Community News
Relaxation Helps Longevity

Telomeres, small caps at the end of every chromosome, affect our aging process. An enzyme, telomerase, directly influences the rate of shortening of these caps which equates to the rate we age. The good news is we can influence this process. Stress has a direct effect on telomere length. It is strongly linked to oxidative stress in cells, a decrease in telomerase activity and an acceleration of telomere shortening. To strive for longevity choose to make relaxation time a priority. Garden, soak in the tub, have fun with family and friends. Stop watching the news and enjoy the abundance in your life.

No Need to Fear Going to the Dentist

Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, ask about oral sedation and nitrous oxide. Your dentist will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.

Community Profile: Island Mobile Cardio

Island Mobile Cardiology Testing offers 12-lead ECGs and Holter Monitoring in your residence, office or clinic on Southern Vancouver Island. When ordered by a physician, their services are covered by MSP. All test results are interpreted by a cardiologist. Their mission is to make cardiac testing accessible and convenient for all patients by eliminating barriers such as transportation, mobility and time. At Island Mobile Cardiology Testing, they strive to reduce stress and increase comfort for patients and caregivers.

Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation

At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.

Connecting You with Care

“For over 20 years, Driving Miss Daisy has dedicated itself to the promotion of independence, connecting clients to the community and enhancing their enjoyment of life! Driving Miss Daisy offers services that improve the quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities or special needs. We provide much more than just incidental transportation from point A to B. It’s our commitment to personal, friendly, through-the-door service that sets us apart and makes our clients smile. We assist with: •Medical Appointments, •Rides to/from the Ferry, •Accompaniment, •Grocery Shopping, •Home Support, •Companionship and more!

Clean Eating Recipe

Thai Green Beans – 4 cups of mixed beans. 2 Tbsp. Butter. 1″ piece fresh ginger. 1 clove garlic. 1 Tbsp. sesame tahini. 1/2 Tbsp honey. 1 Tbsp. olive oil. 1/2 Tsp. toasted sesame oil. Pinch cayenne pepper. Toasted sesame seeds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, toss beans in olive oil until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside in a bowl. Add butter and garlic to skillet on medium heat for one minute and then reduce to low and add cayenne, tahini, sesame oil, honey and ginger. Combine with beans. Top with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Senior Summer Safety Tips

Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50—every two to four hours you are outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke – so make sure to keep hydrated!

Socks for Many Reasons

Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style like our prime minister with his maple leaf socks. Many of us choose our socks by appearance not realizing that there are many health benefits to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Today there are socks available that not only keep your feet warm, but may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.

Time to Celebrate Women

The Women’s Expo is all about empowerment, wellbeing, pampering, fashion, friends and fun. It is a real celebration of Women complete with wall-to-wall carpets and chandeliers. Lots of great things to explore at the Women’s Expo with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, prizes and fashion shows. The Expo is FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See the Expo website for Exhibitor Opportunities and information.

Blockchain and Online Gambling

Blockchain is a method of tracking transactions using a public, globally-distributed ledger. It is most commonly used for cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Blockchain automatically and securely keeps a historical record, or ledger, of all transactions; working across a network of computers, cryptocurrencies can operate without a central authority. It is already revolutionizing online gambling and is now emerging in video games. For example, an emerging trend in gaming culture is the integration of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs allow blockchain to issue one-of-a-kind digital assets with unique attributes, meaning that players can acquire securely stored in-game assets. (Source: IntentaDigital http://bitly.ws/sLEU)

Suffering from Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is very common in people who are inactive or do a lot of sitting at their job. There are a number of ways to treat low back pain including spinal decompression exercises, core strengthening and body weight balance work. Decompression of your spinal discs helps reduce pain and inflammation in your body. Core strengthening exercises such as planks, sit-ups and fitness ball exercises are also beneficial. It is very important to do these exercises correctly so please consult a qualified exercise therapist before starting a new exercise routine. We can help.

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