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Community News
Restless Legs?
Are your legs keeping you up at night? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
COVID-19: Impact on Gambling
COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls are closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at Problem.Gambling@gov.bc.ca.
Recognizing Caregiver Stress
The effects of the pandemic is felt by everyone; even more so by those caring for loved ones. Over 4.5 million Canadians play a role in caring for a family member and caregiver stress and burnout is a significant issue. Caregivers need to be honest about how much care they can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. 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.
Can I get a Dental Implant Placed?
If you are in need of a dental implant, we have good news! Lakeside Dental Clinic has reopened with new protocols that allows our office to place all cases of dental implants. We have installed air purification units that use nine levels of technology including HEPA and UV-C light to treat the air in our clinic. We now see less patients in a day resulting in more time per patient. This allows us to do the longer procedures which include dental implants. All patients must be pre-screened before entering the office and screened again upon arrival for safety
Community Event – HUSTLE for Hospice!
Bike, swim, hike, dance, kayak, backyard game, garden tour or whatever your way through this community fundraiser for Nanaimo Community Hospice. Register online as an individual or as a team, pick up your registration package and complete your “Hustle for Hospice” activity before August 28. Be sure to follow all the current Provincial Health guidelines while doing your activity. Record your activity and post the image or videotape online. Prizes awarded for the most creative costume or “Hustle for Hospice” activity. Dare to be different! Join the virtual “Hustle for Hospice” Celebration on September 12th. Full information on our website.
Ozone Therapy Increases Oxygen Utilization
What makes us healthy and invulnerable to disease? Discover this for yourself right now. Hold your breath for 60 seconds. What happened? Clearly there is absolutely nothing as critical to our health as oxygen metabolism. Oxygen utilization is the single most important predictor of your risk for degenerative disease and premature aging. As we get older our cells become less able to efficiently use the oxygen we breathe, some as much as 50%! Ozone therapy activates the immune system, prevents free radical damage and helps the body detoxify, the ultimate preventative tool to stay healthy and happy into old age.
Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health
For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline. Having care givers can help stem the existence of loneliness in the lives of our seniors. We enjoy conversations, daily walks, shopping, cooking and folding the laundry together. These can be moments of joy when done together in the right way. Comfort Keepers engage the human spirit.
When a Loved One Has Dementia
Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: *Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. *Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. *Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.
Where to Keep your Medication
Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.
The Feeling of Gratitude
We have so much to be grateful for! Say ‘thank you’ for the things you enjoy and have; be grateful for every meal and the comfy pillow you lay your head on. Listen to music that makes you want to dance. When our body feels the vibration of true gratitude, it feels lighter and more in balance. Keep your vibration high by smiling and thinking positive thoughts. Visit a practitioner who will work with you to get you to a state of calm and relax. It is important that we remind our body how it feels to be good and free.
