Community News
Cleaning Dentures is Essential

As a denture wearer, your most important responsibility is to keep your dentures clean. Like natural teeth, dentures can also attract plaque, become stained, and collect food particles that can cause bad breath. The two best methods of cleaning dentures is soaking and brushing. If your dentures need more attention, be sure to visit your Denturist every six month to a year for a professional cleaning and polishing of your appliance.

Are You Having Fun?

As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!

Make Social Interaction a Priority

Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active; the improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.

Protect your Hearing at Concerts

Do you enjoy going to concerts? Be sure to protect your hearing! If you leave a concert with temporary ringing in your ear, the damage can cause additional difficulties in the future. Protect your hearing at you next concert by, 1. Not standing too close to the speakers: 2 Taking breaks from the noise: 3 Giving your ears a break after exposure to loud music to give your ears a chance to rest and recover. Consider investing in a good pair of custom earplugs. Protect your hearing at every concert and you’ll continue to enjoy the music for many years to come!

Talking about Gambling

Talking about any difficult issue such as a problem with gambling, can be challenging. Here are a few strategies that can be helpful: • Try not to judge them or use judgmental language; this will only make the person defensive. Problem gamblers already feel vulnerable. • Offer support, caring and information on help that is available. • Tell the person specifically how their actions are affecting you and your family. • Let them know you will support them in their efforts to regain control. • If your finances are linked, you may need to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family.

Lip Protection with Organic Beeswax

The skin on your lips is thin, delicate and vulnerable to dryness. Lips and the area around the mouth are among the first areas to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Beeswax can help protect and repair dry or chapped skin due to its ability to lock in moisture without clogging the pores. High in Vitamin A, beeswax has been found to support cell reconstruction and health and also fight the signs of aging. A chemical-free organic lip balm with beeswax will provide intense, long-lasting nutrition and protection for your delicate lips. Look for products with non-nano zinc oxide for natural sun protection.

Chemainus Theater Memberships

Did you know that the Chemainus Theater membership program provides wings to the Chemainus Theatre Festival, supporting each season of programming? Donations to the membership program provides foundational support enabling them to plan confidently, and expand their theatrical & education programing. In return (along with their eternal gratitude) they strive to open up the world of Chemainus Theatre through exclusive member events and have a lot of fun at the same time. In 2019, exclusive events include Fireside Chats, Dress Rehearsals, the ever popular Season Launch Party and Member Day. Contact the theater about the various levels of membership available.

Drug-Free Pain Relief

If you have pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill but they come with the risk of side effects. Today, years of research has developed ways to helps the brain maximize its natural pain fighting mechanisms without the need for drugs. The sensation of pain occurs when a pain receptor (nociceptor) detects a painful stimulus on the skin or in an internal organ. A very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet triggers a signal that helps the brainstem reach homeostasis resulting in enhanced pain relief and management.

Tips for Better Sleep

There are things you can do for proper sleep hygiene: Avoid long naps; consider going for a short walk instead. Maintain a regular sleep routine; go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom quiet and comfy; lower body temperature generally equals better sleep. No electronic devices in bed; blue light emitted from these devices interferes with sleep. Invest in a body pillow to avoid waking up with body pain. If you sleep on your side, an organic body pillow will make hip and shoulder pain a thing of the past.

Risk Factors for Falls

Are you afraid of falling? There are many risk factors in addition to mobility issues that can lead to falls. This includes sensory deficits that involve problems with sensation in the eyes, ears, or feet. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Going quickly from lying down or sitting to a standing position can cause the blood pressure to drop. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly, and ensure you have a good footing before taking a step.

Celebrate Aging!

We often hear the negative about seniors in our society, rather than celebrating them. Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, using services (keeping people employed), and paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age groups do. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting and caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.