Q. How can I communicate more effectively with a loved one with hearing loss? A. Here are some helpful tips: • Always face the person you’re talking to. This allows the person to lip-read and use visual cues. • Speak clearly and naturally at a moderate pace. Allow extra time for the person to process what was said. • Don’t yell or scream. Yelling causes you to speak abnormally, making it difficult for the person to understand you. • Repeat and rephrase if needed. If there was a chance you were misunderstood, say it again. • Use other communication techniques. Text messages, email, or writing notes are effective ways to get your message across.
Community News
Plantar Fasciitis Pain
When tiny tears occur in the thick, fibrous band of tissue reaching from your heel to your toes (called “fascia”), inflammation and pain are the result. This is plantar fasciitis, and left untreated, it can produce heel spurs. A number of things can contribute to plantar fasciitis. While men can get plantar fasciitis, it’s more common in women. It is also more common in runners, people who are overweight, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support. VoxxLife socks and insoles are proven to reduce pain and improve circulation, thereby encouraging healing for those experiencing plantar fasciitis.
What is Respite Care?
Caring for a loved one is a rewarding experience but can sometimes have a negative impact on the health and well being of the caregiver. Respite care is a type of assistance that allows the family caregiver to take a break from care-giving. This type of care focuses on helping family caregivers recharge, ease their stress, and avoid caregiver burnout. Respite care can improve the long-term functioning of both the caregiver and the person receiving care, as well as prevent crisis situations.
Book Club
When You Need a Good Laugh: Finding Contagious Joy by Phil Callaway. Bestselling author Phil Callaway believes in making laughter a part of the everyday experience. By way of humorous and heartwarming stories, Phil addresses some of the issues that steal away the joy between friends and within the family. As readers learn to lighten their loads, they are encouraged to replace fear with faith, worry with prayer, and a frown with a smile. When paired with Kevin Rivoli’s candid, life-engaging, live-in-the-moment photos, readers find a sure way to pack a laugh with them wherever they go!
Matchmaking Testimonial
“I joined Camelot Introductions and found the love of my life! If it wasn’t for Lianne’s persistence, and her innate ability for matching people, then I would still be floundering. On-line dating was a waste of my time. Camelot was exactly what I was looking for – a professional service dedicated to matching people with similar interests and dreams. Getting married in November – I’ve never been happier! Thanks Lianne!”
~Brian.
Benefits of Around The Clock Care
There may come a time when you or someone you love requires full-time care and support at home. Around the clock care is ideal for those coming home from the hospital after surgery, suffering from a debilitating condition, or even for family caregivers who require time away. Ensure your loved one has someone to assist them with the activities of everyday life with personal, consistent, one-to-one attention and assistance. Have peace of mind knowing there’s 24-hr companionship, and no need to worry about waiting for help to arrive if something goes wrong.
Benefits of Companionship
Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. If you are finding yourself lonely, while living on your own, you may want to connect with others by joining senior’s fitness classes, activity groups, or learning a new hobby.
The Power of Touch
There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in your skin and 3000 on the tip of your finger. Whenever we get touched or when we receive a massage, our body releases endorphins that are natural pain- killers. Massage not only helps us relax, but it also gives our immune system a boost! Receiving a 45-minute massage has been found to increase the number of white blood cells that help defend the body from disease. Do you suffer from sleep problems? 60 minutes of massage have the same effect on your body as 7 to 8 hours of good sleep.
Don’t Be an Obesity Statistic
About 26.7% of Canadians were obese in 2015, with projections that it will be 34% by 2025. This is a serious burden to the healthcare system. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, associated with obesity and inactivity, that increases the risk of high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Take stock of all of the sources of simple carbs in your diet, including staples like white potatoes, white flour, white rice, and pasta, as well as any obvious junk food. Favour instead low-starch and high-fibre vegetables, and get 20-30 minutes of dedicated exercise per day to reduce obesity risk.
Prescriptions From Your Pharmacist
Did you know that your doctor is not the only healthcare professional who can provide you with a prescription? The list of minor ailments that pharmacists can prescribe medication for continues to grow, helping to ease busy clinic waiting rooms and provide you with a convenient and safe alternative. Whether you have a rash or skin infection, are interested in birth control, or are dealing with cold or flu symptoms, your pharmacist can discuss your options with you to find the best treatment. Talk to your pharmacist today to get timely prescriptions for you and your loved ones.
Mediterranean Health Principles
Research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the chance of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The individual foods within the diet are particularly beneficial to health – using a wide range of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs gives the body maximum access to sources of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The Mediterranean Diet offers a scientifically researched, affordable, balanced and health-promoting lifestyle choice. Help reduce your risk of a premature death and increase the chance of a healthy retirement.
