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Journey:
YANG TAIJI
TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
MY ENCOUNTER WITH ANCIENT WISDOM instructor is Sifu Gordon Muir. He is president and head instructor for the Victoria Taiji Academy. Gordon has been teaching tai chi and qi gong part-time for 35 years, and full-time for the last 15 years. He studied in China over a 14 year period. His resume includes being taught by three prominent masters, including Master T. T. Liang, Master Zhang Xue-Xin and Grandmaster Liu ChengDe of Jinan, China. Sifu Muir moves so smoothly from one posture to the next that I get fooled into thinking it’s easy. And of course it will be easier and easier as my body adjusts. Come and join Sifu Muir and me and learn yang taiji and become healthier. Goward House Society is a non-profit organization that operates as an adult activity centre for those aged 50+. For info, call: 250-477-4401, or visit gowardhouse.com.
BY GAYLE MILLBANK, GOWARD HOUSE MEMBER
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have been enrolled in a Yang style taiji class since September 2018. Yang style tai chi, or taiji is a school which traces its origins back more than 300 years to Chen Village. It is an internal Chinese martial art practiced mainly for its health benefits. Yang style is practiced worldwide and is the most popular of the traditional schools. The term ‘taiji’ refers to a philosophy of the forces of yin and yang, related to the moves. In the forms, leverage through the joints is based on coordination and relaxation rather than muscular tension. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently increases the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph and peristalsis). The training concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. I was amazed to discover my hips are tight — not good when it comes to this type of taiji. But the good news is I’m loosening up, and on a day-to-day basis, I’m walking more comfortably. I’m hot by the end of a one hour class. This is good, too, as it means my circulation is improving. My mind benefits by focusing solely on the movements of the form, which brings mental calm and clarity. That’s what I’m aiming for — mental clarity. If I can train myself to remember the forms, maybe I’ll also improve my memory. That’s my goal. For this journey into health, I’m in good hands, as my knowledgeable and very patient
QI GONG Qi gong is the life energy that flows through the body. It is also a holistic method of health care comprised of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing and meditation. As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine it is used to increase strength, flexibility and endurance while relieving stress. Qi gong is similar to tai chi, but easier to learn, as the movements are simpler. Goward House is pleased to introduce you to this ancient art of health maintenance: Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Goward House 2495 Arbutus Rd. Register: 250-477-4401.
award winning Haida Heritage Centre at_ay Llnagaay bring the island’s story and legends to life. Despite the many layers of history to be found, the culture is by no means relegated to the past. The people that call Haida Gwaii home today are a mix of Haida and non-aboriginal descent. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals. Perhaps join a locally guided boat tour through the remote wilderness, or dine on a feast from the sea at the seaside home of a Haida chef. Visit some of the artistic studios that can be found dotted along the main roadways and tour the Long Houses of Old Massett. While not all that far away, travelling to the edge of the world can be a bit challenging. The small population and remote location does not provide for simple connections. But those willing to make the journey will be rewarded with a unique experience. Victoria-based tour operator Mile Zero Tours is offering inclusive tours to Haida Gwaii. The 9-day small group trip has departures in June, July and August. This fully escorted tour combines BC Ferries spectacular Inside Passage cruise, BC’s North coast and Haida Gwaii. All transportation, many meals, locally guided tours and museums are included, as is airfare back to Victoria or Vancouver. For details on Mile Zero Tours and the Haida Gwaii and Inside Passage Tour, visit milezerotours.com or call: 250-590-0811.
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aida Gwaii, meaning ‘Islands of the People’, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and sometimes referred to simply as the Edge of the World, should be bucket list material for anyone looking to explore a truly exotic and enchanted land. The isolated archipelago, now home to under 5,000 residents, rests just a little beyond the western edge of the continent about 100 km off B.C.’s north coast. The Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, highlighted by Gwaii Haanas National Park in the south and Naikoon Provincial Park in the north. Massive cedar and Sitka spruce trees tower above, covering much of the islands, and rocky and sandy beaches mark the coastline where the waves crash and the coastal breezes howl. In the skies, ravens and bald eagles soar in abundance while orcas prowl along the shoreline, watching for sea lions. The islands are home to a diverse multitude of marine and terrestrial species. Beyond the mystical landscapes and the island’s plentiful flora and fauna, Haida Gwaii offers much more to the discerning explorer. People have called these lands home for thousands of years, and the Haida culture is rejuvenated. The past can be seen first-hand at ancient abandoned village sites where Haida ‘watchmen’ preserve their history among the foundations of long abandoned longhouses and the remnants of great totem poles that are slowly returning to nature. The displays at the
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Spring festival a cultural immersion
Sunday Social
Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Entertainment provided by Sky Mundell, Vancouver Island’s Got Talent winner (2011) Sky is totally blind, has hearing loss and cerebral palsy. He has performed at River Rock Casino in Richmond and opened shows in Vegas. Sky will be accompanied by the VIP Singers. Their repertoire includes inspirational tunes, old to new pop songs and show tunes often arranged with a jazz or blues slant by their director, Marcelina Stanton. Admission is by donation. Refreshments served. Everyone is welcome. Phone: 250-652-4611 or email: ssca@shaw.ca centralsaanichseniorscentre.org Centre For Active Living 50+, 1229 Clarke Rd. (next to the library) Brentwood Bay
Speakers Series The Latest Technology for Seniors Friday, Feb. 15 at 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guest Speakers Alan Perry of Egurus and Ron Fraser of London Drugs are back by popular request to report on the latest technology for seniors. Admission by donation. Refreshments served. Everyone is welcome. 250-652-4611 or cssca@shaw.ca centralsaanichseniorscentre.org
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ilver Threads Service’s longstanding connection with the Chinese Community dates back to the 1960s, when the Victoria Silver Threads Centre was located at Government and Fisgard streets in the heart of Chinatown. This relationship continues today, with members of the Chinese Seniors’ Association and the Chinese Women’s Friendship Association making use of the Victoria Centre every weekend. The groups gather to socialize, dance, share information, sing, play table tennis and learn ESL. To honour this historic relationship, Silver Threads will host a
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Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Members of the Chinese Women’s Friendship Association will offer a glimpse of how the “Spring Festival” is celebrated in China. The event includes sampling of items from the traditional Family Reunion Dinner with information on the meaning and symbolism of each dish. The film, Spring Festival, will be shown and there will be traditional song and dance for everyone to enjoy. Everyone is invited to this unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Seating is limited; reserve by calling: 250-388-4268. Tickets: $5.25 (members), $7.35 (non-members).
MEMORY PLUS CHALLENGE Practice, Laughter and Useful Strategies
Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads program for those 55+ who would like to increase their memory in an active and social group setting. The 12-week program is offered in locations in Greater Victoria. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are some words to unscramble. 1. evod 2. duicp 3. sdrac 4. talcheoco 5. tead 6. attreewesh 7. slrowef 8. veol Answers: 1. dove 2. Cupid 3. Cards 4. chocolate 5. sweetheart 6. date 7. flowers 8. love
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TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION If you have a smartphone, use “two-factor” authentication, or switch to it anytime it is offered. If a website or service doesn’t recognize where you are logging in from, it sends a code to your trusted smart phone number. Enter the code on the first device, and you’re all set. It is an extra step over the “old” system, but it does a far better job of protecting you and your account from unauthorized people. Contact the Victoria Computer Club at Silver Threads Saanich Centre for help. Call: 250-382-3151. victoriacomputerclub.org
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
FIVE STRATEGIES TO
Increase vitality in aging adults about spending time around other people. Since people tend to feel more energetic when they have something exciting to look forward to, help your loved one find social events to plan for in the upcoming months. Whether attending a family birthday party or dressing up for a senior dance, your loved one may find socializing with other people refreshes his or her spirit.
BY LUTGARDA MARIANO HOME CARE ASSISTANCE
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nergy levels tend to wane as a person ages, but that doesn’t mean your senior loved one must spend their golden years sitting around. When seniors focus on making healthy changes, they can easily restore their energy and maintain an active lifestyle. Check this list of energy-reviving strategies to find ways your loved one can boost his or her vitality.
5. DITCH UNHEALTHY HABITS
1. ENHANCE SLEEP HYGIENE
Few things are worse than waking already too tired to enjoy the day. Seniors undergo biological changes that affect how well and how long they sleep. While you may not be able to do much about hormonal fluctuations or chronic pain, you can help your loved one maintain proper sleep hygiene habits. For instance, all electronics should be shut off an hour before bedtime. Spending that last hour doing relaxing activities such as reading or listening to music, will prime the mind for sleep. For seniors with health conditions that make it difficult to sleep through the night or cognitive issues that lead to confusion upon waking, having a professional caregiver close by can provide a sense of comfort. Live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. It’s important to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. Home Care Assistance extensively screens their live-in and 24-hour caregivers and hire with experience in the senior home care industry. Strict
requirements ensure seniors remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. 2. GET MORE EXERCISE
Seniors with low energy may need some motivation to get started with an exercise plan. It seems counterintuitive that expending energy would raise energy levels, however, regular exercise boosts overall physical health by raising metabolism. As the body converts resources into producing energy, your loved one may feel revitalized and have more stamina through-
out the day. For seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to exercise safely on their own, a professional caregiver can be an asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance. Victoria Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
3. FIND A NEW PASSION
Emotional health affects energy levels. Your loved one should have at least one or two activities to look forward to each day. If your loved one lacks motivation to stay engaged in an activity, help him or her search for a new passion. Falling in love with oil painting or renewing a sense of self-purpose through volunteering generates feelings of positivity that makes seniors feel more energetic as they look forward to their day. 4. EXPLORE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
There’s something refreshing
All the effort in the world won’t restore energy levels if your loved one has unhealthy habits that reduce energy. For instance, smoking reduces blood flow throughout the body, and tends to generate a sense of overall fatigue. Drinking excessively leads to hangovers that weigh seniors down. Talk to your loved one about habits to stop if he or she wants to feel more energized. Then surround them with support to replace these habits with healthier ones. For instance, calling a friend instead of having a drink or taking a walk with a caregiver instead of having a smoke provides more energy during stressful parts of the day. These strategies can boost your loved one’s energy levels, which may enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care services. Victoria Home Care Assistance can help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at: 250-800-9647. homecareassistancevictoria.ca
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Friday, Feb. 15, 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Bring your family, friends and sweethearts to a Valentine’s Brunch. Followed by two short plays: “Yesterday” & ” Shadow Guest”. The “Shadow Guest” is Eros or Cupid, whose mother is the Greek goddess Aphrodite who is alluded to in the play when a character has a vision of her. Purchase tickets by Feb. 12. Cook Street Village Activity Centre. $10/ $12/$6. cookstreetvillageactivitycentre.com
0011638384 Helping Seniors Live Well at Home HOME ASSISTANCE Don’t settle for anythingCARE less than what your loved one deserves. Live well at home with your personally selected Caregiver, from hourly to 24/7 live-in NRS Lvlis the2only home care agency that and short term respite care. Home Care Assistance offers Cognitive Therapeutics, a research-backed activities program that promotes brain health and vitality. Call for a free in-home assessment. 10 x 30 www.HomeCareAssistanceVictoria.ca 1133 Fort St., Victoria 250-592-4881 Flader Business CMYK, , Centre, 101–9837 7 St., Sidney th
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Easing Loneliness with Companionship BY: JOHANNA BOOY, MES
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anadian census data shows that about one-quarter (24.6 per cent) of the population aged 65 and over now live alone. According to another recent study, people who live alone have an 80 per cent higher chance of having depression than those who live with other people. Lack of contact with others is a serious issue among the aging population, and isolation and loneliness are key signs that a senior lacks the support and tools needed to live a healthy, independent life and may be spiralling into decline. Various types of support services are available to ensure that all the needs of a senior are met. Home support workers, registered care aides and a variety of nursing staff will help your elderly loved one live at home and provide them with the companionship that they desire. Aging in Place Experts at Care & Company (SeniorCareVictoria.ca) agree that companionship is a key part of senior care, not just because companions aid with daily tasks such as housekeeping and
personal care, but also because they provide a meaningful human connection that greatly improves the quality of life. These companions set out each day to make a difference in the lives of older people by sharing their talents and gifts such as: 1. Art Therapy: It may surprise you to learn that art can be an effective tool in the treatment of loneliness, but this therapeutic technique has been around for a long time. Art therapy is rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. Companions observe that art expression helps to put their client’s emotions and non-verbal experiences into words. 2. Music Therapy: Music therapy has been proven to help restore and maintain health as well as help recall memories and fight depression. Many companions have a strong desire to help and inspire lonely seniors and use music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Music encourages bonding with others which in turn can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
3. Exercise Therapy: We all know exercise has countless benefits, in fact, it is thought that exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild-to-moderate depression. A companion that is a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist can develop a comprehensive program to help achieve healthier movement habits. This program includes assistance with training the muscles and brain to work together and to get the blood flowing once again. Speak to an Aging in Place specialist to learn more about senior loneliness and how to prevent it. Chronic loneliness is not only horrible to experience day in and day out, it can also have a devastating impact on an older person’s mental and physical health. Learn more about Care & Company and how they are devoted to helping our elderly. Call 250-382-2328 or visit #201-2187 Oak Bay Ave., Athlone Court to sign up for a free assessment. Home support workers, registered care aides and a nursing staff help your #201 - 2187 Oak Bay Ave elderly loved one live at home and provide them with the companionship seniorcarevictoria.ca, fit-4-life.ca that they desire.
Delicate touch, good instruments aid ingrown toenails
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NGROWN TOENAILS can be extremely painful and difficult to manage. They can sometimes cause dangerous infections. Cutting the nail properly can usually resolve this problem. A delicate touch and good instruments allow Dr. Butler to complete this task with minimal discomfort to his patients. Local anesthetic is a great option when necessary. Permanent solutions can be achieved for patients who consistently suffer from ingrown nails by performing nail matrix excision. Dr. Kent Butler, D.P.M., graduated with honours from the California College Of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed a one-year surgical residency followed by a one-year biomechanics fellowship at the Pacific
HEALTH CARE vs DISEASE CARE
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ealthcare resources are pushed to their limits. Rising disease rates result in increasing costs and rising doctor wait lists. What is missing most in our health care system is health. Obesity, diabetes, cancer and other dis-eases are increasing at unprecedented rates. High calorie devitalized products drive compulsive overeating behaviour and are destroying the health of an entire generation, especially our children. We are eating more calories than ever before, but the foods we are eating are seriously deficient in vital micro nutrients. High micro nutrient-rich wholefoods are a great way to get essential nutrients while delivering the satiation and ‘full’ feeling our body craves. In the China Study, a book by T. Colin Campbell, Jacob Gould Schurman, Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and Thomas M. Campbell II, MD, examines the link between consumption of animal products (including dairy) and chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancers, etc. The authors conclude that people who eat a predominantly whole-food, plant-based diet—avoiding animal products as a main source of nutrition, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese and milk, and reducing their intake of processed foods and refined carbohydrates—will escape, reduce, or reverse the development of numerous diseases. The study concluded that countries with a high consumption of animal-based foods were more likely to have higher death rates from “Western” diseases, while the opposite was true for counties that ate more plant-based foods. Taking a more holistic approach to health, there isn’t a part of our body that isn’t connected to another part of our body. With over a hundred trillion cells in your body, taking a more holistic or whole body approach to health is our best investment. With the influx of imported non-nutritional foods which are picked unripened, irradiated destroying vital nutrients, pesticides, etc., we need to supplement with vital whole food supplements and ensure the supplements feed our whole body. The world’s leading researchers are now stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for our cells, as the health of our body is mostly tied to the health of our cells. Here’s the challenge — with the full range of nutritional supplements available, where do we begin to make the best and most informed choices? Health food stores are lined with row upon row of supplements, and simply walking into a store to pick up a multivitamin may not be enough to adequately supplement our dietary choices, let alone improve our health. Evidently, ‘supplementing with success’ is more than just popping pills, but choosing nutritional supplements that are synergistically compatible, highly bio available and ultimately, effectively absorbed and utilized by our body. One of the key factors are plant based enzymes. Many people that have gone the plant-based lifestyle and supplement with powerful whole-food supplements were able to eliminate their greatest health challenges. Even some so-called incurable illnesses were eliminated. If the supplements we consume are not designed according to “The Laws of Nature”, our best intentions and hard-earned dollars are being flushed away, literally. Request an Educational Health package: enzymes4us@gmail.com 250-220-1262. Visit our health site: LeadingEdgeHealth.org
0011665036 LEADING EDGE HEALTH www.LeadingEdgeHealth.org Enzymes are extremely important to our health. See the article on this and learn all about Focus onpageSeniors enzymes by visiting the site above.
Coast Hospital in San Francisco. Specializing in biomechanics has helped him to accurately assess a patient’s foot and leg function during a gait examination. As a student, Dr. Butler worked for four years making prescription orthotics for podiatrists. Here, he learned various fabrication techniques and modification skills necessary to facilitate orthotic function. Dr. Butler is the only podiatrist who personally handcrafts every step of each custom orthotic for his patients. “My mission is to treat every patient with respect and honesty. I love my job and would be glad to help you with your foot health.” Dr. Kent Butler is located in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre, #207-4480 West Saanich Rd. Phone: 250-704-1178.
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LACK OF PLANNING CAN RESULT IN CHAOS
SHEN YUN Bringing an Ancient Culture to Life Onstage
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here was a family upset I witnessed several years ago that could have easily been avoided by timely planning. It was a nasty upset, indeed. Two family members were fighting in the chapel over who would get their parent’s cremated remains. Yep, a public, hurtful and unnecessary upset. It affected everyone who was in attendance at the ceremony, and really hurt the surviving spouse and the children. It left tarnished what was supposed to be a ceremony of loving good-byes.
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hen Yun Performing Arts, a globe-trotting show that has been packing theatres from Tokyo to Rome to New York, is returning to Vancouver next month, playing 10 shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre March 22 to 31. Five of these shows are matinees, which is good news for Vancouver Island residents because they can take a morning ferry, see the show, and return in the evening without the added expense of staying overnight in Vancouver. Shen Yun came into being in 2006 when a group of leading Chinese artists living overseas decided the world could benefit from a renaissance of China’s ancient culture. So they got together in New York and came up with the approach to showcase the Middle Kingdom’s 5,000-year-old heritage in a way that
could be universally understood — through music and dance. Shen Yun has expanded exponentially since then, growing from one touring company to six — each with its own live orchestra. This season, the group will put on over 500 shows in about 130 cities in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. According to reviews on Shen Yun’s website, many audience members say they find the show calming, uplifting, inspiring or deeply spiritual. Some even say they felt a special energy emanating from the stage. Writer and film producer Agnes Bristow, who has seen Shen Yun many times over the years, said the performance always leaves her feeling happy and uplifted. “When I leave the show, I feel like I’m floating out, because you just feel so — like all of the worries of the
world have been taken off your shoulders and you feel like you are in a better place,” she said after seeing the show in Mississauga on Jan. 12. “I always feel uplifted when I come to see the show. It’s very rich and everything you can imagine. The music is so beautiful, and when I’m sitting in the audience, I feel like I’m transported somewhere else.” A Shen Yun performance features the ancient art form of classical Chinese dance, a unique orchestra that combines Chinese and Western instruments, groundbreaking animated backdrops, accomplished vocal soloists, and hundreds of handmade costumes spanning China’s regions, dynasties and ethnicities — together creating a performance that is a big hit with audiences. Shen Yun uses technology to help depict stories and legends that span
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China’s history — from the Yellow Emperor through to the Tang and Song dynasties, and all the way to the modern day. This was one of the many aspects of the show that impressed Thomas Franzky, an opera singer and a project manager for a high-tech company who saw Shen Yun in Ottawa last year. “The effects with the screen (animated backdrop) and the characters jumping in and out was just fantastic. My eyes were glued, and my attention was glued to what was happening in the story. I laughed out loud, sometimes spontaneously,” he said. “The musicians, too, were just phenomenal,” he added. “I loved the soprano as well; she was quite something. I really appreciated the level of artistry in the show.”
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“Two family members were fighting in the chapel over who would get their parent’s cremated remains.” Now you might say that this was an extreme example and perhaps it is, yet I have witnessed other family upsets that may not be as public, but were as hurtful at a time when we could be saying our loving good-byes as opposed to fighting. A family member of ours who did their end of life planning well in advance and who involved the family members in the preparations told us of how graceful and loving their ceremonies for their mom were. They also mentioned that one of the primary reasons for the loving sendoff was that they worked out all their differences during the planning phase. Getting everyone on the same page well in advanced resulted in a chaos free end of life celebration. Seeing the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to end of life planning, especially lack of planning, I decided to create an All Ready To Go binder that houses all my end of life paperwork — from my power of attorney to my funeral arrangements. It rests on a bookshelf in my office, and all my family members know where it lives — more importantly, the details it contains. Intending to avoid painful chaos for my loved ones at the end of my life, I chose to have the uncomfortable conversations well in advance — conversations that got us all on the same end of life page.
“Getting everyone on the same page well in advanced resulted in a chaos free end of life celebration.” The conversation was a little bumpy and we hung in there until we all agreed and understood how I want my end of life and my after death care to be. Now it is done, and believe it or not, we all had a sigh of relief that end has been well planned for all my family and me. Whew. Choose to have what may seem to be challenging conversations about your end of life wishes well in advance. Join the Memorial Society of BC and record your plans on an arrangement form; send a copy to the staff at the MSBC, and keep a copy for family’s use somewhere in the home. It is a generous gift to your loved ones indeed. You will be so glad you did! memorialsocietybc.org
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Get a good sleep! windows and experienced real sunlight. This told our bodies it was time to get up and make energy hormones to start the day. In the evening, sunlight went away and our body started producing sleep hormones. Melatonin is the hormone associated with starting your sleep cycle routine. However, there is some evidence that exposure to bright lights in the evening can prevent your body from making melatonin. So put your phone to bed about an hour before you put yourself to bed. The next thing is to avoid stress before bed. “Yah, right,� you say. The simplest thing you can do to avoid stress before bed is don’t watch the news and have a paper and pen beside your bed. The evening newscast is mostly bad news anyway: accidents, conflicts, politics
BY YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD HEART PHARMACIST
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ast month I alluded to writing about sleep tips from pharmacists. Some ideas did come to me in a dream. As I mentioned in my previous article, sleep is very important. More than just to combat drowsiness, sleep helps reduce stress, boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation and helps establish long term memories. Hopefully, you have not heard these tips before. We have all heard the suggestions to avoid cell phones, electronic tablets and watching TV before bed. Perhaps you have never heard the reason why. The main reason is to reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes. Before the invention of indoor lighting, we got up, opened the
and sad stories. Odds are it might not directly affect you, but hearing about it can adversely affect your mood. As above, your don’t want to be staring at a bright light source before bed. What about the pen and paper? They are to write down your thoughts. Journaling can be very therapeutic — if nothing else — it is a good place to keep track of important items for the next day. That way you won’t worry about forgetting them. If you have difficulty sleeping, what about daytime naps? Daytime naps are a great idea. A lot of high tech companies are building sleep rooms in their offices. Generally, tech companies know how to improve productivity of their workers. Nap breaks can definitely regenerate you during the day. The
challenge is getting enough sleep, but not too much. The magic time seems to be about 30 minutes. Anything longer and your body can slip into deeper REM sleep, and can be hard to fully wake from. It can also prevent you from falling asleep at night, which can interrupt your sleep cycle. Medications for sleeping can be helpful for some. It is true that over the counter medications for nausea (dimenhydrinate) and allergies (diphenhydramine) can help with sleep. However, if taken on a regular basis, they can lose their effectiveness and you might need higher doses to have the same affect. Check with your pharmacist to see if these medications are right for you. For ongoing sleep issues, I usually recommend taking a 1 to 3 mg melatonin supplement. You
might need to take melatonin for a few nights for it to help improve your sleep patterns. Patients also find that the amino acid, L-Theanine can be help for sleeping. L-Theanine is found in tea, and has been shown to be mildly sedating. Doses of 200 to 400 mg before bed are recommended. This is not an exhaustive list of ways to help improve your sleep patterns. If you do have difficulty sleeping, check in your family physician. This way, you can rule out medication issues for sleeplessness, such as sleep apnea or thyroid disorders. Whatever your plan is, have one and stick to it. If nothing else, set a regular time to get up and fall asleep — even on the weekends. Your body likes predictable routines. heartpharmacy.com
BATHTUBS WITH BENEFITS
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pproximately 80 per cent of falls occur in the bathroom, and oftentimes they happen when entering or exiting the bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs for seniors have proven to be one of the safest alternatives to assure their safety. Here’s how walk-in bathtubs are beneficial for seniors. WHAT ARE WALK-IN BATHTUBS, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Walk-in bathtubs are equipped with doors that open, so you don’t have to step over the edge like a conventional bathtub. Walk-in tubs are safer options for seniors and for those who are disabled, and they lower the risk of falling. The doors on the bathtubs are sealed so water remains in the tub and does not flood the floor. Usually, professional installation is needed for walk-in bathtubs. THE BENEFITS OF WALK-IN BATHTUBS FOR THE ELDERLY
You can shower more easily with a walk-in bathtub. These tubs are designed to prevent falling incidents. The bathtubs have doors that allow you to enter and exit easily. They come equipped with seats, handrails and other accessories to assist you in keeping your head above the water. There are a variety of bathtubs equipped with a hydrotherapy feature; this can aid in relieving pain. Other therapeutic features include light therapy, aromatherapy, soothing air therapy and hydro-jet therapy. Anti-slip floors and seating allow for better balance balance and safeguard you from injury while bathing. WALK-IN BATHTUB RISKS
There are some risks associated with a walk-in bathtub: Walk-in bathtubs have high walls
The walls on a walk-in tub are high and the doorways are narrow. Under these circumstances, there could be a concern if a
medical episode or fall should occur. This could present a challenge for family members or caregivers to get the door open to help you out of the tub for emergency assistance. Long waiting period for drainage of water
Due to the amount of time waiting for the tub to fill and drain with water, it could be difficult for you to remain inside the tub while wet and after a shower. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A WALK-IN BATHTUB Pricing:
A walk-in bathtub can cost from $2,500 up to $10,000. The amount you pay depends on the features included. Door Design
Make note of the bathtubs’ door designs. The size and shape can impact how easily you can enter and exit the bathtub, and can also impact how your room looks. Portable Walk-In Bathtub
Consider purchasing a portable model bathtub. This is an option if it’s not in your budget for a professional installation. WALK-IN BATHTUB ALTERNATIVES Bath Chair Lift
If you’re a person who enjoys soaking in the bathtub, then a bath chair lift is a great option. A bath chair lift is a motorized bath chair that lowers into your tub. It has a button affixed to it. When you push the button, the seat lowers you into the water, and once you’re done, you can raise the bath chair back up. Slide-In Style Bathtub
These are similar to traditional style walk-in bathtubs. With the slide-in style bathtub, one side of the bath seat is attached to the door which allows you to simply back up and sit down. For a free quote, call Safe Step Tubs: 1-888-960-5401. Visit: safesteptubs.ca
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0011665018 Celebrating Seniors! RAYANI DRUGS EARLY RISER DISCOUNT 5 x 90 Monday-Wednesday AAA0
20% OFF for all seniors
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before 11am Some restrictions apply. Expires Feb 13, 2019
www.HeartPharmacy.com HEART COMPOUNDING PHARMACY AT CADBORO BAY, 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd. Ph: 250-477-2131 HEART PHARMACY AT FAIRFIELD PLAZA, FairďŹ eld Plaza, 1594 FairďŹ eld Rd. Ph: 250-598-9232 HEART PHARMACY AT SHELBOURNE PLAZA, 3643 Shelbourne St. Ph: 250-477-1881 UVIC CAMPUS PHARMACY, UVIC SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Ph: 250-721-3400 ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC PHARMACY, 582 Goldstream Ave. Ph: 250-478-8338
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