Community News
Stay Healthy While Travelling

Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, have abnormal blood clotting disorders, or are obese, you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include: *maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization; *contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours; *wear below-knee graduated Sigvaris compression stockings; and *choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.

Online Health and Wellness Resource

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the WellnessHub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The WellnessHub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips, articles and podcasts on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to subscribe to receive a monthly email letting you know about events and the monthly contest. You can also read the digital version of our five island editions of the newsletter.

The Link Between Nutrition & Aging

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: *consulting a doctor or registered dietitian; *focusing on nutrient-rich staples; *staying hydrated; and *addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.

Take Care of Your Fascial Web

Tensions or injuries in the joint at the base of your head or in your feet and ankles can inhibit your mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also cause tension throughout the body and negatively impact your balance. As a test, fold forward like you are trying to touch your toes. See how far you can get, then massage your feet and ankles for a few minutes (or get someone else to do so), then try bending forward again. You might find you can fold further! The fascial web connects everything in the body, so make sure you’re taking care of it!

Hearing Aids & Summer

As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.

Acupuncture for Skin & Digestive Health

July is an ideal month for vacations, offering a break from routine and a chance to focus on health. It’s the perfect time to take care of your skin, which is often exposed to the sun. Acupuncture can help improve skin health by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. This traditional Chinese practice also aids digestion, often disrupted during travel, by balancing the body’s energy. Incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine can promote overall well-being, ensuring you return from your vacation rejuvenated and refreshed. Enjoy the summer, relax, and take steps to care for your body and mind.

Stress-Free Moving

Many people are very anxious about moving; this is especially true for seniors. Moving can be very stressful, so consider hiring a service that offers a start-to-finish service! Service includes *Downsizing services that make the process easy and enjoyable. *Decluttering services that help you decide what to keep, what to sell or give away, and what to dispose of. *Moving services that provide reusable totes and packing materials and then safely transport everything. *Setup services include everything from unpacking to making your bed and hanging pictures. We look forward to making your next move stress-free.

Red Clover for Menopause

Menopause is one of the many transformations a woman’s body goes through in her lifetime. Changes in hormone levels cause symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, bone density loss, and more. There are a few herbal supplements that recent research has shown to be promising. The isoflavones found in red clover have been shown to act as estrogen, which is one of the hormones reduced in menopause. This can alleviate some of the symptoms without the side effects of hormone replacement therapies. It is important to discuss any new supplements with your doctor, as there can be complications with other medications.

Stay Safe in the Heat

During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight-fitting clothing. A symptom of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behaviour, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to the armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th, 2024. 1 senior mistreated is one too many. The basic human rights of older Canadians are being challenged and undercut every day. It is estimated that 1 in 6 seniors globally experience elder abuse. We, as a country, should be horrified by this statistic. The slogan for WEAAD this year is “BOLD: Age with Attitude.” Join the BC Community Response Network by celebrating older adults in your life as active, vibrant members of the community. Register for the June 12th WEAAD webinar on the BCCRNS website.

Residence Options for Seniors

When the responsibility and cost of home ownership become 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. The best time to start looking for options is before you have to do so. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to make new friends, have new experiences and make wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!