2019 / 2020 Elk Valley & Area Health & Wellness Diretory by The Free Press, Fernie

2019/2020

ELK VALLEY & AREA

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY

A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND PROFESSIONALS

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL

911 –

–

POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE

Poison Control Centre

1-800-567-8911 Non-emergency numbers FIRE

RCMP

AMBULANCE

Baynes Lake....... 250-529-7451 ....... 250-423-4404 ....... 1-800-461-9911 Elkford................... 250-865-4020 ....... 250-865-2232 ....... 1-800-461-9911 Elko......................... 250-529-7451 ....... 250-423-4404 ........... 250-426-8944 Fernie .................... 250-423-4226 ....... 250-423-4404 ....... 1.800-461-9911 Grasmere..................................................... 250-423-4404 ....... 1-800-461-9911 Hosmer ......................................................... 250-423-4404 ....... 1-800-461-9911 Jaffray.................... 250-429-3133 ....... 250-489-3471 ........... 250-426-8944 Sparwood ............ 250-425-6271 ....... 250-425-6233 ........... 250-425-6500

HOSPITALS

Elk Valley Hospital 250-423-4453 Elkford Health Care Centre 250-865-2247 Sparwood Health Care Centre 250-425-6212 East Kootenay Regional (Cranbrook) 250-426-5281

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Simple ways to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes A healthy lifestyle can help people live life to the fullest. There are many components to a healthy lifestyle, and few may be as influential as prevention. Preventive measures to reduce one’s risk for various diseases can have a long-lasting effect, helping people maintain their independence. In addition, a proactive approach that focuses on disease prevention can improve the chances men and women will get to spend their retirement years doing whatever they please. One disease that can be especially limiting is type 2 diabetes. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are too high. Blood glucose, sometimes referred to as “blood sugar,” comes from the foods a person eats and is the main source of energy for his or her body. Insulin helps glucose from food get into the body’s cells so they can use it for energy. However, in certain instances, such as when a person has type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough — or any — insulin. When that occurs, glucose stays in the blood, never reaching the cells it’s supposed to help. Over time, excessive levels of glucose in the blood can cause a host of health problems. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the

disease, occurs when the body does not make or use insulin well. While it might seem as though people are helpless to stop this from occurring, type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented. Three key ways that people can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes: • Lose weight and keep extra pounds off. People should speak with their physicians about their body weights to determine if they’re currently overweight or obese or maintaining healthy weights. If the doctor suggests losing weight, doing so can help prevent or delay diabetes. • Become more physically active. A sedentary lifestyle can increase a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes. By embracing physical activity, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise five days per week, people can delay or prevent diabetes. • Eat less and eat healthy. A diet that’s high in vitamins and nutrients can help people delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Small portions can help people control their caloric intake, reducing the likelihood that they will become overweight or obese. Prevention is a great way for people to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes, a potentially debilitating yet often preventable disease.

For All Your Family’s Dental Needs Botox * Implants * Snoring Appliances Endodontic Specialty * Cosmetic AND SO MUCH MORE!

Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence. Dr. A.M. Kahane 292 2nd Avenue, Fernie dentist@kahane.ca Ph: 250-423-6838 www.kahane.ca Direct billing to insurance. Evening appointments available.

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Exercise and aging: how to work out safely after 50 In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. Speak with your physician. Even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight,

LIVING FIT STUDIO

don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. Stay hydrated. Just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.

Family Focused Naturopathic and Complementary Care 561 M Highway 3, Fernie, BC Phone: 250-531-0154 info@wildheartTandF.ca

wildheartTandF.ca • Naturopathic Medicine • Clinical Nutrition • Herbal Medicine • Acupuncture and Cupping • Life & Wellness Coaching • Lab Testing • Pharmaceutical Prescribing

• Injection Therapies • IV Therapies • Nutriceutical Prescribing • ABM NeuroMovement • Bulk organic herbs and teas • Locally sourced goods and wares

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Tune out Tinnitus Nobody else can hear it - but you hear it all the time. It’s a ringing, buzzing or humming noise playing in your ears, and it’s exasperating. It’s called Tinnitus, and you can take control of it to significantly minimize its impact.

Tinnitus relief is possible Available at Dynamic Hearing Solutions, LiNX 3DTM is the most effective technology available for both relieving Tinnitus and treating hearing loss. Our professionals use a combination of effective sound therapy and counselling to achieve the relief you need.

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ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Cold-weather workout tips Workouts are a part of many people’s daily routines. Some look forward to their exercise sessions, while others only commit after finding ways to make them as enjoyable as possible. For people who don’t enjoy working out indoors, finding ways to exercise in the great outdoors can provide the incentives necessary to commit to daily workouts. Exercising outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air, but what about those days when the weather isn’t so inviting? Lengthy periods of cold or inclement weather, which is common in fall and winter in many parts of the world, can interrupt daily routines and derail one’s fitness goals. However, there are ways to overcome inclement weather so outdoor workouts can be enjoyed year-round. • Warm up for longer periods of time. Muscles typically require more time to warm up in cold weather than they do in warm weather. The Canadian Chiropractic AssociationTM notes that many people feel as though their muscles are noticeably stiffer in cold weather than in warm weather. This can make people who exercise in such weather more vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries. One way to reduce that risk is to warm up for longer periods of time than you might in warm weather. For example, runners might want to walk slowly outdoors for several minutes before they begin jogging. Doing so can loosen and warm up

muscles that are naturally stiff in cold weather. • Dress appropriately. The gear outdoor exercise enthusiasts wear can go a long way toward making cold weather workouts more enjoyable and safe. Layering clothing during cold weather workouts allows people to maintain steady body temperatures throughout a workout by removing layers as they heat up if they need to. Even though it’s cold, your body will still sweat, so look for a wicking material that draws moisture away from your body. This is especially important for your core, as the outdoor recreation retailer The North Face® notes that blood pulls toward the chest and abdominal area, making this the warmest part of your body. Focus on keeping the extremities, including fingers, toes and nose, warm with materials like gloves and tall socks. Face masks can be helpful to cover the nose and neck, but make sure they’re made from breathable materials that won’t hold moisture. Reconsider your footwear and other support to improve balance. Frozen ground is not as easy to traverse as unfrozen ground, so look for footwear that provides added traction. Winter running shoes that come with studded soles might be necessary. Trekking poles also can help hikers gain traction on frozen or snow-covered trails. Outdoor workouts don’t have to end when the weather gets cold. A few simple tricks can help people exercise outdoors throughout the year.

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

The importance of knowing your family medical history When visiting a physician for the first time, patients may notice an extensive section on family history on one of the requisite forms they fill out before meeting the doctor. Though it can be hard to remember family members’ conditions, doctors have good reason to ask about their patients’ family’s medical histories. Family medical histories can be vital to one’s own healthcare. Family history might be one of the strongest influences on a person’s risk for developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. While you cannot modify your genetic makeup, knowing your family’s medical history can help you take the steps necessary to protect yourself. Family history reports can serve as warning signs for illnesses. These clues can help doctors prescribe certain screening tests at earlier ages to catch potential diseases when they are most treatable. For example, healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent screenings (such as mammography or colonoscopy) and screening at an earlier age for people at an increased risk of certain cancers. Doctors may recommend biannual checkups to stay apprised of any changes in health that may signal a risk.

A thorough healthcare professional will record your family medical history and ask you to update it routinely in an effort to ensure you get the best, most effective care possible. You can help the process by having the information needed at the ready. Talk to family. Make a list of close family members and discuss any conditions or issues they might have had and at what ages. Learn about chronic diseases. Speak to your relatives about chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, being sure to ask how severe such issues were and if any required hospitalization. Plot your ancestry. Learn about your ancestry and if any medical issues are more common among people who share that ancestry. Record everything you learn. Keep the information where it can be easily accessed and updated. For example, My Family Health Portrait is a free web-based tool to organize family health information and share it with doctors. Family history plays a key role in how doctors will approach patients’ treatment and preventive care.

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No charge consultations. After hours appointments available.

• Complete, Partial & Immediate Dentures • Implant Supported Dentures • Emergency Repairs • Relines 302A 2nd Avenue Fernie

250-423-7236

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Healthy Eating Starts in the Grocery Aisles

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we strive to deliver top-quality natural foods & products you feel good about buying. Organic Produce & Dairy Natural Groceries & Personal Care Gluten-Free Products Vitamins & Supplements

Fernie & Sparwood 250-423-4607 792 2nd Avenue

250-425-6489 2-101 Red Cedar Drive

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Knowledgeable & Friendly Pharmacists We go the EXTRA MILE to help with all your prescription needs, and so much more!

√ Prescriptions √ Over-the-Counter Remedies √ Vitamins & Supplements √ Home Health & First Aid Pharmacy Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 250-423-7704 792 2nd Avenue, Fernie

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Home security tips for seniors Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49.

watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away. Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification.

Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.

Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in.

Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home.

Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check.

Think about a smart doorbell. Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house. Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be

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Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors, and much more. Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home. Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable to criminals.

When you visit the dentists and staff at Sparwood Dental Clinic, your smile becomes our top priority. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the personalized, gentle dental treatment that you deserve. Sparwood Dental Clinic offers services in General and Cosmetic Dentistry for the entire family. We utilize the latest in dental technologies to ensure your visit is comfortable, efﬁcient, and held to the highest standards. • • • • • • • •

Family Dentistry Same Day Emergency service Teeth Straightening and Orthodontics Teeth replacement and Implants Same day teeth replacement and crowns Wisdom teeth removal and gum recession repair Cosmetic and Smile Makeovers Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

CONTACT INFORMATION 139 Centennial Square, PO Box 1330 • Sparwood, British Columbia V0B 2G0 Phone: (250) 425-7081 • Fax: (250) 425-0532 Email: sparwooddental@gmail.com • Website: sparwooddental.com

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

Dealing with grief: four tips for grappling with loss Grief is something that needs to be actively worked through. Freud outlined this idea in his seminal essay “Mourning and Melancholia,” and his theory of grief work remains at the core of modern approaches to handling loss. Here are four strategies for actively dealing with grief. 1. Open up to others Grieving individuals need to express what they’re feeling. Bottling up or ignoring one’s emotions only causes them to fester. For most people, talking with friends and family members about what they’re feeling is the most natural and easy way of unburdening themselves. 2. Express yourself through art or journaling Not everyone is comfortable opening up to those around them. When this is the case, a person can express his or her feelings in a variety of other ways. Dancing, making music, and painting can all be effective means of expressing grief. Journaling is another method of releasing pentup feelings, with the typical method being to write down everything felt and thereby identify and explore the full range of emotions.

3. Read books on grieving Many mourners find solace, strength and wisdom in books in which novelists talk about their experience of loss. There are also books in which experts on grief and grieving provide tools for dealing with a loved one’s passing. Here are some notable ones: • Levels of Life by Julian Barnes (essay) • The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (memoir) • It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine (self-help) • A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis (collection of reflections) 4. Eat well and exercise Self-care is essential when grieving. Eating well, drinking lots of water and exercising regularly will help balance the griever’s mood and improve their well-being. The exercise needn’t be strenuous; stretching, brief yoga sessions and short walks can be a good start. Actively working through one’s grief tends to be very helpful. However, oftentimes individuals need additional support, guidance or simply a listening ear. In such cases, getting support from a grief counsellor can be invaluable.

Funeral Services

Honouring Life & Celebrating Love We are here to support you every step of the way.

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ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

How much exercise does a person need? Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps people maintain healthy weights, improves mood, reduces the risk for various health ailments, and much more. But how much exercise is necessary for optimal health? Research indicates that the answer to that question depends on the person and his or individual health goals. According to David Bassett, Jr., PhD, a professor of exercise physiology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, having a clear set of exercise goals can help a person determine just how much exercise he or she needs, particularly if a person is exercising to control his or her weight or reduce his or her stress. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that most healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination thereof, every week. Try to engage in strength training for all major muscle groups at least two times per week. The Mayo Clinic says a general goal for most people is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

all occur at once, either. If a 30-minute walk is not possible, split that up into a few 10-minute walks throughout the day. Any activity is better than doing nothing at all. For those with specific fitness goals, it could be wise to speak with a trainer or a doctor about which types of exercises (and durations) are effective. Physicians may be able to map out a fitness plan that works.

Health experts say that this exercise neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Dr. Darren Tkach is the only Certified Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Specialist in the Elk Valley.

Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence. Dr. A.M. Kahane 292 2nd Avenue, Fernie dentist@kahane.ca Ph: 250-423-6838 www.kahane.ca Direct billing to insurance. Weekend appointments available.

(Fernie & Area) Providing free companionship, support, and helpful information services for end of life care. To find out more please contact Elk Valley Hospice by emailing elkvalleyhospice@gmail.com or visit elkvalleyhospice.com. For client intake please leave a message at (250)-423-4453 ext. 309.

ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

The right foods can fight inflammation The human body and its immune system excels at fighting foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. Signaling chemicals called interleukins tell cells whether they are needed to fight illness or they should wait in the wings. While these immune defenders are doing their jobs, soreness, fatigue and swelling can occur — the natural side effects of an immune system response — but will soon dissipate. However, many people deal with immune systems that are consistently revved up, even when no invaders are present. This is the problem with many chronic diseases and immune system dysfunction. Unfortunately, the inflammation that is a hallmark of immune defense becomes a daily problem that may result in chronic pain and other complications. What many people may not realize is that the foods that they are putting into their bodies may exacerbate inflammatory responses, while others may help keep inflammation at bay. People with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s, and other chronic illnesses may find that turning to the right diet can tame inflammation and other symptoms. As beneficial as some foods can be, it’s important to note that individuals are unique and certain foods may produce a particular response in some but not in others. Systematically isolating certain foods can help paint a picture of foods that can be problematic. But generally speaking, refined

carbohydrates, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, and processed meats may increase inflammation, advises Harvard Health Publishing. Conversely, certain foods and beverages that have been identified as reducing inflammation for many people. These include: • tomatoes • olive oil • green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables • nuts, like almonds and walnuts • fatty fish • berries • avocados • green tea • peppers • grapes • turmeric • dark chocolate Including these foods in one’s daily diet may help to relieve the pain, bloating and fatigue associated with inflammation. It is important to speak with a doctor before making any dietary changes. Discuss any inflammation issues you have been having and which foods might help. Generally speaking, a diet full of diverse, antioxidant-rich foods can provide relief for those with various levels of inflammation.

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ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

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ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

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ELK VALLEY HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2019

You Deserve Some Spa Time!

The spa at Island Lake Lodge offers a variety of treatments inspired by the breathtaking landscape that surrounds us. Our spa features six treatment rooms, a retail boutique, change rooms, a serene relaxation room and outdoor sauna. Take time before or after your treatment to enjoy a cup of custom blended tea in our rustic outdoor space with spectacular mountain views. Check our website for restaurant hours, spa offerings, dining menus and accommodation packages.

islandlakelodge.com 1.250.423.3700 Follow: @islandlakelodge