If you’re currently caring for children still living at home while also caring for aging parents, then you are a member of the Sandwich Generation. According to Statistics Canada, more than two million Canadians are part of the Sandwich Generation. Our aging Baby Boomer population, and children staying in the family home until they are in their 20s, means that the Sandwich Generation is here to stay. As parents age and are no longer able to independently care for themselves, they will require extra assistance to enable them to stay at home. And that home may be your home, not theirs.

To eliminate the pain of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries and to regenerate the joint, especially with osteo-arthritic elements; acupuncture and Prolozone injection therapy are my treatment protocols. Hypoxia or the inadequacy of cellular oxygen reaching the body’s tissues causes degeneration in the ligaments. Prolozone is excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck & back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative, arthritic hips,knees, degenerated discs, shoulder and elbow pain. Because in many cases Prolozone actually corrects the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to becoming permanently pain free.

Q: I can never get my glasses clean, even when I try soap and water. What’s going on?

A: If your lenses seem permanently dirty, they might be damaged with small scratches or the coating might be wearing down. Another possibility
is that your own perspiration or facial oils may be smearing the lenses. Sometimes oils and grit can
lodge in between the lenses and the frame, and you made need to bring them to your optician to get
them cleaned properly. You may want to invest in some good quality lens cleaning solution and cloths.

The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program offer Prevention Services including: •Education and information for students in grades 5 to 12 •Training for student leadership programs and peer helpers •Information sessions for parent groups, ESL classes, college and university classes, community groups, and treatment programs •Drama projects and awareness booths for older adult populations •Training for community professionals •On-campus awareness initiatives for college and university students •Culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian and other populations. We will work with your group to ensure messaging regarding responsible and/or problem gambling awareness meets your group’s needs.

Did you know that essential oils can be used to maintain the health of your gums? Essential oils can be a great alternative to traditional toothpaste, which may have harmful chemicals in them. There are many essential oils that have pain-relieving abilities, one of them being Clove Bud.
Marjoram, Origanum, Peppermint, and Spearmint essential oils all have antiseptic properties, which help kill the germs that cause tooth decay and disease. Myrrh essential oil is also an antiseptic and can help soothe and heal damaged tissue. At Green Valley Aromatherapy, Barb has created a product called Essential Smile, which contains these essential oils along with fractionated coconut oil.

Are your feet peeling, cracking, blistering, itching or burning? Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection, usually beginning between your toes. This can be severe ailment for a Diabetic, who has a weaker circulatory system and impaired immune system presenting a higher risk for infection. If you are diabetic or have circulation issues foot care should be a part of your daily routine: inspect the areas between the toes and if possible, the undersides of the feet. Visit your local Pharmacist to learn more about non-prescription topical creams, powders and sprays available for treatment.

Did you know that Diabetes is a disease of the metabolism?
Our metabolism is the way our bodies process and distribute food for energy. Glucose is our bodies’ main source of fuel and comes from the food we eat. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are above normal, which can affect your body in various ways, causing issues with your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, and feet. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle with strength training and cardio workouts, you can help prevent or reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In many cases, just losing 5-10 percent of your weight is all it takes to restore insulin sensitivity.

This month, join Registered Massage Therapist, Heather Green, for 8 weeks to explore ways to ward off those morning aches and stiff joints. Each Sunday she will share a new stretch or movement for you to try. Take the time between each video release to notice what the newest movement offers you and explore the effects this entire practice is having on your body. Better yet, repeat this practice in the evening before you go to sleep, which can prevent some of that morning ache from building up. Follow @getbodywell on Facebook to participate!

“Tea and toast syndrome” refers to malnutrition in seniors when a lack of desire or inability to prepare and/or eat proper meals results in them relying on simpler meals like tea and toast. Seniors who skip meals almost daily, have gained/lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months, take medications, have dental issues, or have a disability can be at risk for malnutrition. Some common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, memory issues, digestive issues, a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and anemia. There are support services available to help seniors eat well and regularly!

Here are some things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling: Remove tripping hazards like clutter and small throw rugs. • Keep items you use the most easily accessible. • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night. • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases. • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house. • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling. An Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.