the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remaining funds are all raised by grants and donations. Though the Society charges no fees for any of its supports, programs each cost money to operate. Your donations can go a long way at Comox Valley Senior Support, and we will happily direct donations to where you would like. There is a donation link on our website https://comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca/donate/ or cheques can be mailed to us at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1N5. If you would like to talk to staff about donating, or where you would like your donation directed, please call Chris at 250-871-4950 or email at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca
Comox Valley Senior Support is a federally registered charity: 89587 9849 RR0001
Help Us – Help Others
The vital component of most of our programs at CV Senior Support are volunteers! While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. Please contact our office for more information at 250-871-5940 or email admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupprt.ca
Suffering from Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Some warning signs that can signal a problem include gums that bleed easily; red, swollen, and tender gums; receding gumline; and persistent bad breath. See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better.
