If you’ve been feeling down or suffering from negative thoughts and/or anxiety, it might be time to talk to a professional about your mental health. Once you do, there are many ways to help improve your mental health. Care for your body by choosing a good diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising, and treat yourself kindly, making time in your schedule to do things you enjoy and, most importantly, talking to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend. Learning meditation and other ways of coping with stress, such as breathing techniques or writing in a journal, can also help you boost your mental health.
Community News
Structured Water
Science proves waters responsible for longevity. Dr. Marcel Vogel (Father of Structured Water Science) calls it ‘liquid crystal’ completely compatible with instant cell wall entry & exit. Natural Action Technologies Structuring Devices mimic nature, transforming any water energetically by double vortexing, creating a 6 molecule cluster, an easy uptake into each cell’s aquaporin channel. “Water inside your cells is absolutely critical for health”, Dr. Mercola. Suzanne Forcese. SunriseStructuredWellness.com
Children Who Struggle to Read
A child who really struggles to learn to read could be among the 1 in 4 children who suffer from learning-related vision disorders. It’s important that parents and teachers recognize the signs and symptoms that indicate a vision problem (unrelated to glasses) that is interfering with a child’s ability to read and learn. To ensure a child is not suffering from a hidden visual dysfunction, a developmental visual evaluation is required. This evaluation looks at 16 other visual skills required for learning that regular eye exams do not address. Through vision therapy, these vision problems can be fixed.
Prosthetics & Orthotics Q&A
Can a prosthetic leg be worn in the shower? A: The quick answer is…maybe? Most common prosthetic components are sensitive to moisture; therefore most amputees need to take their prosthesis off when showering/swimming. However, many amputees prefer a waterproof prosthesis while showering to prevent slips and falls. Some prefer to do water sports or swim with their prosthesis on. This may be for practical reasons, ease of getting in and out of a swimming pool or lake or for aesthetic reasons, as some feel more self-conscious without their prosthesis. Whatever the reason let us know if you’re interested in discussing the options available to you.
Words to Live By
“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden
Words to Live By
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
When a Senior Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Gambling is a huge industry in Canada. Casino gambling is more popular than ever.
Seniors enjoy bingo, racetrack betting—and especially, casino gambling. Retirement-aged consumers are an especially desirable demographic for the gaming industry because they fill the floors during off-peak hours. Casinos market to them aggressively, offering discounted meals, ‘Golden Oldies’ entertainment shows, and complimentary shuttle service.
For many seniors, gambling is harmless entertainment. They hop on the casino shuttle, socialize with others and casino staff, bet a few dollars and take advantage of senior discounts on meals, drinks and perhaps a show. They’ve set aside part of their entertainment budget for gambling, and they stop when they reach their limit. However, some older adults develop a gambling problem that seriously impacts their financial well-being.
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling—also referred to as gambling addiction, pathological gambling or a gambling disorder—happens when a person becomes obsessed with gambling and has an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, “For the problem gambler, making a bet is not just about having fun or winning money. Gambling becomes an emotional response to change the way they feel.” In addition, warns the NCPG, a person might have a gambling problem if they are:
- Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
- Restless and irritable when not gambling
- Gambling in hopes of winning back what they have lost
- Borrowing money for gambling
- Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debts
- Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
- Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling
Why are seniors at higher risk?
The NCPG explains that boredom, isolation, depression and cognitive impairment affect judgment and make it harder for senior gamblers to stick to their limit. Seniors on a fixed income—who can little afford to gamble away their money—might hope that they will strike it rich and improve their financial situation. In addition to the signs above, family may notice that their loved one has withdrawn from the activities they used to enjoy. Possessions may have disappeared from their loved one’s home, and their loved one is vague about what happened. A senior may be neglecting their personal needs—food, medical care, or exercise. And here’s a sign experts often cite as a red flag: Seniors with a gambling addiction show little interest in the buffet, entertainment or social aspects of a casino trip, instead heading straight for their “lucky machine” and settling in.
What can family do?
The first step is to review the warning signs of problem gambling to get a better picture of whether your loved one has a problem. You can’t step in merely because you don’t approve of gambling, or you think Mom should spend her entertainment money somewhere else.
The next step is to determine whether there are medical reasons behind the problem. Gerontologists say problem gambling might be a sign that a senior is dealing with early Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairment that impairs judgment and impulse control. The side effects of some medications also can make a senior more susceptible to compulsive gambling. For example, certain drugs prescribed to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have been linked to impulse control—including pathological gambling. Urge your loved one to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out or diagnose these problems.
Having a conversation about problem gambling can be very difficult. Your loved one may resist talking about it and may insist that there isn’t a problem. Assure them that you have their best interests in mind, and that you want to help, not judge. Encourage your loved one to talk to a professional. Treatment is available for gambling addiction and includes support groups, psychotherapy and sometimes medication. Consider bringing in a geriatric care manager (also called an aging life care specialist) to mediate the conversation and to help you locate treatment resources. Talk to your loved one’s financial manager, or consult an elder law attorney. Sometimes, if a senior is no longer able to manage their money, families must take a larger role. (Read “Stepping In, Stepping Up: Legal Issues for Family Caregivers” in the August 2016 issue of the Caring Right at Home newsletter to learn more. A poll in that issue found that many Caring Right at Home readers have held a durable power of attorney or guardianship for a senior loved one at some point.)
Not every gambling habit rises to the level of addiction. A senior who goes to the casino several times a week to stave off boredom and loneliness might find even more mental stimulation and companionship through a senior recreation program, volunteer service, events at their faith community, or taking a class. Help your loved one locate appropriate activities in the area. If your loved one has become isolated due to mobility challenges, consider hiring home care to provide companionship and transportation. Even computer games can be a substitute for folks who enjoy relaxing with a machine—and as a bonus, these games offer far more mental stimulation and brain exercise than a slot machine.
Take Control Of Your Health!
The beginning of the year is a great time to think about your health and investigate ways of improving it. One of the most effective things that you can do is to get tested nutritionally. For example, Contact Reflex Analysis nutritional testing will determine if you are lacking specific nutrients that could be causing or contributing to an unwanted health condition. If a weakness or deficiency is found, specialized nutritional formulations can be taken to correct the affected areas, so your health can improve naturally. Let 2019 be the year that you take control of your health and well-being.
Treat Yourself Well This Year
Massage Therapy is a powerful tool to optimize your health and reach your New Year’s resolutions. Did you know that daily stress can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty sleeping? Massage is one of the best ways to relieve this kind of tension and release unwanted toxins from your body. Regular massage therapy can also help lower blood pressure and heart rate. It also aids in fighting many kinds of chronic illnesses. Your mind and well-being are with you for life; massage is one of the best forms of self-care you will find.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health is an issue that impacts every workplace in Canada. The workplace can contribute positively or negatively to a person’s mental health. Employers and employees both benefit from a psychologically healthy workplace, as it can contribute to better employee engagement and morale, reduced absenteeism, and increased employee recruitment and retention. Some simple ways to create a psychologically healthy workplace include: 1. Promote work-life balance. 2. Have conflict resolution practices in place. 3. Help employees successfully manage workloads. 4. Encourage and model respectful behaviours. 5. Allow for employee participation and decision-making. 6. Clearly define role expectations and duties.
Benefits of Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Exposure to artificial light at the wrong times of day is one of the largest often-overlooked health risks of living in the 21st century. Blocking blue light serves an important biological purpose, helping to regulate your internal clock to control sleep patterns and other body functions; avoiding blue light at night is crucial to protecting your health. One of the least expensive and simplest ways to protect your body’s internal rhythm, and thereby support healthy sleep and a lowered risk of many chronic diseases, is to wear blue-light-blocking glasses at night.
