55 Plus June

JUNE 2025

MAGAZINE EXPLORE NEAR OR FAR WELLS GRAY TOURS

4 STEPS TO PLANNING A CHARITABLE GIFT IN YOUR WILL VICTORIA HOSPICE SOCIETY

A​FFORDABLE, FAMILY STYLE, INDEPENDENT LIVING ABBEYFIELD HOUSE ST. PETERS

THE ISLAND'S ONLY LIVING WAGE HOME CARE PROVIDER COMMUNITY PLUS

DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF PORTUGAL MILE ZERO

BATHROOM ACCESSORIES THAT ADD THE PERFECT TOUCH SPLASHES

WE’RE TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING BROADMEAD CARE SOCIETY

ALLERGIES AND EARS HEAR CENTRAL SAANICH

ARE MY TEETH MAKING ME SICK? DR. C ROSS CRAPO DDS

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TIMES COLONIST | 55+

Explore Near or Far with Wells Gray Tours

hether you're dreaming of an international escape or a quick getaway close to home, there's never been a better time to explore. At Wells Gray Tours, we believe that travel is more than just seeing new places—it’s about connection.

Travel reminds us how deeply interconnected we all are, and how it supports not just economies, but entire communities, families, and cultures.

As a proudly Canadian-owned and operated company, we’re thrilled to offer a mix of exciting new itineraries and reinvented favourites. This summer and fall, we're bringing back some classic tours that haven’t run in over a

decade—it’s been a joy diving into our archives and refreshing these gems for today’s traveller.

Stay close to home with Barkerville & Wells Gray Park, or Kootenays Hot Springs & Ghost Towns. For those looking to go a little farther, discover Stunning Northwest BC, Bella Coola & Tweedsmuir Park, the Sunshine Coast, or Waterton Lakes & Drumheller. Our Klondike to the Arctic Ocean tour is a bucketlist journey that follows the

gold rush trail to the top of the world. Celebrate autumn with Thanksgiving on the Island or a Bountiful Thanksgiving in the Okanagan, or head to Calgary for Cirque du Soleil’s Echo.

If you're looking to venture farther across the country, explore the beauty of the Maritimes & Newfoundland. Or, if international adventures are calling your name, join us for unforgettable experiences like Fiji to Auckland on a Luxury Yacht, Taiwan, or the Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany & Switzerland. History and culture lovers will be drawn to Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca, while nature enthusiasts might choose the awe-inspiring Northwest Passage Expedition Cruise.

Wherever you go, don’t wait too long to book—someone else might snag the last Early Booking Bonus or even the final seat!

In a world where headlines often focus on what divides us, travel offers a powerful reminder of what unites us. It brings people together across borders, cultures, and generations in the spirit of discovery, joy, and shared experience.

So whether you’re staying close or heading far, let Wells Gray Tours take you on a journey worth remembering.

Visit our website www. wellsgraytours.com to find out more about our travel packages and give us a call at 1.800.667.9552 to find out how you can join one of our tours.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 3

4 Steps to Planning a Charitable Gift in Your Will — While Still Supporting Family

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our Will is more than a legal document—it can be a powerful way to create lasting change. Leaving a gift to charity in your Will allows you to support causes you care about, while still providing for your loved ones. It’s easier than you think.

Here’s how to get started: 1. SET YOUR INTENTIONS Think about what matters to you. Why do you want to give?

What causes are close to your heart? Use online tools to explore how charities would use your gift.

Be sure to share your plans with family so everyone understands your wishes.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE Even leaving just 1% of your estate can make a big difference, without taking away from your family’s inheritance. Use a legacy calculator to estimate how much you could give—and what you’ll still leave for loved ones.

3. EXPLORE YOUR GIVING OPTIONS There are several tax-smart ways to give: • Bequest – A dollar amount or percentage in your Will.

• Securities – Donating stocks can reduce capital gains taxes.

• RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs – Name a charity as a beneficiary.

• Life Insurance – Name a charity or transfer ownership for tax benefits.

4. SHAPE YOUR LEGACY Speak with your chosen charities about how your gift can be used—whether to support a long-term fund, an urgent need, or in memory of someone special.

Make your legacy meaningful.

Consider including Victoria Hospice in your Will. A legacy gift to Victoria Hospice will: • Create a caring and comfortable environment on our 18-bed Inpatient Unit • Provide 24-hour crisis support from our Palliative Response Team for patients who are dying at home • Enhance our care for patients and families through programs like spiritual care, music therapy and volunteer services • Ensure people who are grieving receive the help they need through specialized grief counselling and support groups.

Visit willpower.ca/charities/ victoria-hospice to start planning today.

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TIMES COLONIST | 55+

Abbeyfield St. Peters House

bbeyfield St. Peters House Victoria operates a home for independent seniors in the Saanich Village area of Victoria. Abbeyfield House is a retirement home with a difference – a not-for-profit, affordable small-scale, family-style home with a live-in House Coordinator, providing full room and board for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible. It provides a friendly, supportive and homey atmosphere, with a balance between independence

and security, privacy and companionship. The number of residents is kept small (12) to allow the home-like environment to flourish.

THE BENEFITS OF LIVING AT ABBEYFIELD INCLUDE: • Security • Friendship • Good Meals Abbeyfield houses are not care facilities and do not provide nursing/personal care. However,

residents who require some assistance can arrange to have the same kind of homemaker or home care support at Abbeyfield as they could have had in their own homes, either privately arranged or provided through the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Rent is based on 30% of one’s income plus a flat rate charge for food services. Abbeyfield’s are run by volunteer boards, who are committed to supporting aging with grace and dignity.

Abbeyfield 250-590-9330

“ I am very fortunate to reside at Victoria’s Abbeyfield St Peters due to my close friendship with the many residents, the Saaanich Quadra shopping & medical center plus the two walking/cycling fitness trails.”

NEWLY RENOVATED

Affordable, Independent Living For Seniors

TAKING APPLICATIONS CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE 250-590-9330 | 1133 Reynolds Road, Victoria | Abbeyfieldstpeters.org

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

A Victoria Times Colonist publication

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Ed Kennedy #201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, BC V9A 6X5 To advertise in the next issue and or submit content please contact: Aaron Ross, 250-380-5313 aross@timescolonist.com

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 5

Home Care AMA with CommunityPlus, the Island's only Living Wage home care provider We also designed and built our own home care software platform with electronic schedules and visit notes - so that family members, near or far, can stay informed and engaged. We understand the challenges and we’re on a mission to develop and deliver excellence in community health.

Have a healthcare or home care question and can't find an answer? For advice and support visit communitypluscare.ca, send your inquiry to direction@ communitypluscare.ca or call CommunityPlus 250-658-6508

Your home, trusted care.

Vancouver Island’s only Living Wage home care provider “IF YOU PAY A LIVING WAGE, DON’T YOU HAVE TO CHARGE MORE THAN OTHER HOME CARE PROVIDERS?” SHORT ANSWER: NO. FOR TWO REASONS: 1. Our operating margins are lower - we run an efficient, systemsbased operation.

2. We are a for-profit with no profit.

Any funds go into improving our home care platform which makes our operating margin lower and services better.

Because of this, we remain among the lower-cost home care providers. And I like to think - with better service standards, more

flexible policies, and the best-paid, best-supported private home care staff on the Island. Our operation is built to prioritize stability - so we can deliver the best possible service to our people, clients and employees.

To do that, we find great skilled caregivers and try to keep them with us for their entire career.

CommunityPlus has been able to offer reliable service with skilled caregivers who love what they do - thanks in large part to Living Wages, complete benefits and a meaningful pension plan. That translates into the stable, trusted care that our clients and their families have recognized for more than 8 years.

Delivering the quality, consistency, and peace of mind that families deserve, from companionship and personal care to nursing support.

Flexible options from one hour a week to 24-hour care.

Get in touch to arrange a free, one-hour home consultation

Visit us online at communitypluscare.ca or call us at (250) 658-6508

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TIMES COLONIST | 55+

Lily Pad Lingerie presents collections of ultra-soft and breathable nightwear for women, crafted for both style and comfort using a distinctive blend of sustainable fabrics.

With Summer arrivals in-store now, come on by for your seasonal lingerie and sleepwear needs! We are open 7 days a week and look forward to you visiting our locally owned boutique.

New Bedhead Pajama Arrivals Experience Natural Fabrics Made For All Day Comfort

SHOP LOCAL AT MATTICK'S FARM ~ 250-590-8032

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 7

Six Creative Ideas to Honour Your Loved One at a Celebration of Life Written By Arbor Staff

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aking time to celebrate the extraordinary life of your departed loved one can be a healing and uplifting experience.

To honour their legacy, we’ve put together 6 creative ways that you can celebrate their life. From recipe books to a simple photo collage, there’s something for every family.

1. SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY ON A CHALKBOARD Put up a large chalkboard at your gathering and ask everyone to write their favourite memory with that person. With fond memories on display, you can read stories you’ve never heard before. When everyone contributes, you’ll learn more about your loved one.

It’s easy to source materials for your chalkboard from your local stationary or dollar store or a craft store like Michael’s.

2. CREATE A RECIPE BOOK WITH THEIR FAMOUS CREATIONS SO OTHERS CAN RECREATE THEM Was your loved one known for their delicious pastries or cabbage rolls? Compile all of their dishes into a recipe book. For a more personalized book, you can add photos of them making these items, if there are any. Send a copy to a photo book company like Blacks or PIKTO and give them out to family and friends.

3. MEMORIAL COLLAGE This is a great way to involve the entire family. Ask everyone to bring in their favourite photos of your loved one. Go through their yearbooks and photo albums and find any images you’d like to include. Your Arbor funeral home will provide resources, like poster board and frames, where you can attach photos using glue or sticky tack.

Make it digital: Will some family members join your event by video call? One way to immerse them is by working with your Arbor funeral home to create a slideshow version which can be played both online and by projection for those in person. Plus, by making it digital, you can also include video content.

4. CREATE A UNIQUE PLAYLIST OF THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS Was your loved one a music lover? Why not compile all of their favourite songs to play during the event? Then, you can put all the songs onto a thumb drive and give them out as keepsakes afterwards.

Alternatively, you can add them to a playlist on a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music so everyone can enjoy them whenever, wherever they are.

5. CREATE MEMORIAL STONES Here’s a great opportunity to get a bit artsy. Stones can be placed in your garden as a unique and personalized keepsake of your

loved one. You might source these from nature or from your local plant nursery or outdoor decor store. Set up a station at your event with paint, glitter, beads, and other materials people can use to decorate their stones.

6. MAKE A TRAVEL BOARD If your loved one travelled a lot, consider putting a large map on display during the celebration of life. Then, stick thumbtacks on all the places they’ve visited. You can take it a step further and include any plane tickets, passports, or postcards of theirs.

Remembering your loved one can be as dynamic and special as their life.

At Sands Victoria by Arbor Memorial, we’re dedicated to helping you memorialize and uniquely remember your loved ones.

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Discover the Charms of Portugal with Mile Zero Tours

re you ready to experience the perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty? Mile Zero Tours invites you on an unforgettable journey to Portugal—one of Europe’s most captivating and welcoming destinations.

This expertly curated smallgroup tour will take you through the heart of Portugal, from the cobbled streets of Lisbon to the rolling vineyards of the Douro

Valley and the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve. With Mile Zero Tours, you won’t just see Portugal—you’ll truly experience it.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TASTE Your adventure begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, where pastel-coloured buildings and historic trams lead to breathtaking views over the Tagus River. Guided walking tours

immerse you in the city’s rich maritime history and atmospheric neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Next, travel north to the UNESCO-listed city of Porto, where you’ll sample world-famous port wine and explore the winding lanes along the Douro River. The scenery is as rich as the wine, with terraced vineyards, centuries-old cellars, and baroque churches providing a stunning backdrop.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES, THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES At Mile Zero Tours, we believe travel should be personal.

That’s why our tours include locally guided experiences, authentic meals, and hand-picked accommodations that reflect the charm of each region. Whether it’s dining on fresh seafood in a seaside village or learning to bake traditional pastéis de nata, every moment is crafted to connect you with the true spirit of Portugal.

Our experienced tour leader will be with you every step of the way,

ensuring a relaxed, informative, and enriching journey. And with a small group size, you'll enjoy meaningful experiences without the hassle of crowds.

ENDLESS BEAUTY, UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES The tour concludes in the Algarve, where golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic towns offer the perfect setting to

relax and reflect. Whether you're exploring the Moorish old town of Lagos or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, Portugal will capture your heart.

As always, Mile Zero Tours includes complimentary home pick-up and return. To book your spot or for more information, please visit milezerotours.com or call 250-590-0811.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 9

Bathroom Accessories that Add the Perfect Finishing Touch FIND INSPIRATION IN SPLASHES BATH & KITCHEN WIDE RANGE OF BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

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t’s the little things that make the biggest difference. A few well-chosen, budget-friendly accessories can turn your bathroom from basic to beautiful— adding not just style, but practical function and organization, too.

Bathroom accessories are a great way to showcase your personal style—and at Splashes Bath & Kitchen, you'll discover a wide selection designed to fit seamlessly into your space.

With many pieces available in coordinated collections, achieving a cohesive, stylish look is easy.

THESE BATHROOM ACCESSORIES ARE GREAT FOR ADDING YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE SPACE: • Towel Bars, Rings & Racks Not just for drying—these are true design statements. Choose from single bars, double-tier styles, or full racks.

• Toilet Paper Holders With over 700 styles available,

you’ll find everything from sleek open-arm models to vertical holders with integrated shelves—perfect for your phone, keys, or an extra roll.

• Soap Dispensers Wall-mounted or embedded into a vanity countertop, with pump, foaming, and even touchless options.

• Robe Hooks With over 550 designs, hooks are a quick, easy upgrade that highlights a collection's style.

• Shelves Add floating, glass, or metal shelves for elegant, functional storage.

• Toothbrush Tumblers Keep counters neat with wall-mounted or freestanding options.

ACCESSORY COLLECTIONS WE LOVE Here are a few of our favourite collections—each with accessories that truly stand out: • A XOR Universal – A vast range of sleek, sculptural accessories in circular or geometric designs

by Philippe Starck and others.

• Hansgrohe AddStoris – 20 coordinated pieces with minimalist flair and hidden hardware.

• Kohler Purist – Clean lines and architectural elegance, including grab bars and lighting.

• GROHE Essentials – Classic European design, and available as complementary sets.

You can check out these collections by shopping online at Splashes.com, or visit one of the 29 Splashes Bath & Kitchen showrooms across Western Canada.

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SILVER THREADS SERVICE

SUMMER STAYCATION NEW SUMMER 2025 PROGRAMS Introduction to Belly Dancing Saanich Centre Learn the basics of Belly Dancing or build on what you already know.

Dates: Tues, July 8th to Aug 26th Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Cost: 8/$72 members, nonmembers $104

As we head into June and start making holiday plans, it might be a good time to consider Silver Threads Service as part of your Summer Staycation. We are a charitable, not-for-profit that provides programs and services for those 55 years and better. We offer two locations with a wide variety of fun and vibrant activities, especially this summer. Trying something new and visiting somewhere you haven’t been before is good for your health. It shakes off the cobwebs, lifts your mood and gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Our Summer Program Guide is now available online www. silverthreads.ca with a complete listing of all the July and August programs that are offered in our two locations. At the Victoria Centre, located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Victoria Police Station, there are Summer

Outings, daily functional fitness classes, art programs, Ukulele, and Discussion groups.

The Saanich Centre is at 286 Hampton Road, not far from Tillicum Mall and has good parking for those who are driving. New this summer is the Introduction to Belly Dancing, Flower Arranging and the everpopular Pickleball and Table Tennis.

Both Centres offer Monthly Socials, Movies, Yoga, Essentrics, Fitness and so much more! We welcome you to come into the centre, pick up a Program Guide, have a tour and meet our staff. We have online registration as an option to sign up for our Annual Membership and classes. Or give us a call, you can reach the Saanich Centre at 250 382-3151 and the Victoria Centre at 250 388-4268.

Annual membership fees remain at $55 again this year. Our Annual

Membership starts April 1st, 2025 and is valid to March 31st, 2026.

Membership will give you reduced drop-in and program fees, but is not required to participate.

Power Hour Victoria Centre Get your hearts pumping with this circuit style class for a moderate to intense workout.

Dates: Thurs, July 10th to Aug 28th Time: 5:15pm to 6:15pm Cost: 8/$72 members, $104 non-members Leader: Kim Davidson

Clothed Figure Drawing Workshop Victoria Centre This will be a guided opportunity to learn and draw human anatomy.

Dates: Monday, August 18th Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm Cost: $20 members, $27 non-members Leader: Audrey Greenlees Flower Arranging Basics Saanich Centre Learn the concepts of Line, Form, Colour and Contrast as you create 4 unique flower arrangement to take home and enjoy.

Dates: Fri, July 11th to August 1st Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm Cost: 4/$60 members, $84 non-members Leader: Lisa Allan

MONTHLY SOCIALS A good place to start is to join us monthly for an afternoon of building connections, creating friendships, and engaging in the Silver Threads community!

Enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to meet, socialize with others and learn about Silver Threads programs and services.

Perfect for new members or those considering joining.

Cost: $2 members and non-members June Socials Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St, Tues, June 17th 1:30 to 2:30pm Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd, Tues, June 24th 1:30 to 2:30pm

WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE CREATE WORDS If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service offers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Summer Programs start in July and include Brain Games and Dynamic Discussions. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information.

The Challenge this month is to create words from the syllable fragments in each square. dan

imp

car

bage

wing

ling

clar

bala

tang

soc

rov

via

crib

dra

wal

inet

cing

ving

dio

tri

lance

wea

king

ials

walking, weaving cribbage, trivia, socials, tangling, clarinet, improv, documentaries, drawing, dancing, balance, cardio, WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE CREATE WORDS ANSWERS:

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 11

Senior Driving Education vs Assessment

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any geriatric researchers presenting at safety conferences agree that education, not testing, is the answer to seniors driving longer and safer.

Prior to intervention by family, government, medical personnel or police, seniors should take charge of their driving situation.

It is best to prepare for an impending driver assessment well ahead of time. It will relieve the stress of the unknown and the arrival of the dreaded letter.

Seniors should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to all sorts of things, particularly as it pertains to driving.

Many people believe seniors have a higher-than-normal crash frequency.

This is not true.

They do have a much higher chance of injury in a crash because of the frailty brought on by

advanced age, particularly those over 75 years of age.

Two presenters at a Driving School Association of the Americas conference made a very strong case that senior-driver harassment by governing bodies exists throughout North America.

The most common crashes listed in order of frequency and cause of injury are: • The left turn at intersections, crossing multiple oncoming lanes of traffic, causes injury for all drivers. This type of crash is often due to declining depth perception in seniors and lack of experience in teens.

• The fact that oncoming vehicle drivers could change to the outside through-lane at an intersection, without warning, and be hidden behind the inside lane of two lanes

approaching, was also a factor.

For both seniors with slower reaction times and teens lack of experience, lack of scanning contributes to this crash.

• Rear end crashes are very common. This is caused by all drivers not understanding time and distance for stopping. Understanding the consequences of tailgating is a lesson to be learned by all.

Again, seniors are more likely to experience more injury than a teen.

Joan Wallace Driving School offers a free seminar for seniors at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

To sign up, call 250-383-7483.

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roadmead Care is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for Independent Living suites at Nigel Living (www.nigelliving.com) at 851 Nigel Avenue in Saanich, across Vernon Avenue from the Save-On Foods.

WHAT IS NIGEL LIVING? Nigel Living is a new Broadmead Care initiative within the soon-to-open Nigel House, offering independent living for veterans of any age and seniors aged 55+.

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LIVING? Independent living offers the perfect balance of freedom and convenience, allowing you to enjoy life without the burden of home maintenance. At Nigel Living you set your own schedule, while we take care of the details.

Our brand-new building provides unfurnished onebedroom and studio suites in a warm, welcoming environment.

Whether you prefer an active

TIMES COLONIST | 55+

We’re Taking Applications for Independent Living Suites! lifestyle or quiet relaxation, you’ll appreciate easy access to shopping, transit, and scenic trails. A small pet is welcome with approval.

We take care of the essentials so you can focus on what matters.

Tenants will enjoy: • Two delicious meals daily • Weekly light housekeeping • Weekly light laundry services for linens and towels With no house or yard to maintain, you’ll have more time to pursue hobbies, connect with friends, or simply relax in your own space.

Security and convenience are top priorities at Nigel Living.

A secure building entrance and concierge services available during business hours (Monday – Friday) provide peace of mind and assistance when needed. Whether you need help with deliveries or local recommendations, our friendly team is here to support you.

Choosing independent living at Nigel Living means embracing

a lifestyle of ease, comfort, and community. Every day presents new opportunities to engage, explore, and enjoy life to the fullest. Make Nigel Living your

next home and experience the freedom of independent living!

BONUS! The first 20 people with a signed tenancy agreement for an independent living suite will

receive a $250 Save-On-Foods gift card! To find out if you qualify, and to learn more, visit NigelLiving.com today or call 250-658-3296!

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 13

Allergies and Ears: How Seasonal Allergies can Affect Hearing symptoms in the spring or fall, start taking your allergy meds a couple of weeks before the season ramps up. Prevention is key.

• Manage your environment: Keep windows closed during high pollen days, shower after being outdoors, and use a HEPA filter in your home.

• Don’t ignore your ears: If you notice hearing changes, dizziness, or prolonged ear pressure, talk to a healthcare provider or an audiologist.

Sometimes, what feels like allergies could be something else (like an ear infection or wax blockage).

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unshine, spring flowers, blooming trees, fresh-cut grass... and a runny nose, itchy eyes, and clogged ears? For many (including myself), seasonal allergies are an unwelcome part of the warmer months. While most people associate allergies with sneezing and congestion, what’s less commonly known is how they can affect your hearing. Yep — your ears can get caught up in the allergy drama, too.

Let’s break down how allergies can mess with your ears, and what you can do about it.

THE ALLERGY–EAR CONNECTION Seasonal allergies, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis), occur when your immune system overreacts to things like pollen, mold, or dust mites. This reaction releases histamines that cause swelling, increased mucus production, and inflammation — not just in your nose and sinuses, but in your ears too.

HERE’S HOW THAT PLAYS OUT: • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube is a tiny canal that connects your middle

ear (the air-filled sinus-like pocket behind your eardrum) to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is to equalize pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear. Allergies can cause inflammation or mucus buildup in this area, leading to a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, or even ear pain.

• Middle Ear Fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion): If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked for long enough, fluid can collect in the middle ear.

This fluid buildup doesn’t always cause pain or infection, but it can affect how sound travels through the ear, causing temporary hearing loss or a feeling like you’re underwater.

Many people mistake this sensation for a blockage of their ear canal with earwax, and book appointments for earwax removal, only to have their audiologist let them know the problem is behind their eardrum.

• Increased Tinnitus: People with tinnitus — ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in the ears — may notice it gets

worse when their allergies flare. Congestion and pressure changes in the ear can amplify those internal sounds.

COMMON EAR SYMPTOMS DURING ALLERGY SEASON • Muffled or reduced hearing • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears • Popping or crackling sounds in the ears, especially when swallowing • Dizziness or imbalance (sometimes!)

• Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) If you already have hearing loss or tinnitus, allergies might temporarily make things worse — which can be frustrating, especially when it impacts communication and focus.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? • Treat the allergies: Over-thecounter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and decongestants can help reduce inflammation and mucus buildup. (Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they’re safe for you.)

• Stay ahead of the season: If you know you’re prone to allergy

A FINAL THOUGHT Hearing is one of those things we tend not to think about — until it’s not working the way we expect.

If seasonal allergies are affecting your ears, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. With the right care and a little awareness, you can

protect your ears and keep listening clearly through the seasons.

Got questions about your hearing or allergy-related symptoms? An audiologist can help sort out what’s going on and steer you toward the best next steps. We can perform in-office testing to evaluate eustachian tube function, and determine whether hearing loss is likely temporary and due to allergies or if it is permanent and due to other causes. Having an evaluation at the peak of your allergy symptoms can serve as a baseline to determine whether things are improving or worsening as the season progresses, which can in turn help guide medical management of allergy symptoms with your family physician or otolaryngologist. Give us a call (778-351-1145) or drop us a line at info@hearinc.ca to book in.

Martine Schlagintweit, M.Sc.,Aud(C),RAUD/RHIP AudiologistHear Inc.

“As independent audiologists, we work for you, not a hearing aid manufacturer.”

Donna Stewart

Martine Schlagintweit

Aisling Smyth

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | 15

Are My Teeth Making Me Sick?

Ask The Dentist!

by Dr. C Ross Crapo DDS

Q: I’m eighty years old and have had great health all my life.

Most of my top teeth are out and I have a partial. I have most of my bottom teeth but I’ve got a couple that act up. Sometimes they really bother me. The past six months have been unusual for me. I have had no energy. I sometimes don’t really feel well.

It’s almost like the flu but I don’t get a fever, just achy. It doesn’t last like flu but I just don’t have the energy I’m used to. I’ve had every test in the book it seems but nobody can give me an idea of what’s going on. Last week my teeth really bothered me, one on the back left and the other mid-way back on the lower right. I saw a dentist and he said I had a badly decaying wisdom tooth on the lower left side and he said I had an infected back tooth on the lower right. He said someone had started a root canal but it wasn’t filled. He said I was getting food impacted down inside the tooth and down into the bone.

Can teeth affect your health like I’m feeling? Also, I have two upper back teeth on the right side and three back teeth on the upper left side. I have an upper partial that’s in bad shape. The dentist said the upper teeth are not going to last much longer.

He also said I have a bone in the roof of my mouth that might make wearing a denture difficult. I just need some answers on how to proceed.

A: Severely infected gums and bone can certainly cause ill health. I have seen extractions of infected teeth and proper root canals eliminate infection and produce dramatic health improvement. Can I guarantee this is the only thing affecting

your health – no, but don’t put off getting the one tooth properly root canaled and the wisdom tooth removed – you’ll see a decided improvement in energy and well-being.

With only five compromised teeth left to hold in a partial it will be important to consider your options. An upper denture can work if the maxillary torus (name of the boney growth in the roof of your mouth) is small. If it is very large it would have to be dealt with surgically before a denture will fit.

Another solution is to remove the existing upper teeth and place implants. You will find that this solution will give you

a very secure set of teeth and allow greater freedom in eating and tasting your food..

At the Victoria Implant Centre we treat all types of patients. It may be that we must get you on a healthy periodontal care program to ensure our implant procedures have the best foundation for success If we can help, we’d like to.

Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation. Based on actual patient cases ©Calvin Ross Crapo Victoria Implant Centre 778-410-2080 VictoriaImplantCentre.com

16 | TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025

TIMES COLONIST | 55+