Some forgetfulness is a normal part of growing older, but it’s important to be aware of memory changes as they can be a sign of a serious problem. Along with memory changes, sudden changes to your loved one’s personality, such as paranoia and aggression, are often early signs of Dementia. For some, another early sign of dementia is having changes in vision. Your loved one may have trouble reading or seeing the differences in color. Other changes may include problems with speech and writing, poor judgment, having trouble with finances, withdrawal from social activities, and carelessness. Early diagnosis can assist you in getting help for your loved one.
Community News
Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Bluetooth technology allows you to connect two electronic devices without using a cord. Bluetooth hearing aids connects your hearing devices to other devices like your smartphone or TV. They stream sound directly from a technology source into your ear. When watching television or using the computer, the data transfers to your hearing aid from the monitor using radio waves. There’s no need for headphones or a separate Bluetooth headset. Similarly, talking on the phone is now easier than ever. You don’t have to hold the phone up to your ear to hear and enjoy your conversation.
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a recent term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.
Grinding Your Teeth?
When under stress, many people find themselves grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. It is often something we do when we sleep. Bruxism can be caused by stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite or missing and crooked teeth, or it can be due to sleep disorders. Bruxism can lead to symptoms such as dull headache or a sore jaw. Severe grinding can lead to painful or loose teeth which can lead to fractures in your teeth. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
Do You Feel Abundant?
Abundance means different things to different people. Often times we think of abundance as having a lot of money or wealth. Abundance is so much more than a healthy bank account. Abundance is a Feeling; an appreciation of life, joy and strength of body, mind and spirit! If you FEEL abundant, you will be abundant! If you aren’t feeling it, a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions. These emotions can keep you feeling that you don’t deserve abundance in your life.
Teach Your Young Ones about Giving
Are you a parent or grandparent looking to teach your young ones this summer about giving and sharing? Why not involve them in the planning and running of their own fundraiser? It can serve as an important teaching opportunity on how to organize and launch an activity. The pride they will feel knowing they are helping others, will leave a lasting impression about the importance of contributing to community. That is how community is strengthened, one act of kindness at a time. Find out more at www.sosd69.com/community-fundraising.
Reluctant to Accept Help?
It can be very difficult to accept help. Seniors often think that accepting help means losing their independence. It is as if by accepting help, they are telling the world that they are no longer able to live independently. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase your independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in your home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Staying Active, Really?!
The old saying “If you don’t use it you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favor to stave off falls, increase independence and help prevent illness like a stroke, diabetes type 2 and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you do like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking and even mowing the lawn counts. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.
Stay Safe in the Heat
During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight fitting clothing. A symptoms of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behavior, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Online Health and Wellness Resource
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the Wellness Hub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. There are currently a few events listed and we are hoping that soon it will be filled with local community event. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the Summer Adventure Contest. The draw date is July 31, 2021.
