January 31, 2016

LIVING

55

Plus

in the North Okanagan

Activate Your Life How To

Get Ready For Retirement

Exercising In Winter : Tips For Seniors

WINTER 2016

Z2 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

OSTEOARTHRITIS DR. APRIL SANDERS

Although I’m not ready to listen, my joints tell me that I’m at the wrong end of life.

Like millions of others, I have osteoarthritis, a condition that is at best annoying and at worst prevents you from doing a whole lot of things. Joints have a limited time warranty and may wear out before the rest of you is done.

What does one do to deal with osteoarthritis?

Most sufferers take pills - Tylenol, opioids, anti-inflammatories and various other pharmaceuticals.

Medications help symptoms, but long term use may cause liver and kidney complications. Tolerance develops when opioids are used chronically, making higher doses necessary and the subsequent risks of addiction and depression more likely. Bracing can be helpful, but often pain, immobility or failure of interventions

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leads to a surgical consultation and perhaps joint replacement.

My osteoarthritic wrist needs more surgery. When I discovered the next surgery involved fusion of the wrist, I was less enthusiastic. The prospects of being unable to bend my wrist and a lifetime of being forced to wave like the queen, left me lukewarm to that solution.

Looking for another fix, I visited the local physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine specialist) and he suggested PRP (plasma rich platelet) therapy as a treatment that might improve my wrist function and decrease pain.

Around since the 1990s, PRP gained more widespread recognition when sports superstars Tiger Woods, Raphael Nadal, Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant were treated successfully for such problems as golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff injury and other tendon and ligament injuries.

Fortunately for me, PRP has a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis as well. The process is time efficient and straightforward. PRP therapy starts with withdrawal of your own blood. That blood is then centrifuged to separate out the red blood cells and leave behind a slurry of concentrated platelet rich plasma. Under accurate ultrasound guidance, the specialist visualizes the problem area and injects it with the platelet rich plasma.

Platelets purportedly release “growth factors” that stimulate tissue repair via various mechanisms including increased collagen production, stem and tendon cell proliferation and improved blood flow. As a result, tendons, cartilage and ligamentous injuries can repair, at least to some extent and pain, range of motion and function can improve.

It has been a year since my wrist was first injected and I have had significant improvement in my range of motion and a decrease in pain. It is not a cure for my problem, but I am able to do many activities that were not previously available to me. PRP has allowed me to postpone any surgical fusion and for me, that is reason enough to recommend it.

Dr. April Sanders writes on a variety of topics for The Morning Star. She is a physician at Sanders Medical Inc. Vein and Laser in Vernon, B.C.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z3

SENIOR

R

INCOME

Tax season is just around the bend and NexusBC can help! Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, NexusBC Seniors Services volunteers help lowincome seniors age 60+ by completing and submitting their basic annual income tax return.

Not filing your income tax return can impact the benefits that seniors may be receiving such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters. When the program first began 10 years

PROGRAM

ago, volunteers filed 141 returns.

Last year, that number increased to 365 returns, preserving the benefits and financial entitlements for seniors in the North Okanagan.

aise a glass to your favourite wine, made by

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This free service is provided by Canada Revenue Agency-trained volunteers and takes place midMarch to the end of April. For more information, please contact NexusBC Community Resource Centre at 250.545.0585 or visit our website at www.nexusbc.ca

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Why Drink

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Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water.

Gloria Noble (left) and Marlene Godfrey (right) are two volunteers with the 2015 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, run through NexusBC Community Resource Centre, who provide free income tax returns for low income seniors. They are helping Pat Wales with filing his income tax return.

black tea • green tea oolong tea • white tea blooming tea herbal & wellness rooibos tea • mate tea fruit infusions organic • tea ware

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Black Tea

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White Tea

Potent anti-cancer properties compared to more processed teas.

Oolong Tea

Lowers bad cholesterol levels and aids with weight loss.

Pu-erh Tea

Aids with weight loss and reduces bad LDL cholesterol.

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Z4 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

Do You Snore?

Restless Sleep?

Snoring could be a bigger problem than you think.

It is a contributing factor with headaches, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, diabetes, memory loss, mental fog, tiredness, erectile dysfunction, strokes…. The list goes on and on.

A simple solution/ alternative exists to CPAP and snoring.

Please call or email to arrange a consultation with our office to determine if a mandibular advancement appliance will work for you.

- Lise Kalinski, DMD

FREE

Take Home Sleep Test Included

Aesthetic Dental 3401 - 32nd Avenue, Vernon, BC • 250-558-9889 dr@aestheticdentalclinic.com • aestheticdentalclinic.com

Thank Those Who Cared

For You Or A Loved One

Each day, staff in programs and facilities operated by Interior Health in the North Okanagan, performs miracles in our community. Maybe you or a loved one experienced a kind word, a gentle smile or a lifesaving procedure. You can recognize this experience by making a gift.

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation needs your help!

Why not make a gift today or plan for a legacy gift in the future?

2101 32ND St, Vernon, BC

250-558-1362 On-line donations: vjhfoundation.org

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation is a charitable society that supports health care in the North Okanagan by raising funds for Residential Care Facilities, Community Health Services and Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

Testing Hearing Aids: What is best clinical practice?

Tosha R. Hodgson, M.Cl.Sc., Aud(C), RAUD, RHIP Submitted

Hearing aids have come a long way over the years. Technologies available today can focus on speech, control whistling feedback, reduce wind noise, lessen background noise, and so on. That is what ads say. That is what hearing professionals tout. But how do we really know how a hearing aid is performing? Why do hearing aids work for some people while others leave their aids in a drawer? How do we know if a hearing aid and its features are optimized? The truth is, we cannot know with absolute certainty, but we can get pretty close.

Special equipment and test methods exist to objectively test hearing aids to help determine if aids are optimized for a person’s hearing loss. Real-Ear Measures (REMs) allow us to test hearing aids while they are worn.

REMs are currently the best objective way to empirically test hearing aid performance, regardless of hearing aid style or brand.

Real-ear measures (REM) involve a hearing professional inserting a tiny microphone into a hearing aid wearer’s ear canal and then inserting the person’s hearing aid into the ear alongside that microphone. The tip of the probe-microphone is ideally positioned approximately 5mm away from the eardrum. Standardized sounds (speech signals, tones, static noise) are played through a speaker.

The aid amplifies that sound. As the aid is working, the probemicrophone inside the ear canal measures the amplified result. The amount of sound reaching the eardrum is recorded and plotted on a monitor, in real-time, to compare to a prescription.

REMs are the gold standard objective way to measure hearing aid performance and verify if an aid meets prescribed criteria. Best

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z5

REMs are a crucial step in all hearing aid fittings and should not be omitted from the fitting process. Let me repeat that: REMs are a crucial step in all hearing aid fittings.

There are so many parameters that influence the sound quality of a hearing aid. Ears vary in shape and size and numerous hearing aid styles exist. If a person has a behindthe-ear aid, is the tubing thin, wide, or have a wire running through it? Is there an open, closed, tulip, or power dome attached to the end of the tube or is a custom earpiece attached? Does the aid fit in the ear properly? What is the size and type of vent used?

Are the hearing aid microphones positioned correctly or aiming the wrong direction? What about technical features like frequency bands, channels, compression, and cross-over frequencies? Does the aid have frequency compression capability? Is it activated? Are multiple listening programs saved in the aid and working as expected? Is feedback management turned off, on, or set too aggressive causing speech to be under-amplified?

A hearing professional’s role is to be knowledgeable about all these parameters, understand how they interact with each other, and verify the end results.

It is a service all hearing aid wearers should receive during fitting or follow-up appointments.

Unfortunately, there is sometimes a reliance on hearing aid manufacturers’ programming software to make adjustments and no verification is done to prove settings are optimal. Manufacturers’ software can only take us so far. There is a lot of variability between manufacturers and hearing aid fitting protocols. REMs standardize the fitting process and verify the results – something manufacturer software cannot do.

Hearing aids are a big investment. We need to know they are working optimally. Aid performance should be objectively verified using standardized test protocols, subjectively verified by the hearing aid wearer, and customized to the wearer’s needs and preferences.

REMs help ensure aids are worn and not tucked away in a drawer.

To learn more about REMs and watch how, and why, they should be done, register for a free REM seminar to be held on Wednesday February 24th at 1:00pm.

Email info@rockwellaudiology.ca or call 250.545.2226 to register.

Z6 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

COMMON causes of

POOR VISION Vision loss is a common condition, as the World Health Organization notes that more than 285 million people across the globe suffer some type of visual impairment. Many people can effectively counter their vision problems with prescription lenses, but others may have a more significant issue, such as low vision.

The Kellogg Eye Center defines low vision as a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses.

Those with low vision have some useful sight and are not considered completely blind. However, low vision can interfere with performance of daily activities, and some people with this condition are classified as “legally blind.”

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•Dr. Parker, Optometrist

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Lensmakers has expanded its product lines and offers many name brand frames. If you are looking for a colour, style and new materials … you will find them at Lensmakers Optical!

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We are able to bill most insurance companies direct.

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Symptoms of low vision include difficulty recognizing objects at a distance or problems with differentiating colors. Yet, not everyone dealing with these symptoms has low vision. Specialized testing can determine if a person has low vision or another condition.

Many conditions can impact sight and contribute to vision loss.

Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

• Glaucoma A person with glaucoma may gradually lose peripheral vision. Early symptoms, such as a subtle loss of contrast, may be unnoticeable. Eventually, glaucoma may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a person can only see through a small window.

• Macular degeneration Macular degeneration is the leading

cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States alone, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF offers that macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula.

The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it contributes to one’s ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors and see objects in fine detail.

• Retinal detachment An increase of floaters or sudden flashes of light in vision may be indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in the retina. When caught promptly, a detached retina may be repaired.

However, if left untreated and the detachment reaches the macula in the center of the retina, vision loss may be irreparable. The National Eye Institute says those with extreme nearsightedness, those who have had cataract surgery or those with a family history of retinal detachment are at a high risk.

• Diabetic retinopathy Blurring or patchy vision loss can be a

side effect of high blood glucose levels. Not all people with diabetes will develop vision problems, but it is common enough to warrant attention.

• Cataracts According to The Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lenses. Clouded vision can make it more difficult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts may obscure vision so much that they require surgical repair.

Routine eye examinations can bring potential vision disturbances to light and facilitate faster treatment. Eye doctors also can make suggestions about lifestyle changes, including the use optical devices to improve sight.

3

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z7

online safety tips every senior should know

(NC) The Internet can be a senior citizen’s best friend. It helps you to keep in touch with faraway friends and family members, offers convenient ways to carry out chores and provides countless opportunities for connecting with others through social media, on dating sites and e-mail. However, it can also make you vulnerable to scams and cybercrime. The following three tips will help you stay safe online:

Beware of strangers and offers One of the most common forms of cybercrime perpetrated against seniors involves emails from fake banks, false businesses, and strangers asking for help, donations or promising prizes.

“As a rule of thumb, never open e-mails from addresses or people you do not know personally,” explains Shelly Smith, director of Telus Wise, established to educate Canadians on wise Internet and smartphone habits. “If someone legitimate really needs to talk to you, they will use regular offline channels.”

Only trust reputable sellers and sites

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While looking to book a trip or make a purchase, you may stumble across a deal that seems too good to be true. It probably is. Buying and selling online is a great way to shop but always make sure you are using a reputable vendor. “Do your due diligence by performing a Google search, reading online reviews and asking friends and family before supplying your credit card information,” Smith points out.

Your password is your strongest defense You likely have several different passwords, which can make it difficult to keep track of them. So, you might be inclined to use the same one repeatedly or rely on an easy-to-remember solution like a birthday or the name of a loved one. You should avoid this at all costs. Instead, play around with different letter, number and character combinations and change your password frequently.

The Internet can be an invaluable tool – and plenty of fun – just make sure you use it wisely.

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Z8 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

y d a e r t e g o t How for

t n e m e r reti (NC) A number of studies – including one by Dhaval Dave, an associate professor of economics at Bentley University– have proven that a sedentary retirement can have adverse effects on your health.

The study found that those who retire completely see a five percent to 16 per cent increase in difficulties associated with mobility and daily activities in the six years after retirement, and a five to six percent increase in illnesses like heart disease, stroke and arthritis.

A big reason why people get sick after they retire, say researchers, is that work is one of our most stimulating activities. “Most of us get the majority of our cognitive and social stimulation at our day jobs,” says Dave. “Once you take away the job, many retirees are faced with

Advocating for Seniors Greg Kyllo, MLA Shuswap greg.kyllo.mla@leg.bc.ca • 250-833-7414

a less active lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It’s the old adage, use it or lose it.”

Plan to be busy To stay healthy and happy, it’s important for retirees to be active.

This is the part of retirement planning that most prospective retirees forget about. The average life expectancy in Canada is 81, which means many baby boomers are staring down two decades or more of retirement. This is one of our longest life stages, yet we tend to do the least amount of planning on what that might look like. We need a certain amount of stress for our brains to be able to operate efficiently. When we start to feel marginal, we lose our sense of self.

Investors Group retirement planning expert Dave Ablett adds that an active and engaging retirement lifestyle also requires a solid financial plan.

“It’s about more than saving and accumulating,” Ablett says. “Tax planning, insurance coverage and ensuring that you get the most out of your money are all important factors in a happy and healthy retirement.”

Editor Note: This column, published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z9

SUDOKU

Fun By Numbers!

Vernon’s Community Centre for Seniors Ever since the new Schubert Centre opened its doors in 1984 it’s been a social & recreational hotspot for seniors!

Like puzzles?

Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

3505 30th Avenue, Vernon 250-549-4201

www.schubertcentre.ca

• Happy Hour • Pancake Breakfasts • Wellness Clinics • Woodworking • Card Games • Crafting • Live Music • Shuffleboard • Billiards

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ANSWER:

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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Z10 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

DEMENTIA

Mackie Lake House Foundation 7804 Kidston Rd, Coldstream www.mackiehouse.ca

250-545-1019 Savour the timeless elegance of the House and screened veranda as you sip fragrant tea and nibble on delectable finger sandwiches and scones. Treat your mother, your friends or yourself for these special Teas.

Mothers Day Tea

Sunday, May 8 at 10 am and 2 pm

Tea with Grace

Thursdays, June 23- Sept 15 at 10 am and 2 pm

Sunday Teas

Select Sundays, June 19, July 17 and August 14 at 1:30 and 3:30 pm Please note that private tours and teas for groups of six or more are available by appointment year round contact us for costs and availability.

For full details including ticket prices please go to www.ticketseller.ca or call 250-549-7469

Back in Time Tours Thursdays, June 23- Sept 15 at 11:15 am and 3:15 pm Come join us at the Mackie Lake House for a tour of this beautiful heritage home that was built in 1910 and learn about the families that lived here and discover the rich history of the Okanagan.

Music at Mackie

Outdoor Concert Series Friday June 17, July 15 and August 12 at 6 pm For a magical summer evening experience the Music at Mackie Summer Concert Series on select Friday nights. Bring your own lawn chair/ blanket and picnic supper, cash bar available.

Selected as the “BEST PLACE IN THE NORTH OKANAGAN TO GET MARRIED”, plan to have your wedding on the spacious Mackie Lake House grounds.

Special birthdays and other occasions can also be held here!

doesn’t need to

define a life (NC) Currently 47.5 million people worldwide are living with dementia. This number is more than the total population of Canada. By 2031 it is estimated that 1.4 million Canadians will be living with this disease.

Although a diagnosis of dementia can come as a shock not only for the person, but for the family as well, there are resources to support living a happy and healthy day-to-day life.

Boz Carter is a doting grandfather, a greeter at his church and a huge Boston Bruins fan.

He is also someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Dementia doesn’t define us,” says his wife Cathy Hurd Carter, 53.

“That’s been our mantra from the beginning.”

The Winnipeg couple adopted the mantra shortly after Carter’s 2012 diagnosis. Almost immediately, they enrolled themselves in an eight-week course with their local Alzheimer Society to learn how to plan for their future with the disease.

Hurd Carter says it helped them understand they didn’t have to look backward to hang on to what they have. “We can move forward with this disease and still live life,” she comments.

While it took some educating on her part, church officials were

happy to have her husband volunteer as a greeter.

That was especially important to Carter, 60, who was fired from his job as a stock clerk when he became ill. The experience left him feeling “broken and useless,” says Hurd Carter.

While they refuse to let the disease define them, they also know they have to make changes in their lives.

Carter has good and bad days and they adjust their plans accordingly.

Hurd Carter, who is on leave from her job as a family crisis worker, wants to keep her husband at home with her as long as possible. That way, she can greet him each morning in their accustomed way - staring into his face and telling him “Good morning. I love you.”

“I know it’s not this way for everyone, but he reflects back whatever he gets from the world,” she adds.

Life doesn’t end when Alzheimer’s begins. Be there for those who are #StillHere.

More information is available at www.alzheimer.ca/stillhere.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z11

highest interest rate.

or How to Save f ile h w t n e m e r i t e R bt e D g n i t a n i m i El (NC) Canadians are carrying more debt than ever before and many find themselves faced with a tough choice: pay down the debt or save for retirement? According to personal finance experts, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds and it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think.

“Taking a proactive approach to your finances can allow you to both save for retirement and pay down your debt,” says Wade Stayzer, vice president of sales and service at Meridian. “By determining your financial goals and working with a trusted financial advisor to build a plan to achieve them, you’ll find that the payoff is well worth the effort.”

Invest automatically – Saving for the future is easy if you put your savings on autopilot. Many financial institutions provide pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plans, which will automatically transfer funds from your chequing account into your savings investments at regular intervals. PACs are a great tool for contributing to RSPs or TFSAs and if you coordinate the withdrawals to align with your payday, the money won’t even be missed.

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Meridian offers tips on how to save for your retirement while tackling debt.

Get a personalized financial plan – Working with a trusted financial advisor to create a personalized financial plan is like driving with a GPS system – you’ll reach your end goal faster and with less stress.

Make sure you are honest with your advisor and give them the full picture.

Let them help you reach your goals and check in with them at least once a year to re-evaluate your plan and make any necessary course corrections to keep you on track.

Be strategic – Pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying the minimum on the rest of your debts. Once that first debt is paid off, concentrate your efforts and funds in paying the next debt with the

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Z12 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

ACTIVATE YOUR LIFE It is never too late to start living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Taking those first steps towards regular exercise can lead to endless benefits (physically, mentally and socially) and even help to reduce symptoms of pain or illness. Imagine feeling younger, finding that bounce in your step, and smiling more.

where to start? It only takes a few steps to get started. Speaking with your health professional is a great way to find the safest way to add more activity to your day.

Three basic categories are: Land, Water and Weights.

Whether you are generally healthy or are managing illness or previous injuries, adding exercise to your day is possible. Increasing activity to your day can be done simply and in small ways. Not sure

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Starts Here Our fitness classes are safe, effective and fun!

Land Look for land based classes with seated exercise that advance to full aerobic style classes.

Water

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Give us a call to find out how we can get you started.

Deb Treherne at 250-550-3672 www.gvrec.ca • activeliving@vernon.ca

Aquafit and Aqua Therapy classes that use the properties of water to provide an overall body workout or therapeutic class.

Water based classes are an excellent way to increase your fitness while being fully supported by the water.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z13

Weights Yes! We did say weights! Weight bearing activities for older adults are essential in maintaining bone density.

When looking to increase your activity level it is important to seek the advice of those that know your health history and can recommend a safe course of action. Find a Fitness Instructor who is certified and experienced in providing safe, effective and fun fitness classes for Older Adults.

Boosting your fitness not only helps you build strength, balance and flexibility it comes with the extra benefits of making new friends, improving your memory and challenging your brain. Plus it is Fun!

Get Your Smile Back!

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KASPER DENTURE CLINIC specializes in precision full and partial

dentures. We stay up-to-date and educated on the latest technology for your comfort and health. A father and son business, we have a combined fifty years of experience that will give you your great smile back! Our service is fast, professional and efficient. We are here for you with great customer service to get you in and out with the utmost comfort and ease. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to excellent customer service.

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Monday - Friday 8:30am - Noon & 1:00pm - 4:30pm

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Z14 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

Ways PETS could IMPROVE personal HEALTH Rather than heading to the pharmacy for solutions to common ailments, a majority of people may be able to stop at the nearest pet store or animal shelter and find a finned or furry remedy instead.

Studies that link positive health benefits to pet ownership abound.

According to WebMD, one study found that 48 stockbrokers who adopted a pet experienced lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people who did not own pets. Plus, pets have proven beneficial to seniors struggling with loneliness.

Any pet can try a person’s patience at times, especially when a kitty has used a sofa as a scratching post or when a pooch needs to be let into the yard at 3 a.m. But for many pet owners, the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the negatives. Here are some of the many ways that pet ownership can be good for your health.

• Lower blood pressure: Petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure, as can watching a fish swim around a tank. Those with

hypertension may want to purchase or adopt a companion animal to help lower their blood pressure.

• Lower cholesterol: Lifestyle factors associated with pet ownership, particularly a focus on increased physical health and activity, can help lower cholesterol levels. Also, having a pet works to reduce stress, which may keep individuals from looking to fatty foods as sources of alleviating anxiety.

• Fight depression: Many therapists have prescribed pet therapy as a method to alleviating and recovering from depression. A pet is an unconditional friend and can provide that listening ear a person needs to talk through problems. Also, walking and taking care of a pet devotes attention away from problems and inward thinking.

• Improve physical activity levels: Heading to the gym is one way to get a workout, but spending an hour walking the dog or tossing around a ball for a game of chase and fetch is another way to get the heart pumping. Many dog owners benefit from the “forced”#exercise that goes with daily walks. Some people choose to exercise with their pets, enjoying the companionship and the physical activity.

• Reduce stroke incidences: There has been evidence that cat owners are less likely to suffer strokes than people who do not have cats. Researchers are not sure of the connection, but surmise that cats have a more calming nature than other types of pets.

• Greater opportunities for socialization: Humans are social animals and need to interact with others. Pet owners have a tendency to want to share time and experiences with other pet owners. Pets can provide opportunities for people to get together.

The companionship and love pets provide could be a key benefit in promoting good personal health.

DID YOU ?

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There are a lot of different methods when it comes to pet grooming and daycare and overnight boarding. Ensure that everything you think you might expect is provided. When planning to go away for a weekend or extended period of time, take the time to compare the services that are offered at various businesses.

Heating and air conditioning, plenty of natural light, outdoor fenced play areas, clean facilities and individual dog and cat beds, the number of employees per dog and cat are just a few things you need to check.

Not all pets enjoy being bathed or getting groomed, great results happen when your 4-legged buddy is taken care of in a low-stress environment and on an individual basis.

Calmness is key to your pet’s relaxation.

Some service providers do offer pet transportation for your convenience which can come in handy in this busy world!

Cat Lounge daycare services and overnight boarding are fairly new to the industry, offering soft music “Kitty TVS” (aquarium), toys, cat post and outside viewing vantage points keeping your cat happy.

Enjoying your trip without concerns about your pets is the key to an excellent choice.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z15

Exercising in winter: Tips for seniors (NC) It’s tough to get outside and get some exercise when the snow is blowing, the temperatures are frigid and the sidewalks are slippery.

health condition, you can get creative at home. Use a chair to do side leg lifts and squats; grab a soup can to get in some bicep curls.

Resistance bands are also a great option – they’re cheap and easy to use, and help maintain muscle strength as we get older.

Exercise is an important component of the health coaching patients receive by phone through Telehomecare, a program that provides simple-to-use equipment for the home to enable the remote monitoring of vital signs by a specially trained clinician.

If the great outdoors aren’t looking so great, there are other options. You can head to the mall and walk to your heart’s content, on your own or in a group. Or you can head to your local community centre which likely offers a good selection of fitness classes, such as water aerobics (good for the joints), yoga, dance and Tai Chi.

Look as good as you Feel

EYE GLASSES • CONTACT LENSES

Corner optiCaL

#160 - 4400 32nd Street Vernon Square mall

250.545.3318

Lisa VanderVelde/Morning Star

Gail Watson (right) and Cathy Elstone take part in the Learn Tai Chi in 3 Days workshop at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi centre.

The slow, meditative movements of Tai Chi have been found to be helpful coping with the symptoms of four common chronic conditions -- cancer, heart failure, osteoarthrithis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Not only that, but activities like Tai Chi also help improve mood, as does getting out of the house and socializing.

At home, if you live in an apartment building, you can walk the halls and climb the stairs. Exercise DVDs are also a good option, as are virtual reality computerbased technologies such as Nintendo’s Wii. Studies have shown that they have a positive effect on balance and their benefits are at least comparable to other exercise programs.

If your mobility is more restricted due to a chronic

Dr. Chris Spooner B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Kristen Read B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Marc Boutet B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Melissa Spooner B.SC, Nutrition

We offer care that strives to go beyond the expected and builds relationships with our patients and their families.

For appointments call

778.475.3822 Learn more about us at paradigmnaturopathic.com

Z16 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

Floor curling was developed for those who are not able to ice curl due to back or knee problems.

There is no need for sweeping and it is played indoors. Wooden rocks are used and the floor has shuffleboard wax on it. Like curling there are four people on a team including a skip, third, second and lead. The skip has a stick to show the players where to aim the rock and the game is scored just like curling. It is a great game to get you active and a good way to meet people!

FLOOR CURLING

Offering seniors companionship, security and independence

• Supportive family atmosphere • Within walking distance of downtown • Situated in a beautiful setting Call or stop by for potential vacancies.

Jennifer Smith Morning Star

Gerry Turgeon throws a rock during floor curling at the Halina Seniors Centre, which takes place Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Anyone over 50 is welcome to come try their hand at the fun sport, call 250-542-2877 for more information.

250-542-3711 www.abbeyfieldvernon.ca

3511 27th Ave, Vernon BC

When it’s time to

Many thanks for all your hard work and efforts in helping us obtain our retirement home.

Thank you Bjorn for your professionalism, your knowledge and your compassion.

Revise your living arrangements you’ll be wise to contact Bjorn Edblad A Vernon Realtor who understands and specializes in helping seniors with safe, comfortable & carefree living.

Bjorn has outstanding credentials with over 40 years of experience and has dealt extensively with seniors and senior communities in BC.

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Jennifer Smith Morning Star

John Nordquist slides a rock during floor curling at the Halina Seniors Centre.

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z17

All My Children Okanagan Pet Boarding • 250-275-1626

GOING AWAY? Plan a great vacation for your dog!

We treat your pets like royalty Jennifer Smith/Morning Star

Florence Kernachan watches her team rock slide into position while Rita Prystupa keeps an eye on the play.

BEST LONG TERM RATES IN TOWN • Large private indoor / outdoor enclosures • Heated floors • Natural light • Music • Individual play time • Video Feedback & email updates

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Jennifer Smith/Morning Star

John Antoniow slides a rock during floor curling at the Halina Seniors Centre, while Anne Moore, 89, waits her turn to play.

Z18 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

Health • Medical • Important Numbers POLICING

Emergency Calls Only................................................................911 RCMP Vernon non emergency..................................... 250-545-7171 RCMP Armstrong non emergency................................ 250-546-3028 RCMP Enderby non emergency................................... 250-838-6818 RCMP Lumby non emergency..................................... 250-547-2151 RCMP Oyama non emergency.................................... 250-766-2288 Vernon Community Policing........................................ 250-550-7840 Vernon Crime Stoppers.............................................. 250-260-7161 or.......................................................................... 1-800-222-8477 RCMP Victims Assistance.......................................... 250-260-5833

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Interior Health Authority Okanagan.............................. 250-545-9167 www.interiorhealth.ca • Regional Administration Office............................... 250-862-4200

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

2101 32 St, Vernon BC • Switchboard......................................................... 250-545-2211 • Foundation.......................................................... 250-558-1362 Vernon Health Unit.................................................... 250-549-5721 BC Prosthetic & Orthotic Services.............................. 250-542-3384

Armstrong/Enderby/Spallumcheen Community Health Services • • • •

Intermediate/Extended Care ................................ 250-546-4707 Home Support Services ....................................... 250-546-4712 North Okanagan Health Unit ................................. 250-546-4720 Lumby Health Centre............................................ 250-547-2164

MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICES

Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service ............................................................................ 1-800-663-1441 Allergy/Asthma Information Assn............................. 1-877-500-2242 ALS Society of BC.................................................. 1-800-708-3228 Alzheimer Society of BC.......................................... 1-800-634-3399 Dementia Helpline.................................................. 1-800-936-6033 Arthritis Society Answers Line................................. 1-800-321-1433 Interior Regional Office (Trudy)................................. 1-250-868-8643 BC Brain Injury Association..................................... 1-877-858-1788 BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahulwalia Hawkins Centre for Southern Interior..................................... 1-250-712-3900 Screening Mamography Program................................. 250-549-5451 Book Your Screening............................................... 1-800-663-9203 BC Epilepsy Society................................................ 1-866-374-5377 BC Lung Association............................................... 1-800-665-5864 BC Lupus Society................................................... 1-866-585-8787

BC Schizophrenia Society.......................................... 250-260-3233 BC Spinal Cord Injury – Vancouver........................... 1-877-324-3611 SCIU BC Infoline..................................................... 1-800-689-2477 Brain Trust Canada................................................. 1-250-762-3233 CNIB..................................................................... 1-250-763-1191 Canadian Cancer Society .......................................... 250-542-0770 Caner Information Service....................................... 1-888-939-3333 Southern Interior Rotary Lodge................................ 1-250-712-2203 Freemason Volunteer Driver Program....................... 1-800-299-0188 Canadian Diabetes Association............................... 1-250-762-9447 Information Line..................................................... 1-800-226-8464 Canadian Institute for Health Information (Victoria).............................................. 1-250-220-4100 Canadian Liver Foundation...................................... 1-800-856-7266 Canadian Mental Health Association.......................... 250-542-6155 BC Division............................................................ 1-800-555-8222 24 hour Information Line........................................ 1-800-661-2121 Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program........................................................... 250-545-3111 Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada Central Okanagan Assoc. for Cardiac Health ............................................................................ 1-250-763-3433 Cerebral Palsy Association of BC............................. 1-800-663-0004 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation................................... 1-800-513-8202 Denturist Association of BC.................................... 1-604-582-6823 Dietitian Services............................................................. Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................. Dial 7-1-1 HealthLink BC.................................................................. Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................. Dial 7-1-1 Healthy Eating For Seniors................................................ Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................. Dial 7-1-1 Heart & Stroke Foundation BC.................................... 250-558-5815 Toll Free................................................................. 1-866-432-7833 Interior Health Lifeline Program.................................. 250-558-1334 Toll Free................................................................. 1-800-994-8414 Kidney Foundation of Canada.................................. 1-800-567-8112 Lake Country Health Planning Society...................... 1-250-766-5437 Medic Alert Foundation........................................... 1-800-668-1507 Medical Services Plan............................................ 1-800-663-7100 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Vernon........................... 250-542-2411 Muscular Dystrophy Canada ................................... 1-800-366-8166 Okanagan Mental Health Services Society Assisted Living Program.......................................... 1-250-717-3368 Therapeutic Work Program...................................... 1-250-717-3007 Osteoporosis Canada (Trish Gunning)...................... 1-250-861-6880 Pacific Blue Cross.................................................. 1-800-873-2583 Parkinson Society British Columbia.......................... 1-800-668-3330 PharmaCare........................................................... 1-800-663-7100 Prostate Cancer Canada Network............................ 1-888-255-0333

Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star Z19

CROSSWORDS Train your Brain!

CLUES ACROSS 1. Soybean paste 5. Unit of time 8. Watering holes 12. Joint 14. Certified public accountant 15 __ Mater, one’s school 16. Resells tickets 18. Batter’s objective 19. Past participle of lie 20. State of Islands 21. Fed 22. Cause cell destruction 23. Daily Show host 26. Diagrammed 30. Cat sounds 31. Most sorry 32. Do wrong 33. Coral reef and lagoon island 34. That (Middle English) 39. Electrically charged atom 42. Nassau is the capital 44. Frogs, toads, tree toads 46. Marjoram 47. Where the Donald lives in NYC 49. Whale ship captain 50. A way to emit sound 51. Comparable 56. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 57. Businesswoman 58. A way to split up 59. Solo Operatic piece 60. No (Scottish) 61. In a way, tears 62. Bridge breadth 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much

CLUES DOWN 1. Korean War TV show 2. South American Indian 3. Cape at tip of Denmark 4. A podrida cooking pot 5. Russian sourgrass soup 6. Perfect example 7. Supplier 8. Unhealthy looking 9. Spanish beaches 10. Am. follower of the Mennonite Bishop Amman 11. Well-balanced 13. Outer surface cells 17. Fathers 24. Sun up in New York 25. Dweller above the Mason-Dixon 26. Young women’s association 27. Tell on 28. Bustle 29. Poundal

35. An ugly, old woman 36. Doctors’ group 37. __ Ling, Chinese mountain range 38. Volcanic mountain in Japan 40. Leaves parentless 41. Existing in or produced by nature 42. Inclination 43. Extents 44. Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf 45. Language of Nile 47. Twyla __, US dancer 48. Card game 49. River in E. Turkey to the Caspian Sea 52. Scored 100% 53. Tonight’s former host 54. __ and ends 55. Notable exploit

Z20 Living 55 Plus Sunday, January 31, 2016 - The Morning Star

Here’s how it works.

Effortless fat loss?

Indeed it’s True I’m quite aware that my bold statement above raises a lot of eyebrows and quite likely goes on to be passed by as a cute statement and nothing more. I assure you however I would not be writing this if it were not true, read on and you will understand how this is possible.

We have been lead to believe that calories are what count. As long as what we put in is fewer than what we expend we will lose weight.

But when you think about it, how has that been going? Maybe you diligently go to the gym, sometimes even against what you really want to be doing. Then we go home, eat a little bit and on occasion feel guilty that we went over what we were supposed to, or consume foods that are “forbidden”. Now week after week of this you still seem no better off than the week before. Then you hop on board the weight loss wheel, follow a diet or program with some results until you drop off, and then repeat with another diet or program.

Let me leave you with a strategy that will leave you in the land of effortless fat loss limiting this frustrating struggle. This one simple strategy accounts for the biggest amount of weight gain so it will assist you greatly. It’s a little hormone response called insulin.

Insulin regulates blood sugar levels. So it operates the nutrient transportation and distribution. The body creates glucose out of carbohydrates, which comes from what you consume. The source of carbohydrate determines the speed that glucose enters the bloodstream. Imagine a big factory that gets materials to manufacture. Some materials get unpacked and go straight out of the factory into shipping (the bloodstream) and other materials get unpacked and require some processing in order to get to the transport stage. When the glucose gets absorbed into the blood, insulin kicks in and gets the glucose where it needs to go. The glucose is received in a priority sequence. The liver is priority one.

When that is full it moves to the muscles, and finally when the liver and muscles are full it gets stored within fat for future use. Now here is an interesting correlation, if the factory starts manufacturing lots and lots of quick ship materials into the bloodstream, insulin has to be secreted more and more in order to keep up. As this continues to happen the liver and muscle cells are so full they don’t need anymore and all the glucose get stored as fat.

So what does this all mean, well allow me to make this simple.

As you drop the amount of sugar, and carbohydrates you consume you will begin to lose weight automatically because the insulin storage process slows down. The less materials that go into the factory the fewer by-products, glucose, gets into the bloodstream and this results in less insulin being secreted. Mixed with exercise you now deplete more stores than get deposited.

Matt Somerset Fat Loss Strategist Vernon Snap Fitness.

BECAUSE RESULTS MATTER!

Membership benefits include:

• Unlimited access to the Fitness on Demand in our studio.

• 30 day check in. We are committed to getting you results-guaranteed.

• Free FitScore with a personal trainer.

• Free introductory to the Feldenkrais Training method.

• Free 30 minute nutritional counselling.

• Free yoga class with an instructor.

• Club access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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$8.95 enrollment fee and $25.00 smart card fees apply. Standard sales tax rates apply.

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#103 5301 25 Ave. Vernon www.snapfitness.com/vernonbc