Mental health practitioners in BC range in knowledge, expertise and experience. When seeking assistance, this range of ability can make it difficult to understand a practitioner’s level of competence. This is why regulation of this profession is so important. To better protect the public, a proposal has been put forward to BC government to form a regulatory body of Counselling Therapists. This is similar to how other provinces have done it. Meanwhile, when looking for assistance, it is important to research the mental health professionals. Discuss their level of education, experience, certifications/registrations and to what associations and/or colleges they belong.
Community News
Are You at Risk for Shingles?
If you have had chickenpox, you can contract shingles. Shingles cause a painful rash with fluid filled blisters that lasts a few weeks. However the pain sometimes persists for months or even years. The virus that causes chickenpox stays in your body and can reactivate at any time during your life. If you think you have shingles, consult a doctor immediately. Rapid treatment, especially within the first three days of getting the rash, can reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, age 50 and over. Speak to your pharmacist for SHINGRIX vaccine today.
Does Your Spouse Need a Hearing Test?
If your loved one is repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves, it is an indicator that they may be experiencing some form of hearing loss. Lovingly explain to your spouse that it is becoming increasingly frustrating having to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Propose that for one-week, you will track the number of times you need to repeat yourself. Discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. Call today to arrange for a hearing test.
The Gift of Gratitude & Reflection
As we move into the darkest and shortest day of the year on December 21st, we enter a month of reflection and appreciation for what we have and who we have in our lives. Creating a gratitude list, sending notes of thanks and appreciation, taking inventory of the significant moments of our past year in review. Taking the time to reflect, sets the stage and allows us to better figure out where we want to put our energy and move towards the new year to come.
Holiday Greetings
Our community came together in 2020; we stayed home when asked and wore masks because we cared about each other. At 7 pm, we stood and banged pots along with our neighbours. We kept in touch through the computer screen and found ways to reach out to those shut-in. Supporting our local businesses became paramount. With no Expos in the near future, our new WellnessHUB connects our community with health and wellness resources. We are thankful that we were able to print this newsletter throughout 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021. We wish everyone Health, Hope and Love this Holiday Season.
Source Local, Support Local
The Central Island Wellness HUB is an online health and wellness resource with local businesses and local information. The Wellness HUB features hundreds of business and practitioners offering services and products in the central Island area. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. Do you have a health and wellness business? You can become a member with a free basic listing. See the website for more details.
Relief for Sore Feet and Legs
Do you spend a lot of your day standing or walking? Being on your feet for long periods of time can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, and other health problems. VoxxLife socks with HPT technology provide enhanced pain relief and management, better stability and balance, improved mobility and more energy. The Athletic Knee highs with gentle compression reduce swelling, keep muscles warm, increase blood flow in the legs and are comfortable for all wearers. Wool work socks with HPT are ideal for working outdoors and for activities like skating and hiking. Socks make great gifts.
Health and the Aging Brain
A mystery of Alzheimer’s is why some people develop the disease while others don’t. This makes finding a cure extremely difficult. Studies show that some of the risks factors of possibly developing the disease include; a history of past concussions, untreated food allergies, high blood glucose levels, neurotoxins and ingesting food grown with pesticides like glyphosate. What can you do to lower the risk? Nourish the brain with the right minerals, fats, vitamins and surround yourself with the right people. It’s vital to get out into nature and exercise! Your Brain will love you for this in its elder years.
Laser for Healing and Pain Relief
Lasers and LED’s are very successful at relieving pain. They produce intense beams of light at specific wavelengths that relieve symptoms of diagnosed neck or back pain, joint conditions, soft tissue injury, concussion symptoms and more. In addition, high-intensity single point lasers can release trigger points and treat acupuncture points. There is substantial clinical evidence published in peer-reviewed medical journals that Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) can stimulate repair of tissue, reduce inflammation and relieve pain in musculoskeletal disorders. These studies find that the median magnitude for pain relief using lasers is at least twice that of NSAIDS.
Dementia – Activities to Boost Self-Esteem
By optimizing physical, spiritual, social and emotional function, adults with physical or cognitive challenges can be empowered to remain in their community. Doing as much as possible at their current ability level keeps them active and helps maintain cognitive and physical skills, which in turn, boosts confidence and self-esteem. Managing everyday tasks as independently as possible, while adding music, themed events and brain workouts, slows cognitive decline and reduces challenging behaviors while feeling more productive. Our Day Program keeps participants engaged and using their energy in a positive way.
Managing Diabetes
If you suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, your pharmacist can help you understand the role of your medications, provide advice and address questions or concerns. Help includes: *BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING – Advice on choosing the device that best suits your needs and how to use it. *PROPER USE OF MEDICATION – Ensure you know how to take the medication to achieve the full effect of treatment *ANALYSIS OF YOUR MEDICATION PROFILE – Ensure that medications prescribed for other health issues will not interfere existing medications or adversely affect your blood sugar levels. Your pharmacist is a valuable treatment counsellor.
