Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you are a smoker, you can now add an increased risk of hearing loss to the list of reasons to quit. The chemicals found in cigarettes may affect the way your ear processes sound. Smokers are 15% more likely to have hearing loss than non-smokers. Hearing loss isn’t fatal, but it can lead to several health-related issues down the line. Dementia & depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss, so be sure to have your ears checked regularly. Get started by scheduling a hearing test today.

January is a good time to make a switch to healthy eating habits. Start by being mindful of your eating habits; take the time to eat throughout the day and notice when you are hungry or full. Set regular breaks and lunchtimes without distractions so you can focus on your nutrition. Make water your drink of choice. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning and between and with each meal throughout the day. Filling up a water bottle at the start of your day and keeping it nearby will remind you. You may be surprised at how energized you feel when you are properly hydrated.

Many of us made a New Year’s Resolution to take better care of ourselves in 2022. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource for great information on doing just that. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest. The draw date is January 31, 2022.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, social isolation particularly among seniors living alone can become a problem. Do you enjoy the company of others while enjoying organized activities? Wouldn’t it be nice to have meals prepared for you and to be free from chores? Independent Living can offer wonderful support and services in a safe and secure residence. Most people who live in Independent Living get to enjoy the privacy of having their own apartment, and the perk of daily activities, nutritional meals prepared in-house and served in a dining room, weekly housekeeping, and an emergency response system for their safety and security.

With the darker winter months upon us, the sun’s rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. Plus, it also helps maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. Several studies have suggested that it may also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers. Talk to one of our pharmacists about recommended doses.