Recovering from a brain injury, which includes stroke, is a full-time job. Doing errands, chores, and everyday tasks can be done within the boundaries of safety and in ways that promote recovery. It can be beneficial to take the stairs or walk to the store. Putting away silverware is a good way to work on repetitive practice of grasp and release of the hand. Folding clothes is an excellent way to incorporate bilateral training which is using the arm and hand at the same time. Doing simple tasks while focusing on the affected extremities will help improve overall coordination, strength and functional ability.

Your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage multiple medications. *Synchronized Refill Dates. The quantities of your medication may be adjusted to coordinate refill dates. All medications can be refilled at one time reducing the number of visits to the pharmacy. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Extension of Expired Refills. Sometimes a prescription expires before you can see your doctor. Following an assessment, your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription.

Trauma and grief often go hand-in-hand, and learning how to mourn can be a crucial part of healing. Grief is the reactions that we must mourn through to shift to an active, shared response instead of a passive, isolated one. Six ways to help active mourning include: 1) Acknowledging the loss is real. 2) Interacting with the pain instead of avoiding it. 3) Honouring what you loved about who/what you are mourning. 4) Discovering the new you in the context of loss. 5) Finding meaning and purpose beyond what happened. 6) Getting ongoing support and talking with loved ones and/or a professional.

When someone close to you has untreated hearing loss, it’s natural to want to help them. Here are seven ways to urge them to have their hearing checked: 1. Point out that annual hearing tests are recommended for everyone. 2. Explain what they risk by waiting. 3. Prepare for common objections. 4. Let them know they’re not alone. 5. Go with them and have your hearing tested too. 6. Don’t be the only voice that speaks up. 7. Call your local hearing professional and ask for their advice.

Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.

With more sunny days and warmer temperatures, it is time to get out there and have fun. Here are some summertime wellness tips: *Protect your skin; wear a mineral-based sunscreen (chemical-free/ocean friendly), and hat and sunglasses for face and eye protection. *Stay hydrated; keep a water bottle with you. *Eat more fresh raw fruits and vegetables and take advantage of local produce. *Get some exercise; outdoors whenever possible. Exercise and getting outside helps you to stay fit, feel energized, and improves your mood. *Do what you love; take up a new or favourite activity. Take care of your mental wellbeing to help you stay positive and happy!