The fascia is the organ that gives your body its shape. Fascia is plastic, which means it has the ability to change. It will take on the forms that you put it in the most. If you spend a large portion of the day seated in front of a computer with your head and shoulders forward, the front line of your body will likely shorten to help hold you in that position. This puts strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. To help keep your tissues limber and adaptive, try to get up from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes.
Community News
Summer Friendships for Seniors
“Spending the summer in a senior home offers a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships. Seniors often have fascinating life stories and wisdom to share, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. Participating in group activities like bingo, gardening, and arts and crafts fosters camaraderie and shared joy. Daily walks, exercise classes, and game nights provide regular bonding moments. Holiday celebrations, cultural events, and communal meals further deepen these connections. Seniors support each other emotionally, offering encouragement and understanding. Through mutual interests and new hobbies, friendships blossom, creating a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels valued, safe, and less alone.”
Do you Need Supplements?
The answer is maybe! If you have any deficiencies that you have seen from blood work or have been told about by a health professional, then yes, you probably need to focus on taking the supplements that would address the deficiency. For the rest of us, supplements are not necessary and probably expensive healthy fluff that might not be necessary. Meeting your micronutrient requirements should be done through a balanced diet that includes a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, quality protein sources, and healthy fats. If you eat this way, then you shouldn’t need to rely on supplements to be healthy.
August Brain Teasers Answers
.1 An hourglass – it has thousands of grains of sand. 2. Running out of gas. 3. An ice cube
Summer Safety Tips
Follow these tips to stay healthy and well this summer: *Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day. *Know the Side Effects of Medications: side effects may include drowsiness or sun sensitivity. * Stay Cool: Use A/C, stay indoors, and go swimming. * Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Wear breathable clothing and light colours that reflect the sun. * Have Emergency Contacts: Have a list of people to call in case of an emergency. * Know the Weather Forecast: Plan your days according to the weather. We wish you a happy and safe summer.
Drink Up to Stay Hydrated
Summer is here and so is the heat! At this time of year, dehydration can become a serious health issue for anyone and especially seniors. Many seniors are chronically dehydrated so hot weather is especially dangerous. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as confusion, sluggishness, fainting or worse. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content such as cucumbers and watermelon. If you find water boring, add juices or cut-up fruit to your glass for a refreshing summer drink. Have fun, stay safe and drink up this summer!
National Injury Prevention Day July 5
There’s no better time to talk about the risk of falling. You may be at increased risk of falling if you have muscle weakness, blood pressure that drops when you stand up, slower reflexes, or compromised vision. Learning how to prevent falls is paramount for seniors living independently. Here are some tips: *Exercise and eat well (and enough! ), *wear non-slip, low-heeled footwear, *use non-slip strips or a mat in the bathtub, and *install grab bars and use walking aids. These tips can help prevent a fall and, thus, an injury. Stay safe out there!
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!
