Community News
Recognize Hearing Loss Signs

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a perfect time to recognize signs of hearing loss. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the TV or radio volume, or experiencing persistent ringing in your ears. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, missing everyday sounds, or having trouble hearing when your back is turned to someone are also key indicators. Speaking too loudly or finding phone conversations challenging may also signal hearing issues. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, so prioritize your hearing health this month and schedule a free assessment with your local Beltone clinic.

Easing Change of Season Stress

We are now into October, which is the beginning of the fall season; children are back in school, and many of us are back to a regular work or activity schedule. This can be a very stressful time for several reasons, including mourning the warm and carefree days of summer. The lack of a routine and the lower amount of sunlight can trigger depression, mood swings, and insomnia. To make the transition to fall as easy as possible: *Establish consistent daily routines for everyone in the house; *Get enough sleep; *Eat healthy meals; *Engage in physical activities indoors and outdoors; and *Practice mindfulness and gratitude.

The Power of Gratitude in Healthy Aging

Gratitude is a powerful tool with transformative effects on mental health and overall well-being, especially for seniors. In later years, aging can be a time of fulfillment and joy, and practicing gratitude may be key to unlocking these enriching experiences. Beyond boosting emotional well-being, gratitude also supports physical health by improving sleep quality and reducing stress and depression. Taking a moment each day to appreciate even the smallest joys can lower the risk of heart attack, angina, and stroke, help manage arthritic pain, and reduce frailty in older adults.

Stress-Free Moving

“Home is where the heart is…even if you can’t remember which box you packed it in!”
We can relate to the stress of moving. Not only does it mean uprooting your life, but if the move is to a smaller residence, a huge part of the work is downsizing a ton of possessions that have accumulated for years, perhaps even a lifetime. If you need to move, and just thinking about it keeps you up at nights, our team will take a mountain of anxiety off your shoulders and get all of it done for you; professionally, safely, and quickly.

Dentures Help Manage Oral Frailty

Oral frailty, often seen in older adults, involves reduced oral health and function, which can impact overall well-being. Dentures play a crucial role in managing oral frailty. Well-fitting dentures help maintain proper chewing ability, improve speech, and support facial structure, which can contribute to better nutrition and quality of life. However, if dentures are not properly fitted or maintained, they can exacerbate oral frailty by causing discomfort, making eating and speaking difficult, and potentially leading to additional oral health issues like sores or infections. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure dentures address and not worsen oral frailty.

Real Estate “Dual Agency”

Why doesn’t the agent want to show me their listing? It’s not because they don’t want to, but rather because they’re not able to provide agency services due to regulations set by the BC Financial Services Authority. Since 2018, licensees have not been able to represent both sides of the transaction (seller and buyer), otherwise known as “dual agency.” The regulator, BCFSA, recommends consumers seek their representation. The idea is that if you were ultimately going to have your agent represent you, it makes sense to get them involved from the start. We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.

Join the WellnessHub Today

Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.

October Brain Teasers

1. I’m not a blanket, yet I cover the ground; a crystal from heaven that doesn’t make a sound. What am I? 2. What has teeth but cannot bite?
3. Two fathers and two sons are in a car, yet there are only three people in the car. How?

3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

These healthy pumpkin cookies are soft and chewy, and they need only three ingredients:
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
1/4 cup maple syrup can use agave nectar
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin, and syrup, and mix well. If adding chocolate chips, fold them through.
Using your hands, form into small balls and place on the baking tray and press each ball into a cookie shape. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool on the sheet.