Many older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia enjoy and want to be included in holiday festivities. However, the added activities could cause increased agitation and confusion, unpredictable behavior, or mood swings. To create a stress-free, happy holiday season, try to scale things back and modify activities so they’ll feel calm and safe. Focus on a few of the most meaningful traditions. Ask which activities they value most. That could mean trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, singing songs, or baking special holiday treats. Even if your older adult might not remember these holiday activities later, the warm feelings they’ll have is a different kind of memory their body will carry for a while.
Community News
Honour Yourself During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of loving reunions, catch-ups, heartfelt connections, and joy, or they can be filled with obligations, expectations, and old patterns with emerging drama. When we can empower ourselves to know we have a choice as to where to best put our energies, what to let go of and forgive, and where to take a stand and set boundaries, we honour ourselves. Despite the illusion of social media, the “perfect family” does not exist where all things look “wonderful and together” all the time. Instead, the holidays offer us the perfect opportunity to stay true and nurture ourselves in the midst of giving and receiving.
Gift Ideas for Seniors
Seniors can sometimes be hard to buy gifts for, but there are some simple and thoughtful gifts that any older adult would be happy to receive. Experience gifts are a great way to show you care! This could include a special day out, a class you take together, a bucket list experience, or a special meal. If your loved one enjoys corresponding, stationery sets can be great, or you can go digital with online subscriptions to magazines or gift cards to purchase books or music online. Comforting gifts like non-skid slippers, scented soaps, or scrapbooks are also good ideas!
Ask The Expert
Q: I don’t see very well out of my lazy eye. Is there any way I can make it better? I’m 39 years old and my eyes are otherwise healthy.
A: That is likely difficult. A “lazy” eye means it didn’t develop functional vision by early childhood, and this can happen for a variety of reasons. At this point in your life, corrective lenses or vision therapy could give you some modest help, depending on how lazy the eye is. Children ought to have an eye examination at an early age for this very reason as it is more easily treatable at that time.
Overcoming Challenges & Gaining Confidence
Many women avoid gym programs for their exercise routines because they are self-conscious. It’s normal to feel this way, especially at the start of a weight loss program. So first, give yourself a break. Then, give yourself a kick. The hardest part is showing up, so think about what might help you do that. Here are some tips: Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are likely to be less crowded than lunchtime or before or after work. Bring a friend! It’s easier to try something new when you have support. Also find comfort in knowing that many of the women you see in the gym are embarking on the same journey as you.
The Gift of Great Teeth
This holiday season, why not give your loved ones the gift of healthy, great-looking teeth? Electric toothbrushes make fantastic gifts because they offer: 1) Better plaque removal – electric toothbrushes decrease plaque and gingivitis more than manual ones, especially if they have rotating heads. 2) Ease of use – electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, making them easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. 3) High-tech features – some advanced features include timers, pressure sensors, and brushing modes. 4) Whiter teeth – the bristle design and motion of electric toothbrushes can lift stains for an even whiter smile.
Bioavailable Sunshine
Sparkling and twinkling, this is a time of year we celebrate light. We recognize it for its beauty but light is also necessary for our cells to function well. Certain wavelengths of light can help power up our cells, affect hormones and neurotransmitters, balance our mood, enhance physical performance, hasten recovery from stress, increase alertness, improve sleep and positively affect the expression of our genes. Red light & infrared acts to stimulate our mitochondria and increase cellular energy. Book an introductory light therapy session and warm up from the inside out! Book at https://whitecedarclinic.com/booking/
Possible Cause of Chronic Pain
Central sensitization is where a person’s nervous system becomes hardwired to feel pain more
often, and the pain sensation is more extreme. Research points to a correlation between stress
and mood disorders causing central sensitization, which leads to a greater likelihood of the
onset of chronic pain. This theory explains why one person heals completely while another
person suffers for years after the same injury. It also means we have the ability to change our
pain response by rewiring our brain using the magic of neuroplasticity through stress
management techniques such as mindfulness training.
Class IV Laser for Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain? Acute Injury and a lot of swelling? Try Class IV Deep Tissue Laser which kick starts your body’s own healing capacity 2-3 times! It’s clinically proven by the World Health Organization to reduce pain and restore function to tissues. Injuries need blood flow and circulation to heal and laser does just that. Common ailments that have proven successful are: muscle strains, tendon injuries such as rotator cuff tears, as well as joint sprains. Even acute swelling or bruises can be treated with laser to accelerate the healing process and decrease scar tissue formation!
Try Something New for Your Body
We have all heard about, if not personally experienced, the shortages our community is facing in the healthcare industry. It can be difficult to get an appointment, a scan, a test.. you name it. In the meantime, why not explore other options? Heather from BodyWell Therapeutics offers gentle yoga-based therapeutic movement to help you take back control of body. Most aches and pains are actually related to inefficient movement patterns that become repetitive strain injuries. Better breathing, lowered stress levels and improved mobility can create surprising results. Our bodies speak with sensation – when we listen, we get answers.
Does Your Skincare Regime Need a Change?
The iS Fire & Ice Facial is an intensive clinical treatment which rapidly and safely resurfaces the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing, softening, and encouraging overall skin rejuvenation. The treatment is a multi-step process that deeply cleanses the skin, utilizing a resurfacing mask, peel, serums, and moisturizers. Enjoy a combination of an intensive exfoliating peel and a luxurious facial in one single session. Awakening your senses, this phenomenal system incorporates both active and soothing formulas, which evokes aromas of warm cinnamon spice and brisk cool peppermint. You’ll find your skin glowing, blocked pores cleaned, and wrinkles lessened, leaving behind a smooth, healthy glow.
