Community News
Sleep Changes & The Elderly

Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Fall Prevention Clinic: Feb 16, 2024

Please join Comfort Keepers for a free fall prevention clinic on February 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Victorian at McKenzie, 4000 Douglas Street. The clinic includes presentations from: Heather Fudge, a retired VIHA fall prevention specialist; Jeff Campbell, owner of Ears To You, a mobile hearing clinic; and Gina Martin, owner of DiverseAbilities, who coined the phrase “Having a disability does not change who you are. It changes your interaction with the world.”. The clinic also includes free hearing tests by Ears To You, a question and answer period, onsite tours, and refreshments from the kitchen at The Victorian at McKenzie.

Falls Can Be Serious

Falls are the cause of 85% of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors; between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. These result in $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs. Over one-third of seniors are admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall. (Seniors’ Falls in Canada, Phac-Aspc.gc.ca) As we age, the severity of falling is immense, and the outcome can be devastating. A broken bone for a senior can lead to many other health issues, long-term disability, and the possibility of losing independence. Comfort Keepers believes prevention is the best measure to stay safe, mobile, and continue your best life.

Property Assessments

Property assessments are in! What do they really mean? Your municipality needs to determine how much your contribution to the overall budget should be, so they apply a “mill rate” to the estimated value of your house. You probably have never had a physical assessment, nor have you reported upgrades or renovations. The assessment number is a guess at best. It’s always interesting that owners want their assessment to be low when paying taxes but high when trying to sell! The assessment is irrelevant to market value; it is only determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.

Community Event – CNOY

Have you registered to walk in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk? This family-friendly walk helps Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association run programs that provide shelter, care, and holistic support, empowering people to step forward to independence and hope. There is no registration fee to enter. Team up, walk and fundraise! If you raise $150, you will receive one of this year’s amazing toques. The event takes place on February 24th and features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.

Aronia Berries are Powerful Antioxidants

Today more than ever, a healthy immune system is important. According to Healthline, Aronia berries may strengthen the immune system and even counteract some infections. Aronia –grown in BC – contains powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice, when taken regularly, reduced blood glucose. Aronia extracts have also reduced inflammation and improved immunity. In hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.

Great Socks for Travel

Many of us have compression socks for travelling. On the day of travel, put them on when you get up; that is when your legs are less swollen. This allows your body to adapt to the socks. Make sure to leave them on for a few hours after you land to again allow your body to adapt. Wearing the socks for the extra time can reduce any swelling of the legs much more effectively than if they are taken straight off. Compression socks do not work unless you wear them. Voxxlife socks provide comfortable compression that clients love to wear.

Denture Adhesive; Friend or Foe?

While denture adhesives offer a temporary boost to denture stability, it’s essential to be mindful. Relying too heavily on adhesives might inadvertently hide underlying issues with your dentures. This may delay crucial dental check-ups and adjustments that your dentures need for optimal comfort. Improper adhesive application can lead to discomfort, affect the taste of the food that you eat, and present cleaning challenges that may impact oral hygiene. Remember, adhesives can’t replace regular denture check-ups. Keep those friendly appointments with your denturist to ensure you maintain your smile, stay comfortable, and that your mouth remains healthy for the long run.

Sleep Changes & The Elderly

Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.