The CAMROSE BOOSTER, July 26, 2022 – Page 17
Senior Chat
ASK THE EXPERT
Beat the Q heat this summer A
I’ve come into possession of some .“second-hand” hearing aids. Can they be used on anyone else?
By Camrose Senior Coalitition
Beat the heat by staying hydrated this summer! Staying hydrated is important in the summer months and throughout the year. It’s especially important for seniors 65 years and older. Staying hydrated means you are drinking enough fluid to replace the fluid you lose (example, through sweat and urine) and to feel alert and well. Drinking enough fluids helps with digestion, regulation of body temperature, and organ function. It can prevent dehydration, constipation, and urinary tract infections. Signs of dehydration include: • Headaches, confusion, dizziness, feeling light-headed, fatigue • Thirst, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing • Dry or fragile skin that breaks down easily • Poor appetite and weight loss • Constipation • Passing small amounts of dark-colored, strong-smelling urine The amount of fluid you need to drink per day depends on your diet, health, body size, environment and activity level. Most seniors need at least six cups (1.5 L) and up to 10 cups (2.5 L) of fluid each day. Some examples of fluids include water, tea, coffee, milk or fortified soy beverage and broth. Some ways to increase your fluid intake: • Sip on fluids throughout the day • Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge or on the table. This will remind you to drink water • Drink fluids at meals and between meals • Fill a water bottle and carry it with you • Include foods with higher fluid content such as vegetables and fruits • Take medications with a full glass of water Article content provided by Alberta Health Services. For more information about Camrose Seniors Coalition visit the HUB website www.camroseseniorscoalition.com or call SOS at 780-672-4131.
Possibly. Modern hearing aids are minicomputers. Technologies evolve and hardware can also wear out and break down. If the hearing aid is the style that fits behind the ear, and can successfully connect to fitting software for programming, then there is hope. The equipment must be free from the need of repair or cleaning and the part(s) needed to fit into the ear canals must be available and functioning. Even after all that, there are limits to the strength of the aid, and sometimes, certain factories will not release their programming software to any clinic that requests it. We are pleased to do all we can to assist someone wishing to make use of used hearing aids, sometimes for little or no cost. Call our office today to book your consultation.
Claire Milligan, RHAP, BC-HIS
Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
Call us!
780-672-4808
5015-49 St., Camrose, AB T4V 1N5
Pre-planning for tomorrow means peace of mind for today The idea of advance funeral planning is one which many people would rather not think about. However, planning your own funeral is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones. At a time of grief, your family members will be spared the stress of making important, emotionally draining decisions. Pre-planning also ensures your final arrangements will be carried out according to your exact wishes, in a cost-sensitive manner. Call us today for more information about advance funeral planning or to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our directors. 4817-51 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-2121 RECORDED OBITUARY LINE: 780-679-2400
www.burgarfuneralhome.com
Serving your community for over 110 years
WWW.HAUCKHEARINGCENTRE.COM
Improving your sleep By Murray Green
Everyone has a bad sleep once in a while. Dogs barking, the wind howling, or overeating may make it hard to sleep. It is estimated that 35 per cent of adults have occasional sleep problems, which can have many causes. The medical term for trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is insomnia. Insomnia can include such things as having trouble getting to sleep (taking more than 45 minutes to fall asleep); frequent awakenings with inability to fall back to sleep; early morning awakening; and feeling very tired after a night of sleep. Insomnia is not usually a problem unless it makes you feel tired during the day. If you are less sleepy at night or wake up early, but still feel rested and alert, there usually is little need to worry. Occasional insomnia may be caused by noise, extreme temperatures, jet lag, changes in your sleep environment, or a change in your sleep pattern, such as shift work. Insomnia may also be caused by temporary or situational life stresses, such as a traumatic event or an impending deadline. Your insom-
nia is likely to disappear when the cause of your sleep problem goes away. Short-term insomnia may last from a few nights to a few weeks. Long-term insomnia, which may last months or even years, may be caused by advancing age. Insomnia occurs more frequently in adults older than age 60. Causes to watch for include mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or mania; many prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause sleep problems; chronic pain, which often develops after a major injury or illness; other health problems, such as asthma, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or menopause; alcohol and illegal drug use or withdrawal; cigarettes and other tobacco use; and drinking or eating foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, chocolate or soft drinks. Sleep apnea refers to repeated episodes of not breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds (apneic episodes). It is usually caused by a blockage in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper airways). People who have sleep apnea usually snore loudly and are
Plan Now For Their Future Needs You’ve worked your entire life to build your assets. Sound estate planning can ensure these hard-earned assets are passed on to your family according to your wishes, without interference. Talk to us today about developing a plan that makes sense for you and your loved ones. Estate Planning • Wills • Enduring Power of Attorney • Personal Directives Estate Administration • Legal services associated with probate of the will
4918-51 STREET CAMROSE 780-672-8851
very tired during the day. It can affect children and adults. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that has distinct symptoms, including sudden sleep attacks, which may occur during any type of activity, at any time of day. You may fall asleep while engaged in an activity such as eating dinner, driving the car, or carrying on a conversation. These sleep attacks can occur several times a day, and may last from a few minutes to several hours. Sudden, brief periods of muscle weakness while you are awake (cataplexy); hallucinations just before
a sleep attack; brief loss of the ability to move when you are falling asleep or just waking up (sleep paralysis) are other symptoms. While almost everyone experiences daytime sleepiness from time to time, it can have serious consequences, such as motor vehicle accidents, poor work or school performance and work-related accidents. Sleep problems may be a symptom of a medical or mental health problem. If you are having sleep issues, see your doctor or call Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered nurse.
