Community News
Ask The Expert

Q: Could you come up with a good new year’s resolution for one’s eyes this year? A: Sure, but this would be a “hard ask” for many: cut back on the use of screens as the pandemic winds down. Not really because they’re directly harmful to your eyes, but users tend to do a couple of things that become really problematic over time. The first is habitually staring at a screen, which reduces blinking, which inhibits proper lubrication of the eyes, and a cascade of irritation. The second is poor posture or tension from trying to get a screen in focus, either by improperly focused glasses, squinting, screen position, or inadequate lighting.

Water: The Elixir of Life

Your body is about 60% water.
Water represents a critical nutrient whose absence will be lethal within days. Water’s importance for the prevention of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases is a scientific fact. But how much? I’m sure you’ve felt some of the effects of your cells being dehydrated, including headaches, feeling foggy, constipation, and feeling sluggish physically and mentally. How much water you need to stay healthy is affected by your health, activity, and environment. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces is a good star and as a bonus can help with weight loss and increased metabolism.

February: The Month of Purification

Welcome, February. Did you know that “Februa” in Latin, means “to cleanse”? If you are new to cleansing, it can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with small steps like avoiding coffee, starting your day with a glass of water, and drinking a minimum of 1.5L of water throughout the day. A cleanse is like a “reset button”, it helps the body do exactly what it is designed to do: clear out toxins and keep you healthy. Not one type of cleansing technique fits everyone, if you are considering cleansing and wish for support, feel free to connect with me.

There’s No Place Like Home

Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It’s one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Doing aerobics or resistance training will help reduce your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in Canada.

Gambling to Relieve Stress?

Covid-19’s second wave crashed hard onto our shores. Although public health orders restricted our holiday festivities, our credit card bills may be starting to pile up. During these times, online gambling can become attractive to people seeking to relieve stress or to alleviate financial burdens. This could potentially place us in a position to gamble beyond our means, especially when left to our own devices and seeking comfort. If you or someone you love is struggling with a gambling issue, please call 1-888-795-6111. Or go to https://bit.ly/3nxYiFV to directly send a message. A Gambling Outreach Support worker will contact you within 24 hours.

Retirement Haven

Today’s active seniors are looking to get the most out of their retirement. When weighing the options for senior living, consider how much the senior living industry has grown in the last five years. Independent living has become a retirement haven for seniors who want flexibility and peace of mind. It is designed for the independent senior with an active lifestyle who wants to simplify their worries of home maintenance, commuting, safety, social isolation, and health. Senior living in an independent living community is designed to streamline your life to give you the time to do the things you want to do.

Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behaviour

Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling

Putting a Band-Aid on Your Health?

Physical and emotional wellbeing impacts our energy, learning, focus, motivation, time management, communication, our personal and professional relationships, and even our waistlines. During the past three decades, developments in biology, neurology, and psychology have demonstrated the mind-body connection and proven total wellbeing must incorporate ALL dimensions of our lives. Empowered, you learn and understand how and why you make choices, develop more clarity about personal responsibility for our personal and professional lives. Resulting in creating a wellbeing that is continuing toward higher levels of health and optimal living with ongoing awareness and action.

The Sandwich Generation

Are you a caregiver to your children and your aging parents? If so, you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” a group of adults who are “sandwiched” between caregiving responsibilities for their young and elderly loved ones. This generation of caregivers has its own unique stresses and challenges, spending on average about three hours per day on unpaid care while also working full-time. These challenges can take a toll on this group’s health, finances, and emotions. Thankfully, home care agencies can help relieve some of the stress by providing quality care for senior loved ones in their own homes.

LED LIGHT THERAPY TO THE RESCUE!

Over time, healthy skin cells become unable to renew themselves normally. This may be due to a skin problem or a consequence of sun exposure or aging. LED light recharges these cells, energising them to heal and rejuvenate faster, promoting healing from the inside out. The cell metabolism then builds collagen, increases elasticity, boosts circulation, accelerates tissue repair or kills bacteria. Laboratory studies have shown up to 150 to 200 per cent faster skin cell regeneration and increased hydration up to 600%. LED therapy is suitable for all skin types. It can also be used to treat inflammatory problems such as acne and rosacea.