Community News
Benefits of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.

Unlocking the Benefits of Exercise as You Age

Exercise is important as we age and offers benefits that improve our quality of life. Regular physical activity can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes and arthritis), improve mood, enhance cognitive function and boost overall energy levels. At Body Tempo, we understand the unique needs of aging bodies when it comes to exercise. We offer a variety of fitness programs designed for older adults that cater to all fitness levels and abilities. From low-impact aerobics and yoga to water exercises and gentle strength training, our skilled instructors provide guidance and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable workout experience.

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 on Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.

Starting the Conversation

Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person who will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their homes as they age; in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.

Acupuncture for Blood Sugar Balance

Acupuncture, an ancient practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, can be a valuable complementary approach to managing blood sugar levels. 1. Regulates Insulin: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins and improve insulin sensitivity, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. 2.Reduces Stress: Acupuncture promotes relaxation by releasing tension and reducing stress hormones, aiding in glycemic control. 3. Enhances Digestion: Improved digestion can lead to better nutrient absorption and more stable blood sugar. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical advice or medication. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss how acupuncture may help you.

Hearing Aid Purchase Guide

Digital hearing aids are made up of a powerful minicomputer. The minicomputer analyses the sound environment from data gathered by the microphones. The computer selects the sounds you need help with. The highest quality and best hearing aids only amplify the parts of sound you need help with. They also remove any excess sound and amplify the personalized result in your ear.

The right hearing aid for you depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your manual dexterity. However, a hearing aid that one person likes might not work for someone else, even if both have almost identical audiograms.

And even within the same brand, there can be several versions of a given model. That kind of variation makes comparing hearing aid models and brands very challenging.

When it comes to getting the hearing aids that suit your hearing needs this is what you should do

Image show man taking a hearing test

1. Find a hearing centre with licensed hearing professionals

When searching for a hearing care center, prioritize finding a location where a professional can assess your hearing and provide individualized counselling based on your specific needs. The centre should test your hearing in a soundproof booth and should give you a copy of the hearing test results. The provider should verify that the hearing aids are working effectively for you (including in a noisy environment). He or she should also review the instructional brochure that accompanies the hearing aids.

Connect with a hearing professional now

Image show HearingLife hearing centre

2. Find a convenient clinic location

Find a provider who has a local hearing center near home or work and is also part of a global network. This will give you access to a large network of hearing care providers. Professional help is never too far away. Your hearing aid provider should have convenient business hours, offer walk-in repair service, and make it easy to schedule an appointment.

Find a local hearing centre

Image show man with an audiologist in a HearingLife Centre

3. Choose a provider that offers personalized, ongoing customer care

Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. Unlike standardized solutions, specialized hearing care centers allow you to build a relationship with your hearing care provider, and you will have the choice of a large spectrum of hearing aid types and brands so that you can find the optimal solution for you. The provider should discuss the effect of hearing loss on your lifestyle and relationships, and how best to manage difficult listening situations. The conversation should touch on the level of challenges you experience in hearing over the phone. The provider should ask about your manual dexterity and vision status because these can affect your ability to handle hearing aids successfully. The dispenser should also discuss realistic expectations and ask about your lifestyle, which can affect your choice of style and recommended features.

Find hearing centres with modern hearing technology

To learn more about hearing aids you can book a consultation with one of HearingLife’s 220+ clinic. Book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-384-2245

Special Offer – Make Life Accessible with Motion

Our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Let Motion help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions, including wheelchairs, stairlifts, walkers, power lift recliners, bathroom safety items and more. “Because Motion isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.” Special Offer at Motion Nanaimo, Courtenay, Sidney & Victoria: $200 OFF All Stairlifts until November 30, 2023. Straight, curved, and outdoor options are available to fit any stairway. Contact us today to claim the offer and for a no-obligation quote!

Local Life Coach Specialist: Janice Stephenson

Janice Stephenson provides down to earth mentorship and guidance toward your brighter future. She empowers you to recognize and use your unique gifts to better your life and the lives of others. You will work together to understand your skills, uncover your blind spots and unlock new perspectives to propel you forward with confidence. Life coaching is for anyone ready to do the deep work to get grounded and to see upwards growth in their life. Are you ready to Define, Align and Shine with your truest self? Book a complimentary coaching session today to get started on your healing journey.

Prioritize Social Interactions

The fall and winter months can restrict our social interactions and activities if we allow that to happen. It is time to prioritize social interactions and become more active. Being social and active is associated with many health benefits; Activities help our physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health. Walking is a perfect activity that can be done outside when conditions permit or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. Once we start, we tend to do more healthful things, so get out and have a walk with a friend, socialize and engage – you’ll feel better for it!

Words to Live By

“Slow down and soak up each experience releasing the need to be somewhere else or with someone else. See the gift of this moment.” Keith Macpherson