Community News
Helping Seniors Eat Healthy

Seniors need to get adequate nutrients from their meals to help them reduce the risk of serious health conditions, stabilize their mood, and maintain their mental health. Retirement communities help meet seniors’ nutrition needs by providing meals that are low in saturated fats and have moderate amounts of unsaturated fat, which promotes a stable body mass index (BMI) and metabolism. Healthy portion sizes support a healthy weight for older adults by preventing excessive calorie intake. If you or a loved one have questions about proper nutrition and eating habits for seniors, reach out to your care provider or retirement community.

Good Posture is Important

Growing up, most of us heard our mother tell us not to slouch and “Sit up straight”. This was very good advice. A proper posture position keeps your body in alignment. Proper posture decreases the wear and tear of joint surfaces, you have less stress on your ligaments and also makes it easier for your muscles to work efficiently. With good posture, you will have less muscle strain and less back pain. A spine has three natural curves that are retained by good posture. A chiropractor can help you retain or regain the natural curves of the spine which will result in good posture and better overall back health.

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines were released in September. They include. Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. See more at gamblingguidelines.ca . Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out at VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you!

Pleasure is your Birthright

We are designed to experience pleasure. We have an entire nervous system offering unlimited pathways to pleasure. Pleasure is healing, creating feel good emotions and hormones, and encourages human connection. Pleasure directly impacts our nervous system, shaping us, guiding us into calming and grounding, awakening and enlivening. Sometimes life experiences have us living in fight/flight/freeze/appease. Some of us have a hard time getting aroused at all, waking up and enlivening our body. Pleasure has inherent value, and is revolutionary in a world where doing and achievement are the focus. Life begins here, with touch, with Pleasure. I invite you to learn with me.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the days becoming shorter and the weather shifting, it’s common for a lot of people to feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Have you noticed a difference in your loved one’s mood, sleep patterns, appetite or energy levels? SAD can be isolating and can result in withdrawal from regularly loved activities. Fortunately, exercise, diet and just being there for someone can help offset the symptoms of SAD. Care & Company has many wonderful companions who can help with your loved ones as they face the challenges of SAD and are able to take them out, cook them a meal or just sit with them to brighten their day.

Maximizing Your Retirement

Are you getting the most out of your retirement? Many retirees feel stuck, afraid to make decisions that will have an impact on their finances due to uncertainty around affordability during retirement.
In working with our clients, we develop a cohesive Total Wealth Plan, test boundaries and help clients build confidence around their retirement and finances.
Book a free consultation with our team to learn more about your financial capabilities and make decisions with confidence!

Are you suffering from Gum Disease?

Are your gums sensitive? Bleed when you floss or brush? You could be suffering from gum disease which is more serious to your health than you think. Gum disease has been linked to strokes, diabetes, heart disease and even dementia. Bacteria around your gums causes plaque to build up leading to inflammation. That inflammation impacts the bloodstream which is believed to damage blood vessels overtime. Gum disease has also been linked to problems in pregnancy leading to premature births and low birth weights. 50% of that plaque causing bacteria is on your tongue! So, brush your teeth AND tongue.

Dreaming of a Post-COVID Vacation? Tips and Trends for Travelling with Hearing Loss.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the chance to start travelling again as the possibility is looking brighter each week. A post-COVID vacation could come with stress for the average person, let alone someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

People who deal with hearing loss have very different travel experiences than those with normal hearing whether its pre or post-COVID. It’s usually extremely stressful, agitating and difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.

So many destinations are becoming more inclusive to provide better accommodations for people with hearing loss so they can have a much more positive experience in their travels.

Australia provides an “Experience Australia in 8D Audio” video series that gives listeners the illusion of sound all around them in each particular scene. It provides people with hearing loss a vivid and immersive listening experience that is normally very uncommon for this community.

Other popular destinations with excellent opportunities for the hearing community are New York City, Disney World, cruises, Cairns and France. They all provide specialized tours, accommodations and services for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Here are a few tips in preparation for your trip:

Plan in advance
If you have a framework of what your travels will look like and set up accommodations, reservations, tours etc. to best suit your hearing loss, you can avoid dealing with communication issues during your trip.

Make the most of technology
Download relevant apps such as Maps, translation, transit and more. Any apps that can assist you during your travels can be extremely helpful.

Advocate for yourself
Don’t be afraid to tell people you have a hearing loss. Since hearing aids can be so discreet, most people wouldn’t know you are wearing one. Once people are aware, they can take steps to communicate with you effectively.

Pack extra supplies
Bring extra packs of batteries, cleaning supplies, cases and other important supplies to ensure that if a battery dies or a tube gets clogged, you can manage this on the go.

Before leaving contact your local NexGen Hearing clinic to order extra supplies.

Daily Routine Important for Seniors

People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Your Cool New Booze-Free Option

Taking a night off from drinking can now be a part of an exciting night out! Self-care can extend past sunset and socializing can boost your health and wellness game. When we consume beverages that are healthier for our body and mind, we feel more empowered and connected to our souls. We call this mindful consumption. Our Brü is soulfully curated for both flavour and functionality, creating a novel social experience. It’s time we remove outdated, stigmatized labels like alcoholic, recovery, disease and replace them with empowering words like alcohol-free, sober curious, and non-drinker, so people can feel proud about their accomplishment by choosing not to drink.

AJ Pedal Wheelchair

Whether your mobility has been impacted by Parkinson’s, MS, a stroke, or knee or hip trouble, the AJ Pedal Wheelchair is designed to get you moving again. Like a bike, it’s powered by you – so you can reconnect with your body, rebuild muscle tone and improve your cardiovascular system. Designed to maneuver in tight spaces like narrow halls and doorways, the AJ rides easily into elevators, buildings and shopping centres. More robust than a wheelchair, the AJ allows you to pedal through parks, along sidewalks and even ride public transit. One-handed, dual hydraulic brakes allow you to stop quickly with just a gentle squeeze of the brake handle. The comfort-ride shock and pneumatic tires keep you comfortable and confidently in control. Each AJ is hand built in Victoria, BC, using the highest grade aluminum and other durable materials for a safe and sturdy ride.