Community News
Impact of Re-Opened Gaming Venues

Casinos and gaming centres are opening again after a long pause of over 15 months. Are you excited? Happy? Concerned? Anxious? Are you looking to make a re-entry plan that will keep gambling fun and recreational? Would you like to connect with someone for support? Perhaps you want to assess the impact of re-opening land-based gaming venues will have on your relationship with gambling? All of us at Vigamingsupport.ca are here to help you navigate this renewed reality. Whether you are concerned about a loved one’s relationship with gambling, or your own, we are here. Support groups. One-to-One support. Counselling. Reset. Regroup. Restore.

Medication Review Services

Your pharmacist is a medication expert who can help you better understand your medications. Accessible and convenient, your pharmacist is available to help you with a variety of clinical pharmacy services, such as Medication Review Services and more. If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.

Take Care of the Caregiver

In Canada, over 4.5 million individuals play a role in caring for elderly family members. Caregiver stress and burnout is a real issue. If you find yourself in a caregiving position, be honest about how much care you can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Reach out for help available in the community. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.

Wear the Right Socks

Have you ever worn socks that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt? Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot? Traditional cotton socks hold water and leave feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice. Wearing the right socks make a difference in your day. Look for socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping or socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection. Voxxlife socks with HPT technology can also provide stability, support and increased balance.

Time to Sell the House?

When the responsibility of home ownership becomes overwhelming, it may be a good time to sell the family home. Today’s seniors have the option to live in beautiful surroundings where their independence is respected but assistance is available if required. Say goodbye to the responsibilities of grocery shopping, preparing meals, cleaning and maintenance and say hello to chef prepared meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, 24 hour emergency response, access to wonderful amenities and lots of recreation and activities. Begin looking for options BEFORE you have to and be sure to try a meal before making your final decision.

Can Tinnitus Cause Hearing Loss?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head not caused by an external sound source. It is not a disease or a cause of hearing loss. Tinnitus is a symptom that something is wrong somewhere in the auditory system, which can include the cochlea of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, and areas of the brain that process sound. Tinnitus is quite common, affecting almost 15% of adults and in about 90% of cases, it is accompanied by hearing loss. Speak to your hearing care professional about how hearing aids can be an effective part of any sound therapy.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

If tasting something hot or cold is painful on your teeth, you may suffer from sensitive teeth. It is a common problem that may be caused by worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root. Tooth enamel protects the crowns of healthy teeth and cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. When the dentin that is underneath the enamel and cementum loses its protective covering, hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth causing hypersensitivity. Following proper oral hygiene helps prevent the gums from receding and causing the pain of sensitive teeth.

Enjoy Your Summer!

What are you doing this summer? With things beginning to open up, there are so many things that we have not been able to do for many months. Do you need some ideas on how to make it a relaxing summer? Make sure to take time for YOU! You deserve to relax and enjoy the summer. Enjoy the summer sunshine; enjoy the many beaches in our area; reconnect with nature. A certified Body/Emotion Code practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more time for relaxation.

SOS – Biz for Good

Research shows that when a company shows its support for local causes, it strengthens customer loyalty and improves employee retention. Being a socially conscious business can also raise your brand profile and reveal your good values and intentions. SOS is excited about a new way that businesses can partner with us to do just that. We call it SOS Biz for Good. This new initiative is an important part of our $1 Million SOS Project Rebuild Campaign focused on reinforcing the safety-net for residents of District 69. For more information on how your business can benefit by doing good, please visit our campaign website.

Do Not Neglect Hydration

Summer is here, heralded by warm days spent in the sun, flowers and farmers markets. With the long days, it is so easy to get caught up in our daily activities that we forget to do the simple things. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is frequently overlooked. Roughly a third of adults in North America suffer from chronic dehydration, which as well as exacerbating and complicating existing medical conditions, causes dry mouth, sluggishness and fatigue, sugar cravings, confusion, dizziness, even fainting and heart palpitations. At Comfort Keepers, we are here to support your health!

Brain Exercises for Seniors

It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!