July 10, 2013

SUMMER 2013

ON THE GO!

Health & Fitness Retirement Living Summer Activities

2 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

Stay in great shape even long after 65 Submitted

Do you dream of slowing down the effects of ageing?

If so, you’d better get moving. No matter how old you are it is always possible to maintain or improve your health by adding some sort of physical activity to your routine. Better balance and a higher degree of independence are among the many benefits that seniors gain from exercise. Physical activity also tends to reduce the risk of falls and injury and helps prevent heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, type-two diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Best of all, it just makes people feel better!

Start gradually but aim to do at least two and a half hours of moderate or intense physical activity every week.

Any exercise that lasts longer than ten minutes counts.

Biking and brisk walking are considered to be moderate activities if your heart rate increases and you are capable of talking but not singing while you are moving. Intense physical exercise includes jogging and cross country skiing. During this kind of activity, you need to catch your breath after a

Beware buying medicines online Submitted

few words because of an increased heart rate.

Don’t forget to strengthen your muscles and your bones with twice weekly sessions of an activity such as stretching, yoga, walking, weights, climbing stairs, and sit-ups or push-ups. These will invigorate your heart and mind.

Get in the habit of looking for opportunities to do some

exercise, whether it means going to the park with your grandchildren, walking up the stairs instead of taking an escalator, walking to and from the grocery store instead of going by car, or getting off the bus a few stops from home. Even if you’re not used to it now, you’ll soon see that exercise can be a real source of enjoyment.

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If you buy drugs online, you may be putting your health at serious risk. This is especially true if you order prescription drugs without being examined in person by a health care practitioner.

A simple Internet search will turn up hundreds of web sites that sell drugs. Some Internet pharmacies are legitimate, but many offer products and services that are dangerous. Some sell drugs that are not approved for use in Canada because of safety concerns.

Many offer prescription drugs based on answers to an online questionnaire. These sites tell you they will save you the “embarrassment” of talking to your doctor about certain prescription drugs, such as Viagra, or drugs to prevent hair loss, or promote weight loss.

What they do not tell you is that it is dangerous to take a prescription drug without being examined in person and monitored by a health care practitioner to make sure the drug is helping you.

If you order prescrip-

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condition; or sells products that do not have a DIN issued

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Do make sure you are dealing with a Canadianbased web site that is linked to a “bricks and mortar” pharmacy that meets the regulatory requirements in your province/territory. Do not take any prescription drug that has not been prescribed for you by a health care practitioner who has examined you in person.

Do tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the health products you take, including vitamin and natural health products, as well as prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They need this information to assess and advise you about potential side effects and drug interactions.

If you have a question or complaint about therapeutic drug products purchased online, call Health Canada’s toll-free hotline: 1-800-2679675.

If you have questions about whether an Internet pharmacy is legitimate, contact the licensing body in your province or territory.

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tion drugs without being examined and monitored by a health care practitioner, you may be misdiagnosed, and miss the opportunity to get an appropriate treatment that would help you. You may also put yourself at risk for drug interactions, or harmful side effects that a qualified health professional could better foresee. A number of pharmacies in Canada have legitimate web sites that offer a limited range of products and services, including information for consumers, and shopping for certain items. The practice of pharmacy in Canada is regulated by the provinces, and any licensed pharmacy that offers Internet services must meet the standards of practice within its own province.

Do not do business with a web site that: refuses to give you a street address, telephone number, and a way of contacting a pharmacist; offers prescription drugs without a prescription, or offers to issue a prescription based on answers to an online questionnaire; claims to have a “miracle cure” for any serious

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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3

Seniors on the go

Seniors can enjoy summertime safely Submitted

Many people look forward to the warm weather, particularly senior citizens.

Spending time outdoors can be healthy and refreshing, but seniors exposed to too much sun and heat could be at risk medically.

Each year exposure to high temperatures and humidity leads to hundreds of deaths across the country.

Seniors comprise a large percentage of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Seniors have a harder time adjusting to extreme temperatures than younger adults, which puts them at risk.

Also, certain pre-existing medical conditions and medications could make older individuals more susceptible to heat-related illness.

One of the factors contributing to seniors’ risk of health implications from hot weather is their loss of the sensation of thirst as they grow older.

Without the desire to drink regularly, individuals could become dehydrated very easily.

This, factored in with changes in body temperature regulation, 2014 Forester can result in confusion, 2.0XT Limited falls and other preventable adverse effects.

Safety is of utmost concern during the warm weather.

Do not take any situation lightly because it could impact one’s health. Here are some precautions to follow. * Move slowly: Rushing around in hot weather can cause body temperature to rise more quickly and make you even hotter. Slow down when it is warm and try do plenty of relaxing to avoid overheating. * Know the ambient temperature indoors:

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The heat inside can quickly rise. Keep curtains and blinds drawn to reduce the amount of heat from the sun. Check the thermostat to find out the temperature. If you have an air conditioner or fan, turn it on to cool down the house if the temperature is creeping above 29 C. Otherwise, seek a cooler location until your home cools down. * Drink plenty of fluids: Beverages such as water, fruit juices, decaffeinated teas and the

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4 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

‘‘Green’’ not a buzzword but a way of living for seniors Submitted

The senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That’s because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors’ lives for decades.

A portion of today’s seniors grew up during the Depression, when recycling and conservation weren’t the trends du jour, but survival strategies. In a time when money was scarce, many people made due with the resources they were dealt, stretching dollars just to stay afloat. Many of the concepts associated with today’s environmental movement are strikingly similar to the ones employed during the Depression. The behaviours of an elderly parent or grandparent that may have seemed eccentric or odd at one time are now turning out to be what many people are embracing in order to live green. Concepts like relying on reusable handkerchiefs instead of disposable tissues; reusing lightly soiled napkins; collecting discarded items from the curb and repairing them for renewed use; saving cans or food jars and using them to store other items; buying local products from smaller vendors; and similar things are methods of living ingrained in the persona of many older people.

Frugality and awareness of what things cost and what consti-

tutes waste are other concepts seniors know well. Many have never adapted to the notion that products are disposable, preferring instead to hold onto appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items because they still have utility, not because the current season dictates they should be upgraded. In 2008, Harris Interactive polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 about their inter-

est in the environment. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they took steps in the past 6 months to do something green. More than 80 percent were concerned about the environmental legacy that would be left for their grandchildren.

While many seniors are going green today for altruistic reasons, it also makes good financial sense. Recycling items, conserving

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utilities and fuel and making smart choices can stretch a fixed income even further. Choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of getting behind the wheel may be not only environmentally friendly, but it’s financially savvy as well. Here are some ways of living straight out of the Great Depression that can be put to use today. * Use the milkman. Although it

may seem like the milkman is extinct, milk and other dairy products can still be delivered straight to a person’s home from a local dairy or farm. Adding reusable milk bottles reduces the reliance on disposable containers, while buying local cuts down on the fuel costs necessary to transport products. * Clothing that is gently worn can be passed down to children or even donated. * During the Depression, cars were a luxury many people could not afford. Walking or taking a bus or train were some popular modes of transportation, and such options are still available today. * Use cloth diapers and linens.

Reusable items, like cloth diapers, handkerchiefs and linens, are more environmentally responsible. * Instead of relying on television, which had yet to be invented during the Depression, children and adults went outdoors to socialize and have fun. * Instead of relying heavily on air conditioning, try opening the windows on nice days and let some fresh air in. * Clothes dryers use about 10 to 15 percent of domestic energy in the U.S. A clothesline can help reduce electric bills and energy consumption. * If you can grow what you eat, that reduces the dependence on commercially produced and harvested crops.

Melatonin and anti-aging Submitted

Melatonin is a supplement widely used to combat jet lag and alleviate short-term bouts of insomnia. There is also evidence that melatonin as a regular dietary supplement could have antioxidant effects and help slow down the aging process.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland of the body. Due to its light-transducing ability, the pineal gland is sometimes called the “third eye.” Light absorbed through the retina is relayed to the brain and thusly the pineal gland. The onset of darkness triggers the pineal gland to release melatonin into the bloodstream, which helps to induce sleep in individuals.

Younger people, especially children, produce a large amount of melatonin, which is generally why babies can sleep so much. This ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep deeply has benefits for the growing body, allowing cells to rejuvenate and the body to grow and heal. As individuals age, melatonin production decreases. This can be why many older adults have difficulty falling asleep or seem to need less sleep. Study after study indicates that lack of sleep can lead to myriad health problems, including mental health deficits, added stress, heart disease, and others. Each of these conditions can contribute to the aging process. It makes sense, then, that getting frequent and restful sleep can help turn back the clock. But that isn’t the only benefit of melatonin, say experts. According to The Aging Clock: The Pineal Gland and Other Pacemakers in the Progression of Aging and Carcinogenesis, by Walter Pierpaoli M.D., Ph.D., melatonin is the “master hormone-modulating molecule.” It is the regulator of almost all hormones in the

body in addition to regulating the circadian cycles. Dr. Pierpaoli has found that “aging”is a degenerative condition of the body, not just the passing of years. Resetting the body’s age clock can slow down the symptoms of aging.

When the pineal gland of an old animal is transplanted into a young animal, studies show that the young animal slows down and systems of the body function as if it were older. The reverse also applies. Dr. Pierpaoli surmises that melatonin sends a message of “youth” throughout the body, keeping the body healthy and strong. With this reasoning, melatonin may also help stimulate the immune system, which can promote better overall health, including fending off certain diseases of old age.

These include cancers and even dementias.

Clinical trials have shown that melatonin can diminish the effects of hormones that trigger certain cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.

According to Melatonin and the aging brain, by Stephen Bondy and Edward Sharman, “Melatonin has potential utility both in slowing normal brain aging and in treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. This is reinforced by the low cost of melatonin and its very low toxic hazard.” Research is still ongoing into the many benefits of melatonin. While it is best not to start any supplement program without first asking a doctor (especially if a person is pregnant or has other medical conditions), those who want to take melatonin should look for the synthetic variety. These are made from plant material to mimic melatonin produced in the body. Animal-based melatonin can contain diseases and other pathogens.

A relatively small amount of melatonin is needed to produce large effects. Consult with a specialist for desired results.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 10, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 5

Seniors on the go

New chef and summer menu at Summerland Seniors Village Submitted

It’s finally summer, and what is more appealing to us all than fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and fresh herbs.

They’re at the top of the menu at Summerland Seniors Village, and chef Kendall Banmann, is thrilled to be working with a fresh new menu, designed to take advantage of all the season has to offer in the way of fresh produce and herbs.

Kendall is a Red Seal Chef with 24 years’ experience in the hospitality and retirement industries. His commitment is to bring “great, healthy food” to the residents of Summerland Seniors Village, and he’s off to a terrific start with our new menu.

Other changes at Summerland Seniors Village include a new general manager, Scott Shearer; a new director of care, Kathleen Mills; and a new clinical lead in assisted living, Heli Kanaan.

Shearer, our new general manager, comes to us with a strong background in nursing and nursing administration. Originally from Saskatchewan, where he graduated with an honours BSc in Nursing, Shearer worked for some years in the U.S. He returned to Canada and to the Okana-

gan about eight years ago, happy to be able to indulge his passions for family, the outdoors, fine arts and fine wine, and working with seniors.

Kathleen Mills, our new director of care, has been a practicing RN (Registered Nurse) for 13 years, and has worked in residential care and has her certificate in Geriatric Nursing.

Mills has lived in the Okanagan for 16 years, and welcomes the opportunity to work with the skilled team at Summerland Seniors Village.

Heli Kanaan, our new assisted living clinical lead, has been with Summerland Seniors Village for more than six years. Prior to being appointed clinical lead in assisted living, she worked as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in residential care. She is passionate about her profession and passionate about working with residents and their families.

And the summer fun is just beginning for residents of Summerland Seniors Village with a wide variety of events planned for the coming months.

Summerland Seniors Village is open for public viewing by appointment, daily.

Come and enjoy a tour and complimentary lunch with Sharon. Call ahead 250-404-4304.

You are what you eat

Thank you… for giving my parents a new lease on life! ons with his

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Submitted

Each year, millions of new cases of cancer are diagnosed across the globe. Although there is no definitive cause for many of the cancers out there, certain lifestyle choices put a person at a greater risk for cancer. By making a few simple changes, that risk can be reduced.

1. Eat steamed broccoli.

Broccoli is one of the superfoods purported to help reduce cancer risk. However, microwaving or overcooking broccoli can destroy up to 97 per cent of broccoli’s cancer-preventing flavanoids.

Therefore, eat broccoli raw or lightly steam it to retain the most nutrients.

2. Garlic might contribute to bad breath, but the side effect may be worth it. Garlic contains sulfur that can help fend off cancer by stimulating the body’s natural immune system.

3. Enjoy orange foods.

Sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe contain carotinoids, which can reduce risk of cancer.

4. Blueberries top the list for antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to cancer.

5. The body needs water to stay healthy and flush out contaminants. Therefore, enjoy eight glasses per day.

6. Get a little sunlight.

Not only does sunlight boost mood, which can reduce stress and keep the body in top form, the body receives

Le n & Jack Tarling

most of its vitamin D from the sun. Minimal sun exposure will increase vitamin D in the body. Too little vitamin D can actually contribute to some cancers.

7. Cut down on the amount of high-fat dairy and meat products consumed.

8. Walk 30 minutes a day.

Even moderate exercise can reduce cancer risk.

9. Reduce exposure to chemicals. Let those dandelions sprout in the lawn, skip dry cleaning clothes and use natural items around the

house for cleaning. This reduces a person’s exposure to potentially toxic chemicals that may contribute to cancer.

10. Grapes contain the cancer-fighting compound resveratrol, which is found in wine. However, grapes do not offer the potentially negative consequences of alcohol consumption.

11. Choose organic whenever possible. Organic foods are grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them better for the body.

Come, join us for lunch. See what living here is all about!

Call Sharon to schedule a private tour: 250.404.4304

A Retirement Concepts Community

summerlandseniorsvillage.com

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

Thank you TB Vets

Small steps against stroke Submitted

Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. It is also the third leading cause of death. Preventing stroke can mean saving lives.

A recent study of 40,000 women ages 45 and older, published in the March issue of Meridian HealthViews, found that walking at least two hours a week could lower the risk for stroke by 30 per cent. Walking faster may even provide additional benefits.

Cardiovascular activity is good for the heart and can keep blood pumping effec-

tively through the body. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

More Canadians are surviving strokes due to advances in awareness and medical services but a new report by the Heart and Stroke Foundation reveals that more than one-third of Canadians mistakenly believe that the recovery period is limited to a few months. Stroke recovery is a journey that can continue for years or a lifetime, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 2013 Stroke Report, which outlines the importance of family caregivers in the process. A poll carried out for the report

reveals that half of Canadians are directly touched by stroke and even more striking, that one in five Canadians have been involved in the support and care of a stroke survivor.

“Stroke touches the lives of many Canadians, and family members and friends play an important role in the recovery journey,” says Ian Joiner, director, Stroke, Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Obviously the best story is when a stroke is prevented, but we need to pay more attention to every aspect of stroke – prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation and recovery.”

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation Please support the Penticton Regional Hospital with a tax deductible donation Why make the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation part of your estate and tax planning?

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South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6 Phone: 250-492-9027 • Toll Free: 1-866-771-0994 www.sosmedicalfoundation.com

We received a letter this month from the TB Vets, news that we had been waiting for the past year. The first line of the letter said it all: “The TB Vets Grants and Awards Committee have completed its review of respiratory equipment grant applications received from facilities throughout British Columbia. We are pleased to advise you that your grant request has been approved.”

We yelled out loud, yippee! Just one sentence, only 35 words to be exact and everything changes. What it means for the Penticton Regional Hospital is that state of the art respiratory equipment will be purchased, more diseases will be diagnosed, more patients supported and most important, more lives saved.

With the help of the TB Vets, we will be able to purchase a new Platinum Elite Series Body Plethysmograph. TB Vets, you’re outstanding, we can’t thank you enough for this incredible gift!

It makes us wonder, how many people in BC know about the TB Vets, the work they do, the key tags they provide and the life saving

equipment they provide to hospitals all over BC. After doing some research on their website www.tbvets. org we were surprised to discover that TB Vets didn’t start out as a charity, in fact their site explains that, “It was founded so that veterans could work, support and feed their families. It offered our wounded veterans employment with dignity. When our founding veterans returned from WWII with tuberculosis and other chest ailments, they had a hard time gaining employment. Back in 1946, employers wouldn’t hire people with disabilities — tuberculosis and chest ailments were considered disabilities. Now, 65 years later, TB Vets still proudly employ British Columbians with disabilities.”

While TB Vets will always be best known for their KeyTag Program it is important to note that, “Over the past two decades, TB Vets have granted over $11 million to help children and adults with respiratory ailments by funding research and education for Respiratory Therapists, as well as providing life-saving respiratory equipment to hospitals across the province.”

Today, the TB Vets mission, vision and objectives are simple: To help British Columbians with respiratory diseases lead healthy and productive lives; and to be recognized as a leader in the community in the fight against respiratory diseases.

Why is this so important?

Because respiratory illness does not discriminate.

The Penticton Regional Hospital requested a new

Platinum Elite Series Body Plethysmograph almost two years ago. The equipment is used on patients to measure the total volume of air in the lung and resistance to airflow in the airways of the person’s lungs which helps diagnose lung diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to manage-related treatment.

Pulmonary function applications include screening asthma patients, pre-operative and post-operative assessment of heart and lung surgery patients, evaluating lung damage from occupational exposures and documenting responses to therapy.

On behalf of the Board of Directors for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation, the medical and support staff at Penticton Regional Hospital and especially for the patients and their families, we want to sincerely thank the TB Vets for their profound donation. The new machine will arrive and be ready to serve the patients throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen region by the early fall 2013.

Want to learn more about the TB Vets, and make a donation? Check out their website at www.tbvets.org and check out the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s website at www.sosmedicalfoundation. com or call our office at 250 492-9027.

Janice Perrino, CFRE Executive Director South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 10, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 7

What to look for in a gym Submitted

When a person decides to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, that decision is often accompanied by the decision to join a gym.

Gyms can vary greatly. Some cater to specific activities, such as kick boxing or martial arts, while others are more general in scope, with weight training and cardiovascular equipment and access to personal trainers.

When looking for an exercise facility, the following items should be taken into consideration before signing an agreement.

• Location: Even the most ardent of gym rats would say it helps a great deal to find a gym that’s conveniently located.

When looking for an exercise facility, find one that’s either close to home or close to the office (preferably both if you work close to home).

For those who work far away from home, the gym’s location should ideally be closer to home to promote working out on weekends when you won’t be anywhere near the office.

• Fellow members: Certain gyms might prove intimidating or uncomfortable because of their existing members. While the members themselves might be warm and friendly, those new to working out might be intimidated if everyone else in the building looks like a professional bodybuilder. In addition, women sometimes feel more comfortable

working out at an all-female gym.

• Cost: The cost of gym membership is arguably the foremost consideration for many people when choosing a gym, especially since the economy remains largely unpredictable.

When looking for an exercise facility, inquire about membership costs as well as any initiation fees you may incur or discounts you may be eligible for. Because of the struggling economy, many gyms have waived or are open to waiving signup or initiation costs, which can cost in the hundreds of dollars at some facilities.

Also, when discussing cost with a facility employee, ask if there are family discounts or if memberships are reduced if fees are paid all at once instead of every month.

For example, a gym might charge $600 annually ($50 per month), but give a 10 percent discount to any members who pay a year’s worth of dues at sign-up.

When discussing membership costs, keep in mind many gyms are open to negotiation, but prospective members must initiate any such negotiations.

• Membership rights: Many gyms boast different types of memberships. Some memberships are allaccess and allow members to use the weight room, sauna, pool, etc. Other memberships might cost less but not offer as much access. For instance, a basic membership might offer access

Seniors on the go

to the weight room and cardiovascular machines, but not to the pool or sauna. Choosing the right membership depends on the individual.

For those who don’t swim and won’t enjoy a post-workout steam, then the basic membership can save money while still meeting all of the desired needs.

For those who want all-access, the more expensive membership might be more up your alley. Whichever membership is the better fit, be sure the membership agreement lists your rights as a member before signing any paperwork.

• Hours of operation: Some people prefer to workout before going to work, while others want to sleep in and exercise after a day at the office.

Individuals should find a gym that fits their schedules and workout preferences. It’s also good to inquire about holiday hours of operation. A good gym won’t shut down entirely during a holiday, and instead stay open on at least a limited schedule.

• Equipment: Even those new to working out should be able to tell if equipment is up-to-date or outdated.

A gym with outdated equipment is best to avoid, as older equipment could increase risk of injury.

A gym with the latest equipment is a gym that likely emphasizes giving its members the best possible environment in which to workout, and that’s important for all fitness enthusiasts, but especially those who are just beginning.

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8 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

Canadians becoming victims in surge of phone scams Submitted

Donating money to charity is one of the most selfless things a person can do.

Unfortunately, criminals can easily prey on these selfless acts, using a person’s desire to help the less fortunate for their own personal gain.

Telus is warning Canadians about a surge in a common phone scam.

They are working to protect customers from the fraudulent phone calls, which are affecting wireless and landline customers including businesses, primarily in B.C. and Alberta.

The latest scam involves ‘spoofing,’ where a fraudster re-programs the caller ID signal to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate business, claiming to represent that organization.

When someone picks up the scam call, the imposter on the other end of the line claims to be Telus or another well-known organization, saying the person they called has won a prize.

Other variants of the scam ask you to press 1 to receive a prize. The imposter will then try to convince the person they’ve called to hand over personal information and credit card numbers in order to collect the alleged prize.

This can result in unauthorized charges to a credit card or identity theft.

The calls are fraudulent, and in no way related to Telus or other companies the scam artists claim to be associated with. Consumers should never enter their credit card information when prompted to by an unknown caller or

automated call. Telus recommends customers simply hang up if they receive a call.

Telus is also urging Canadians not give out personal information over the phone unless certain they are speaking to a legitimate company.

If unsure when receiving a call from someone claiming to be from a company and asking for information, Telus recommends they either hang-up or ask for a number to call them back at directly ensure they are speaking with someone legitimate.

The Telus Fraud Management Centre is available to assist customers and give fraud awareness presentations. If you believe you may have given personal information to a scam artist and need assistance securing your Telus account, credit card numbers, or personal in-

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formation, please call TelusFraud Management at 1-877567-2062.

For additional information about phone fraud, please visit www.telus.com/ scams.

Cpl. Richard Schumacher of the Summerland RCMP detachment said variants on the grandparent scam continue to circulate in the community. The caller claims to be the target’s grandchild who needs money to cover bail costs following an impaired driving arrest.

A variant of this call, which has targeted several Summerland residents, originates from a penitentiary in Louisiana where prisoners have been making collect calls asking for money.

Schumacher urges residents not to accept a collect call from an unknown caller.

The scams continue to have some success. Earlier this month, an 84-year-old West Kelowna woman was taken for $1,500 in the grandparent scam.

Other scam attempts circulating in Summerland include requests to send in money in order to claim a large deposit and a mystery shopper scam.

Under the mystery shopper scam, the target receives an unsolicited letter detailing how to earn extra money as a mystery shopper. The letter also contains a cheque and a list of how it is to be distributed. However, the cheque is counterfeit and the victim who deposits it and then sends money to others on the list would lose out.

This scam also has been

reported in the Okanagan Valley earlier this month.

Information on frauds and scams is available through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors are considered easy targets for criminals for a number of reasons. The FBI notes that seniors are most likely to have a nest egg and an exceptional credit rating, making them very attractive to criminals. What’s more, seniors are more likely to be ashamed if they feel they have been victimized and therefore are less prone to report the fraud.

But seniors should know that con artists don’t discriminate when it comes to their victims, and people of all ages are victimized each and every year, particularly during the holiday season when men and women most commonly donate. Before donating to charity this year, older donors should take the following precautions to reduce their risk of being victimized by con artists posing as charities. * No reputable charity will want you to donate over the telephone. Instead, the charity will want you to familiarize yourself with their mission and history and then make a donation based on your research. If a caller wants you to donate over the phone, simply request they mail you information about the charity and then hang up.

If they’re a reputable charity, this should not be a problem.

If the caller continues to pres-

sure you for a donation over the phone, just hang up.

A caller soliciting a donation might be a con artist, an employee of a for-profit fundraiser or an employee of the charity itself. Ultimately, if you decide to make a donation, don’t do so over the phone. Instead, send that donation directly to the charity to ensure the charity receives the entire donation, instead of a portion going toward a fundraiser. * Don’t feel pressured.

No reputable charity pressures prospective donors into making contributions. That’s because they don’t need to.

A reputable charity can afford to keep its lights on and its programs running with or without your donation. If a caller or a letter is pressuring you to donate, don’t succumb to that pressure and kindly decline to donate. * Another tool employed by con artists or even less reputable charities is to send “gifts” to prospective donors.

These can include mailing labels or cards. The hope is that recipients will feel pressured into donating once they receive a gift. * Verify all information.

Con artists are especially good at impersonating a reputable charity, sending e-mails with a well known charity’s logo but a link that directs donors to a different web site entirely. Never make a donation without first verifying a charity’s information, including how your donation will be used and how much of the charity’s budget goes toward the services and programs it provides.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 10, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 9

Seniors on the go

Top 10 tips for keeping your cool 10. If you live alone, ensure someone is keeping in contact with you, especially during a heat wave.

If you know a senior who lives alone, check on that person when temperatures are high. Be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Izayana Pineda

Manager, Sun Village Retirement Residence

When temperatures rise, seniors are more at risk for heat stress, heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Seniors do not adjust as well as younger adults to sudden changes in temperature.

Plus, seniors may have medical conditions that affect how their bodies react to heat and may be taking medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

For these reasons, it is especially important for seniors to take extra precautions during summer heat waves.

The top 10 tips for keeping your cool are: 1. Drink plenty of fluids and eat lightly. However, avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, which increase dehydration.

2. Wear lightweight, light coloured, and loose fitting clothing.

To minimize sunburn, cover skin and wear sunscreen on all exposed skin when outdoors. Wear a widebrimmed hat in the sun.

3. For quick cooling, keep a container of cool water in the fridge or run a tub of cool water, wet washcloths in the water, and pat the wrists, face and the back of the neck. For an even quicker cool down, wrap ice cubes in a washcloth or use blue cooler packs on

Warning signs of heat stroke may include:

— A body temperature above 103 F when taken orally — dizziness — nausea and confusion — red, hot and dry skin with no sweating — a throbbing headache — rapid, strong pulse — unconsciousness

Warning signs of heat exhaustion may include:

wrists, face and back of the neck.

4. Use small, battery-operated hand-held fans and misters for a cooling break: open windows to create a cross-breeze; use tabletop, floor or ceiling fans to circulate air.

If you have air conditioning make sure it is functioning correctly and filters have been cleaned.

5. Schedule outside activities —

such as gardening or lawn care — in the early morning or in the evening.

6. Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house and close shades or draperies on sunny windows.

7. As much as possible, stay in the coolest part of the house, which

Sunshine vitamin can assist in brightening your mood Submitted

People experiencing the blues, feelings of depression and other mood disorders might be able to use vitamin D to alleviate symptoms of depression. New studies point to low blood levels of vitamin D as a culprit in depression.

Simply increasing these levels offers marked improvement.

A study conducted by VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam found that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses. The Amsterdam research, which tracked over 1,200 people aged 65 to 95, showed that blood vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in individuals with major and minor depression compared with nondepressed participants. A study in the United States indicated that vitamin D deficiency occurred more often in certain people, including African-Americans, city dwellers, the obese, and those suffering from depression. People with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL had an 85 percent increased risk of depression compared to those with vitamin D levels greater than 30 ng/mL. Vitamin D has long been recognized as a nutrient essential to the development and maintenance of strong bones. It has also recently been discovered to be of crucial importance to several aspects of overall health. Being deficient in vitamin D has been linked to a number of disorders, including cancer, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and now depression.

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is one of the few vitamins the body can produce. The body can get all the vitamin

D it needs simply by being out in the sun with ample skin showing to absorb the rays. However, increased awareness about skin cancer, the importance of sunblock and wearing clothes that protect skin from harmful UV rays has decreased many people’s production of vitamin D considerably. In the United States, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Although there are some food sources of vitamin D (salmon, tuna, mackerel and vitamin D-fortified dairy products, such as milk), the best way to get the vitamin is through moderate sun exposure. According to an article in U.S News and World Report, it’s impossible to produce vitamin D from the sun during the winter if you live north of Atlanta because the sun never gets high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere. But during the summer, when UV-B rays hit the skin, a reaction takes place that enables skin cells to manufacture vitamin D. If you’re fair skinned, experts say going outside for 10 minutes in the midday sun -- in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen -- will give you enough radiation to produce about 10,000 I.U. Darker-skinned individuals may need a little more time.

During the winter and for an extra boost, you will need to take an oral supplement. A doctor can help determine how much you need based on a simple blood test. With anxiety, depression, risk for heart attacks and a number of other health problems associated with low levels of vitamin D, it may be in your best interest to supplement with the vitamin

is usually on the lowest floor.

8. Houses can trap heat, so a shady spot outdoors may be cooler, especially if there is a breeze.

9. If you can, plan to spend a few hours of the hottest part of the day at the library, in a movie or at a mall or restaurant that is air conditioned.

This not only helps you stay cool, but it provides a social outing.

— heavy sweating — muscle cramps /weakness — headache, nausea and/or vomiting — pale skin, feeling tired and/or dizzy If you suspect you or anyone else is suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion, call for medical assistance.

Try to cool the body by moving to a cooler location; spraying or sponging with cool water or immersing in a cool shower or tub; and/or removing or loosening tightfitting or heavy clothing.

10 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

Hobbies arthritis sufferers can enjoy Submitted

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Individuals with arthritis are often stuck between a rock and a hard place. Doctors want people to exercise to keep up the range of motion in affected joints.

However, even some limited movements can cause pain and suffering to those with arthritis. Furthermore, individuals with arthritis may shy away from the activities they once enjoyed because the pain is simply too overwhelming.

Instead of simply sitting on the couch watching television, there are a number of different things arthritis sufferers can do to pass the time and reconnect with past hobbies and interests.

It might just take a little re-outfitting of the tools that are needed to participate.

Gardening

Gardening is a popular pastime for people of all ages. But the repetitive motions of digging and tilling as well as gripping a multitude of tools can take the joy out of the hobby.

People with arthritis can make some changes. Raised garden beds or container gardening eliminates the stooping and bending associated with traditional gardening.

With containers, individuals can place the containers on a counter or table and do all the work at a comfortable height.

Choosing low-maintenance plants is another option. Plants that don’t require as much pruning or repotting are good for those with arthritis.

Also, look for tools with larger grips and handles to be easier on arthritic hands.

Crafting

Many people with arthritis find the finedetail work they grew accustomed to is not very comfortable with arthritis. Instead, there are many other crafts that can be practical.

Ceramics are one craft where the activity can also be the exercise.

Using a pottery wheel or hand-molding doughs and other modeling media can be a way to stretch and work the hands and fingers. Using paintbrushes equipped with wider grips can make painting possible.

Mural painting is another option. Again, those with arthritis can choose tools with wide handles to make grasping easier. Large designs on walls or canvases will be easier to handle than smaller pieces.

Cooking

Cooking and baking is an art form that can be enjoyed by anyone. Furthermore, with ergonomic spoons, ladles and other kitchen tools, it has never been more convenient or less labor-intensive to be an accomplished home chef.

Baking and pastry creation is one area where people can show off creative skills.

For those who love to bake but have trouble kneading and working dough, food processors, bread machines and kitchen stand mixers can take the work out of those processes.

Cooking is not only a rewarding hobby, but also an activity that can benefit the household.

Having arthritis doesn’t mean a person has to give up on the activities he or she enjoys.

It merely involves a few tweaks that can still make these hobbies enjoyable.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, July 10, 2013

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 11

Seniors on the go

Choosing a home health care provider Lisa Slizek, RN

Owner of We Care Home Health Services in South Okanagan and West Kootenay

Now that you or your loved one has decided to get help with home care assistance, you may benefit from knowing what things you should ask about before you make your selection.

Although the length the home care provider has been in business may not be of huge significance, the company that has been around for a number of years may have more experienced staff and has developed high standards of care.

The company has developed a reputation for the care they give and may be able to offer you references.

A locally owned and operated company is accountable to the community it serves, it is aware of the local resources, can suggest alternate or additional supports and hires local professionals.

Within the structure of a home care agency there should be a range of health care professionals including registered nurses and home support workers supervised by a registered nurse. All staff should be provided with strict screening and ongoing training.

The care agency should have proper insurance and coverage by WorkSafeBC. All services should be individualized and outcome-based with a set of realistic goals.

To set up the care, a personalized care plan is put in place after the initial assessment. An in-home safety check should be done and any

All staff should be provided with strict screening and ongoing training.

— Lisa Slizek

risk factors should be addressed. You should receive written information about the company, including the rates for the services.

Continuity of care is essential to achieve client satisfaction. An experienced care manager should work with you on caregiver matching to ensure an ongoing professional relationship and service satisfaction.

The care provider should be able to respond to your needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Should your care needs change, it is reassuring to know that your needs can be looked after at any time.

The larger organizations may also be accredited. Accreditation means that the agency underwent an independent review by an accreditation agency and the company met or exceeded a set of national standards set for home health care.

We invite you to visit our web site www. wecare.ca for more information.

Something about Mary Lisa Slizek, RN

owner of We Care Home Health Services in South Okanagan and West Kootenay

When we met Mary (for confidentiality purposes the name and situation was changed) she was 81 and living on her own.

She had no immediate relatives.

She had signs of dementia for a few years, but was managing on her own up until the summer of 2011. When her nephew came to visit, he realized his aunt’s condition has deteriorated. That is when he called us for help.

On our first visit Mary looked very frightened, she lost a lot of weight, she was not able to name her medications and her home was untidy.

The curtains were closed and she would not let anyone in her home. Luckily she let the caregiver come in and after a while she was very comfortable with the staff that helped her with medication, grocery shopping, light cleaning (even though Mary said it is not necessary to clean, that she just did it) and making nutritious meals.

After about two-months and working closely with her power of attorney, the care was increased to daily visits.

This way we were able to make sure Mary takes her blister packed medications daily as prescribed. We assisted her with at least one meal a day (although other meals were prepared, Mary would not always eat them without being encouraged) and most importantly she had one-on-one contact with caregivers she got to know and trust.

After some time she did allow the staff to help her with her bath, take her for outings, play games, staff listened to her stories, took

care of her yard and flowers, even arranged to have her TV or appliances fixed when they were broken.

Mary enjoyed looking over her pictures, talking about her husband and the trips they did together.

In most times, she appeared very content and had good sense of humour. When I visited Mary as a care manager we talked about her and the caregivers, she would say to me you are the boss. She was the boss of her own home, she was the one given choices, provided she was safe.

I would always make sure her power of attorney was aware of any concerns, changes in Mary’s condition or outcomes of her doctor’s appointments.

An attempt to move Mary by her family to a care home was not successful and on return home, more care was arranged to assist with one more meal a day.

With the two daily visits Mary lived happily and safely at home with the support of her caregivers for two years until she had a stroke and had to be hospitalized.

Our care continued even in the hospital, the regular caregivers assisted Mary with meals and visitations just like a family member would do.

When the families are not able for whatever reason to provide the care to their loved one, there may be professional service to assist with care they would normally give.

Over the years we assisted many other clients like Mary to stay in the comfort of their own homes.

Often with the right help clients can stay at home and maintain the quality of their life while assuring their safety.

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12 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Penticton Western News

Seniors on the go

Is travel insurance necessary?

Submitted

When vacation season arrives, men and women want to protect themselves as much as possible regardless of where they’ll be vacationing.

Travel insurance has long been a security blanket some rely on when traveling. However, travel insurance might not always be necessary. For example, some travelers might already be covered. Oftentimes, a homeowners’ or renters’ policy provides coverage for items stolen away from home. In the case of lost luggage, airlines are required to reimburse passengers whose luggage have been lost.

Another thing to consider before purchasing travel insurance is whether or not a credit card or auto club membership already provides protection. Accidental death and dismemberment

coverage might already be covered by a credit card company or auto club membership, eliminating the need for additional travel insurance.

But travel insurance is sometimes beneficial. Some travel insurance provides protection in the case of a cancelled or interrupted trip.

While a trip canceled due to a natural disaster will likely garner a full refund even without travel insurance, travelers who must cancel or interrupt trips because of a family emergency or a work-related issue might benefit from travel insurance that protects them in such a scenario. Travel insurance policies that offer emergency medical assistance coverage can also be valuable, especially to travelers with an adventurous spirit. Such a policy provides assistance should you be hospitalized overseas or need to be flown home due to sickness or injury.

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CREMATIONS MEAN YOU NEVER HAVE TO WONDER WHO IS HANDLING

your loved one.

• Penticton’s on-site crematory •

www.everdenrust.com

1130 CARMI AVENUE • PENTICTON • 250.493.4112

Travel tips for the over 50 jet set Submitted

Celebrating 5 Years in Penticton We’re Inviting the Community to Help us Celebrate our 5 Years in Penticton starting at 2:00 p.m. on July 12th.

FREE CAKE AND COFFEE! info@thehamletsatpenticton.com

WE ARE LOCATED AT

OFFERING TOURS!

103 Duncan Avenue West Penticton 250-490-8503 8 Day Europe from *$1,756 13 Day Russia from *$5,096 13 Day China from *$2,692 *USD per person. Dates available throughout 2014. Call us for details.

penticton@maritimetravel.ca 2004 Main Street Penticton, BC V2A 5H4

or Toll Free

250-492-5792 1-855-492-5792

Your River Cruise Specialists Carla Carson, CTC

Kathie Davey, CTC, ACC

Debbie Buck, CTC, MCC

For many people, the allure of travel never wears off. Be it a young person’s first trip to a foreign land or an older couple’s return to the place they spent their honeymoon, recreational travel remains a favourite hobby of people of all ages.

Though travel appeals to people of all ages, it differs for people of all ages as well. The carefree pack a bag and go attitude shared by many a young traveler is not prudent for older travelers, who must take several safety precautions when traveling to ensure the trip will be safe as well as enjoyable. The American Geriatric Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging offers the following travel tips to older adults who still love the adventure of travel. * Talk to your doctor in advance. If you have already made travel plans, consult your physician, who may suggest a full checkup, before your trip begins. Explain any travel plans, particularly which cities or countries you plan to visit and what your travel itinerary is. Different locales call for different precautionary measures, and your doctor can discuss with you specific measures to take depending on where you will be going. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists various required and recommended vaccines based on certain travel destinations. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

When speaking with your doctor, it’s also best to ask when to take medications. While this is less of a concern for travelers who are staying within their own time zones, it’s important for travelers changing time zones to learn if they should stick to their home-timezone schedule or adapt it to the time zone they’ll be visiting. Even travelers who are staying within their time zone should ask their physician if it’s best to take certain medications before or after a flight. * Pack all necessary medications in your

carry-on bag. Most travelers have their own horror stories about losing checked baggage.

For older men and women on medication, this can be especially troubling if their medications are packed in bags that were checked.

When traveling, make sure all medications are in your carry-on bag to avoid losing medication while away from home. * Make a list. Before leaving home, make a list with your physician’s help and carry it with you at all times. This list should include: - any existing medical conditions - current treatment for those medical conditions, including the names of any medications you are on, the doses and how these medications are administered - the amount of the drug you need to take on the trip (this will be important should any medications be lost or damaged while traveling) * Take steps to avoid deep-vein thrombosis. Deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when blood clots form in the veins. This typically takes place in the legs because of a lack of blood flow. Older adults are at risk of DVT when traveling because traveling often requires sitting in one place, such as on an airplane or train, for long periods of time. Research has indicated that compression stockings are effective at preventing DVT, and older travelers might want to consider such stockings, particularly if their travels require a long flight, drive or train ride. * Don’t transfer pills to new containers.

Veteran travelers know getting through Customs is no joy ride. It’s even less enjoyable for men and women who must take prescription medications with them. To make your trip through Customs as stress-free as possible, keep all medications in their original containers.

To learn more about traveling safely, visit the American Geriatrics Society at www. americangeriatrics.org