Smoking cigarettes can result in nicotine dependence and serious health problems. Quitting has both immediate and long-term benefits, including: lowering risk for various forms of cancer, including lung cancer, reducing risk of heart disease within 1 to 2 years of quitting, reducing respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, etc.), reducing risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and reducing risk of infertility in women of reproductive age or complications during birth.
If you are thinking about quitting or are ready to quit, feel free to contact your pharmacist to discuss the various options that can help you stop smoking.
Community News
Dentures and TMJ Pain
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder causes symptoms like popping or pain in your jaw and/or neck, headaches, problems with balance, and even hearing loss. One of the common causes of TMJ disorder is the displacement of the disc that cushions the bones of the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Displacement of the disc may be caused by an incorrect bite, which means the teeth no longer fit together properly, and therefore the jaw joint and muscles cannot work the way they need to. A denturist will be able to determine whether there are issues with the bite and can provide proper-fitting dentures with an optimal occlusion.
Your Child’s First Eye Exams
Optometrists recommend that babies have their first eye examination between six and nine months of age to ensure their eyes are healthy, eye alignment and eye muscle movements are developing properly, and the eyes are focusing together. A number of serious eye conditions exist that can be identified during their first eye exam. If left uncorrected, these conditions can result in serious vision problems. Vision development continues into the preschool years – depth perception, eye-hand coordination, and visualization skills. Doctors of Optometry recommend children have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five, and yearly after starting school.
Clean Eating: Simple Vegan Eggnog
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can coconut milk (400 ml), 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Directions: Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 1 hour. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve the eggnog chilled, so keep it in the fridge for at least 1 or 2 hours. Enjoy the Holiday Season!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of over 85 naturally-occurring constituents identified in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it won’t get you “high”, which makes it an appealing option. The most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp, CBD is becoming increasingly popular due to highly publicized exposure in the media and the wide scope of its benefits on health and wellness. Clinical reports and mounds of test data showing little to no side effects and a lack of the psychoactivity typically associated with marijuana products and high THC levels have also contributed to CBD’s rise in popularity. CBD will not adversely affect sensory awareness, perception, consciousness, reaction time, or behavior.
Disability Tax Credit for Type 1 Diabetes
The Disability Tax Credit is a program designed to help those with disabilities or their caregivers reduce the amount of income tax they pay, offsetting some of the significant medical and treatment expenses. What diabetes-related activities are covered? According to CRA, the following activities qualify in the 14-hour-per-week calculation:
• Checking blood glucose levels
• Preparing and administering the insulin
• Calibrating necessary equipment
• Testing ketones
• Keeping a log book of blood glucose levels
With children, the 14-hour-per-week eligibility criteria can usually be met by combining the parent and child’s time.
T1D is an expensive disease and the disability tax credit can provide some financial relief for those who qualify.
Need Help Getting Physically Active?
Individuals who are physically active have a lower risk of obtaining health conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health by having a positive impact on depression, anxiety, and stress. Kinesiologists are heavily involved in facilitating and improving physical activity levels of individuals of varying goals and capabilities. Kinesiologists are experts in the field of human movement, exercise prescription, fitness training and conditioning. A Kinesiologist uses evidence-based research to develop exercise programs for individuals looking to increase their physical activity levels. Many fitness and wellness centers in the city employ Kinesiologists as personal trainers who can guide and provide you with the tools to become healthier and more physically active.
Elder Abuse is Real!
One of the most underreported crimes in Canada is elder abuse. As of 2016 over 700,000 reports of abuse were recorded. Some abuse is invisible like neglect, psychological abuse and abuse of finances. The people most vulnerable are those who live in social isolation or suffer serious health conditions. And when it comes to physical abuse, data from statistics Canada shows 60% of senior domestic violence victims are female. Warning signs for elder abuse include: Anxiety or fearfulness about someone the elderly individual should trust. Dehydration, poor nutrition, or poor hygiene. Speak to your loved ones about elder abuse and learn more about the resources available to help victims in your community.
Choosing a Health Advocate
One of the most important steps in a senior’s life is to choose the right health advocate.
Your advocate could be your family member or your friend; someone you can trust with your health concerns. The advocate will play a very important role in your healthcare plans in the future.
For example, they can go with you to a doctor, the lab, your pharmacy, or the hospital.
It is very important to name an advocate before you need one, and you can decide the limits of their authority.
You can find more information, videos, and a “My Patient Advocate Agreement” form at www.safetoask.ca
Using Over The Counter Medications Safely
Over the counter medications can treat many conditions and make you feel better but not all of them may be appropriate for you! For example, certain OTC medications may not be recommended if a patient has high blood pressure or if they’re pregnant. Certain OTC medications may also interact with other prescription meds that a patient has. If a healthcare professional has told you that the OTC medication is safe to use, also make sure you are following the directions properly! Contact your pharmacist to find out if you can safely use your OTC medications of if you have any other health related questions!
Meet the Practitioner
Denturist Maggie Makaruk DD, has practiced at Anna’s Denture Clinic for the last 18 years. Anna’s Denture Clinic is a boutique denture clinic that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Maggie personally customizes your treatment plan for your particular needs and requirements. She gives her complete attention to detail to ensure the best fit and aesthetic, so that your dentures meet or exceed all your expectations and you’ll have that perfect smile! Maggie makes herself available to answer any and all questions to make you comfortable during the treatment and well beyond.
