Many of us rely on skincare products to help us look our best. Unfortunately, many contain toxic ingredients that should not be put on our skin. These toxins can trigger or exacerbate an array of problems including allergies, hormone disruption and even act as irritants or carcinogens. Palm oil is a common ingredient in skincare products because it is inexpensive. Scientific studies have shown a link to dementia. Don’t be fooled by terms such as “natural”, “pure” or “hypo-allergenic”. Examine the ingredients and look for words that you can read and understand. Look for brands that are truly transparent.
Community News
Restless Legs?
Are your legs keeping you up at night? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
Gum Inflammation? See A Dental Hygienist
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory and an immune response to bacteria hiding deep under the gums. Most of the time, your hygienists can make a solid attempt at initial therapy, then take a step back and assess how things have healed up. Unmaintained moderate to severe periodontal disease deposits may be too deep or hidden under the gum to reach so you need the assistance of a periodontist to help surgically access the root of the problem. The key to preventing periodontal disease is to take care of your gums and to see your hygienist regularly.
Therapeutic Exercise
Researchers are finding that exercise is important in reducing the body’s anxiety levels by promoting new brain cell development. The brain adapts to the events it encounters by shifting its resources to meet changing conditions. For example, a blind person’s sense of hearing is remarkably keen. Music and water make a great combination as together, they produce more new brain cells and reduce anxiety levels. Veterans who do kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain climbing are able to alleviate their symptoms of PTSD. When someone is free of emotional restraint, the possibility of a rich, full life can evolve.
COVID-19: Impact on Gambling
COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls are closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at Problem.Gambling@gov.bc.ca.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
Happy 1st Anniversary Duncan Pharmacy
On August 1, 2020, Duncan Pharmacy celebrates their first anniversary. Neel and Rupal Tanna, the husband and wife pharmacist/owner team are very happy to be part of the Duncan community. They have spent the last year building relationships with their customers, neighbours and members of their community. As Remedy’s Rx pharmacists, they believe in investing in the best possible pharmacy care. Duncan Pharmacy offers free Blister Pack service, flu shots, travel vaccines, diabetes education, and free prescription delivery. They plan to continue their efforts to go above and beyond customers’ every expectation.
Protect and Nourish Your Skin
Summer has finally arrived! Here are some tips to keep your skin nourished and protected. *Wear a mineral-based, chemical-free sunscreen with at least SPF 15. *Drink extra water and eat hydrating foods. Green tea has a potent antioxidant boost that can help protect and recover from sun damage. *Vitamins C and E, selenium, and grape seed extract help to prevent and reverse sun damage and oxidative stress. *Apply aloe vera and lavender essential oil after sun exposure or sun burns. *Apple cider vinegar or cooler chamomile tea make a good compress to soothe and heal tender skin. Have a wonderful summer!
When a Loved One Has Dementia
Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: *Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. *Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. *Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.
What Defines Addiction?
Addiction is known to be a primary, chronic issue that occurs in the brain. It is a condition that causes a person to engage in behaviours or the use of a substance for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental resulting consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some studies show that there are possible genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
Monitor Headphones to Prevent Hearling Loss
According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion 12 to 35-year-olds, risk irreversible hearing loss from exposure to loud sounds such as music played on their smartphone. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss and related conditions such as tinnitus – commonly experienced as a ringing sound inside the ear – monitor how loud, and for how long, you listen to music. Sound is measured in units called decibels or dBA. Music through headphones at maximum volume measure 94-110 dBA. Sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Test your hearing today at NexGen Hearing!
