We all need to be proactive about our own health and safety and to have options in place so that help can be summoned in an emergency. Some folks let neighbours know they are up and about each day by simply opening the blinds. A daily scheduled phone call is also a good way to ensure that someone knows you are safe. These systems can be developed with neighbours and family. Nanaimo Lifeline can offer additional help. We provide wearable waterproof buttons that can be pressed in an emergency to get you the help you need.
Community News
Sores in the Mouth
Mouth sores can be caused by infections – bacterial, viral or fungal, a loose orthodontic wire, an ill-fitting denture or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling. Some of the most common mouth sores are: *Canker sores, small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border, *Cold sores are groups of fluid-filled blisters, *Candidiasis, occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. Mouth sores may also be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem. So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it is a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.
The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines were released in September. They include. Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. See more at gamblingguidelines.ca . Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out at VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you!
Benefits of Small Hearing Aids
Thanks to advanced technology, the latest generation of hearing aids are almost invisible, yet offer many of the most desirable features. Small hearing aids keep the focus on interactions with others, rather than on hearing or hearing aids. Invisible hearing aids are made to fit completely in the ear canal and are virtually unnoticeable so that no one can see them. Most styles of in-the-ear hearing aids are custom-fit and are created using a mold of the ear specifically for the user. The result is a fit that’s so natural you may even forget you’re wearing a hearing aid.
Live Life to It’s Fullest
A senior once said to me, “The secret to having everything in life, is believing that you already have it.” There is something to that. Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. It’s not the ‘things’ that matter. It’s the people, the experiences, the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to continue to make new friends, have new experiences and make more wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!
Help Keep Kids Active this Fall
Now that kids are back in school and routines have resumed for the fall and winter, many families are challenged with how to provide affordable activities for their children. That’s where SOS comes in. SOS provides numerous free programs, including a nurturing environment for early learners to build social and emotional skills while parents/caregivers take a much-needed break. Child and youth programs inspire confidence, connections and provide mentorship and healthy food. The SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program helps families with registration costs for other local programs. Support these programs and help SOS rebuild capacity by donating to the SOS Project Rebuild Campaign.
Get Listed on the WellnessHub
Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.
Sport Betting Support
“Sports bettors, who tend to be young men, are the most vulnerable to problematic behavior, according to the NCPG’s National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences. The survey reveals that sports bettors are three times more likely to exhibit problem gambling behavior than other types of gamblers.” (Quoted from onlinepoker.com). Given the popularity of sports betting across North America, and Canada’s soon-to-be new law allowing single event sports betting (Canada.ca DoJ), vulnerable sports bettors may find themselves in a position to engage in more impulsive betting behaviour. Reach out to ViGaminSupport.ca for more info on how we can help!
Not Just for Style
Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style. You can even order socks with a picture of your dog on them. When choosing socks for appearance only you don’t get the many health benefits related to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Voxx socks not only keep your feet warm and clean smelling, they may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.
Profile: The Medicine Shoppe
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers personalized service. Through their Pharmacy at Home Program, complimentary home visits help you manage your medication schedule or set up your blister pack. Free delivery service is available anywhere in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Errington, Parksville and Qualicum. They also offer Blood Pressure, BMI and Diabetes Monitoring, Foot Care and Compression Sock Fitting and a compounding laboratory to prepare customized medication. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo and in Parksville. Mel and Kristen Azcarraga, pharmacists and owners, are proud to serve their community.
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
