Community News
Medication and Supplement Review

Do you take a number of prescription medications along with over-the counter health supplements? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Many people do not have a good understanding of the medications that they have been prescribed, the supplements that they take or their possible harmful interactions. Your Personal Pharmacist can sit down with you to review your medications and supplements, answer any questions you may have and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication.

The Journey to Better Hearing

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss in yourself can be difficult, and taking steps to address hearing loss can be even harder.  Many individuals with hearing loss delay treatment 7-10 years and are often not sure how to seek assistance.  With the right steps, creating a treatment plan can be simple.

Don’t Wait – Have Your Hearing Assessed

Once you start to notice signs of hearing loss, the first step is to obtain a hearing assessment.  You can do this by contacting a local hearing health professional or obtaining a referral from your primary care physician.

During the hearing assessment, the clinician will determine your lifestyle and communication needs as well as the type and degree of hearing loss present.  If a medical condition is identified a referral will be made to the appropriate health professional.

Hearing Aid Selection & Fitting

If hearing aids are recommended, the clinician will work with you to find the right product that will meet your hearing and lifestyle needs.  A trial period with the chosen hearing aid is an important part of the process, as it provides you time to adjust to the hearing aids so you are able to assess the benefit accurately.  It can sometimes take multiple visits to the clinic to have the hearing aids adjusted.  It is important to establish a trusted relationship with your hearing health professional as hearing aids require ongoing maintenance and at a minimum should be checked annually.

NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings, leasing options and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671

Working Together to Meet Needs

The winter months can be difficult for all of us, with shorter, wetter days and finances still stretched from the holidays. When you don’t have enough money to feed yourself and your family or pay bills for basic necessities, it becomes unbearable. Your donation to the SOS Winter Emergency Fund helps residents in need with groceries, propane, prescription medications and other basic supports. To learn more and to donate, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.

Profile: Revitalize Laser Clinic

At Revitalize Laser Clinic, we are passionate about education and knowledge! It doesn’t matter what age you are: investing in yourself is a vital part of your life journey! All our treatments are provided by trained and certified professionals who can create a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. Our Nanaimo location offers skincare treatments for the face and body including treatments for men. Our Men’s Vigor treatment is a way to get back in the game safely and effectively. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime. Health Canada Approved. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Take Care of Yourself

Providing long-term care for a loved one can be very taxing and time-consuming. With spring around the corner, we are all itching to leave our cozy winter hearths and get back to being active. By bringing in in-home elder care, you can take time to care for your health. Care for your loved ones frees up time for tackling your next challenge and helps ensure that you can enjoy the good things in life, going forward. If you or someone you know would benefit from in-home care, reach out to explore the options available.

Do I Need a Medical Alert System?

Here are some of the reasons people use a medical alert system: *They live alone. *They use a cane or walker to assist with mobility. *They had a fall or were at risk of falling. *They sometimes feel weak or dizzy. If you face any of these issues and it is important for you to continue living independently, a medical alert system may be the answer. With Lifeline, a local service that supports The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that help is available 24/7 at the push of a button.

Qi Coil™ Cutting-Edge Technology

“The future of medicine is the medicine of frequencies.” – Albert Einstein

PEMF Therapy

Imagine a world where wellness wasn’t limited to exercise and nutrition, but instead harnessed the power of frequencies to enhance the body and mind. This future is now a reality, thanks to the innovative technology of
QI Coils™ and the science behind Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy.

QI Coils™ are cutting-edge devices that use PEMF therapy to promote relaxation and overall wellness. By emitting specific frequencies, these coils work to harmonize the body’s own frequency patterns, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. They can be used as a tool for stress management and to improve sleep.

But the benefits of QI Coils™ go beyond simple relaxation. These devices are also designed to improve overall wellness, helping to boost energy levels and promote a sense of balance and inner peace. Numerous scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of PEMF therapy in promoting physical and mental well-being. One such study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found that PEMF therapy improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels in participants.

So why wait for the future of wellness when you can experience it today?
QI Coils™ are easy to use and offer a natural, non-invasive approach to enhancing well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or improve your overall health, these powerful devices are the key to unlocking the true potential of frequency therapy.

Experience the power of frequency therapy for yourself with QI Coils™. Make your wellness a priority and take control of your future with this scientifically-backed revolutionary technology.

Learn more on www.QiLifeStore.com

The Meditation Shortcut

Qi Coils™, a revolutionary new form of meditation technology, have recently gained popularity among those looking to improve their overall well-being, especially in the areas of stress management, sleep, energy, meditation, and pain management. The technology uses electromagnetic fields to promote relaxation and focus. The coils are placed around the body, and it is scientifically-proven that the PEMF fields they generate help balance the body’s energy and promote a sense of well-being.

According to users, Qi coils™ have helped them to overcome chronic pain and insomnia, and to reduce anxiety. Many people have reported feeling more relaxed and at ease after using the technology, which has also helped them to improve their sleep quality and increase their energy levels. Some users have even claimed that the coils have helped them to achieve a deeper state of meditation and to reduce stress levels.

The technology is non-invasive, contactless and easy to use, making it accessible to a wide range of people. As more and more people are looking for alternative ways to improve their well-being, Qi coils™ offer a promising solution for those seeking to improve their quality of life. David Wong – Founder, QiLifeStore.com

Hearing Aids and Compatible Apps

Are Hearing Aids and Apps Compatible with my Cell Phone?

A common concern for new hearing aid users is the ability to use their phone while wearing the devices. Thankfully, a few years back the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented rules for phone manufacturers to ensure users could differentiate compatible versus non-compatible cell phones. This change obliged companies to make their devices hearing aid friendly. Today, there are applications and adaptors readily available to assist with the struggles of hearing loss.

What Phones are Hearing Aid Compatible?

Mobile devices have come a long way since the FCC rule was introduced, and since then all smartphones are required to be hearing aid compatible (HAC). With smartphones evolving at a rapid pace, the features and abilities for hearing aid users continue to progress. Users now have the ability to connect hearing aids to landlines through adaptors, making comfortable conversations possible at home and on the go. With this ever-changing technology, it is recommended you speak with your hearing healthcare professional for phone suggestions and assistance with connecting your hearing aid to your mobile and landline devices.

What is a Hearing Aid App?

There is a wide range of hearing aid apps that are designed to help individuals with hearing aids in a variety of ways. Some apps give users the ability to adjust their hearing aid levels, which is a useful tool when going from a loud environment to a quiet one, or vice versa. These apps often allow settings to be saved, so those with hearing aids can easily adjust their levels when returning to their common spaces. Hearing aid apps are also a useful tool for checking on battery levels for rechargeable hearing aids, ensuring users never have to question if they have enough battery life to last through the day.

Some of the most common hearing aid apps are those that connect directly to audio. With these apps, users are able to stream shows, music, phone calls and more straight to their hearing aids. Other apps provide decibel-measuring, which allows users to know how loud their surroundings are. In addition, some apps are designed to help train one’s brain with hearing exercises and keep track of hearing progress. These apps are also beneficial for hearing experts because they provide detailed information that can help determine the best plan of action for one’s hearing journey.

Is There an App for Tinnitus?

Millions of Canadians experience tinnitus, symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to a disrupting of daily life. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some apps that can help ease the symptoms, which are often described as a ringing, chirping or buzzing noise in one’s ears. One of the most common treatment methods for tinnitus is sound masking, and there are several apps designed for this, with some compatible with hearing aids. Sound masking works by stimulating your brain and amplifying background noise to cover up the unpleasant sounds of tinnitus. Other apps include educational information about tinnitus, guided meditations, and breathing techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, it is important to meet with a hearing expert to discuss treatment options. An audiologist or Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) will help guide you through your hearing process for an improved quality of life.

What are the Next Steps?

If you are wondering whether your smartphone is compatible with your hearing aids, or you’re searching for an app that works best for your hearing health and lifestyle, a hearing expert will be able to provide detailed information that’s tailored to you. Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced.

NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings, leasing options and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671

Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation

At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including *Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. *Fostering positive experiences. *Improving self-confidence. *Increasing sense of belonging. *Decreasing loneliness, boredom and expressive behaviours.

Why Men’s Vigor?

We understand. Sexual health and performance is a topic that men are reluctant to talk about. Research states that 40% of men have experienced some sort of sexual performance anxiety by the age of 30, and that percentage often increases with age. We all want to feel strong, confident and have intimacy with our partner. While drug therapy is the typical approach to treating inadequate blood flow, it only provides a quick fix solution and does not address the underlying physical condition. Men’s Vigor is a way to get back in the game safely and effectively. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime. Health Canada Approved.