Let's Talk About Taking Care during the Festive Season

Ah, the Christmas Season…December has always been an exciting month as we all make plans for social events and anticipating the New Year. It can also be a month of high stress and anxiety as we deal with what seems to be an ever-growing list of things to do, which seem to take longer as we age…

There are a number of stress-reducing recommendations available, but most sources will suggest that we simply slow down. We all know that’s easier said, than done…We seem to rush through the day, hurry to get things done, race to finish one more item on our list- Christmas shopping, meal planning preparing for family gatherings…sometimes, becoming so tired, we don’t sleep or eat properly.

Reducing the level of extremes in our lives, eating a healthy and balanced diet, or taking a moderate approach to life might help to reduce our feeling of stress can prove difficult. Low impact physical or breathing exercises, even taking the time to enjoy the moment, can all help to improve health and lifestyle.

Many of these, Walsh’s can help you with- like finding ways of improving mobility, or helping with personal exercise activities, particularly if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre can help you find products/services to relieve stress, as well as the challenges of getting mobile, and/or outdoors to enjoy a break from an in-home routine. Feeling physically healthy and medically healthy, go hand in hand…

   

If you have challenges of maintaining what might be considered a healthy and balanced diet, or finding the time to decompress, you might benefit from taking daily multi-vitamins or additional supplements. You should be aware, also, that taking certain medications can deplete the body of particular stress-relieving nutrients. Ask your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist about the effects of nutrient depletion, and how it might affect you.

As with any health regimen undertaking, however, you should always check with your health care practitioner, or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist/Health & Lifestyle advisor(s) for guidance.  

 While Vitamins and Mineral Supplements won’t address any of the underlying factors associated with stress, they might help to reduce the negative effects associated with seasonal stress.

When under stress, the body’s needs for certain vitamins and mineral supplements increases significantly. Vitamins and Mineral Supplements can help to settle the nervous system. They are also essential if your body is to have the best possible opportunity to recover, by providing the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy balance.

There are a number of Vitamins and Supplements that can be important during stressful periods: Vitamin B Complex, for instance, is important particularly when there is an increased intake of Carbohydrates (including alcohol); Vitamin C needs are also increased as it also helps to boost the body’s immune system; Calcium is another important mineral because it’s also helpful in easing symptoms of insomnia.   

 If you have questions, speak with your healthcare practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist/Health & Lifestyle advisor(s) for advice and guidance regarding healthy lifestyle options, and be sure to visit our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca

With the Festive Season fast approaching, from our families to yours, have a Safe, Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year.

Let's Talk About Living Independently... Preventing Falls

Well the weather is starting to turn colder, and there’s always a chance of snow, or freezing rain. While the weather outdoors can make getting around a little more challenging, most accidents actually happen inside the home. This is the reasoning behind our theme for the November Home Health Care Flyer- “Fall Awareness and Prevention”.

Walsh’s has been committed to helping those who are able, to continue living independently, to remain in their community and homes, and also have the ability to get around- both in and outside of their home safely.

Anyone can fall, but the risk of doing so seems to get greater with age. Every year, 1 in 3 Canadian seniors will fall at least once. Nearly half of all injuries among seniors happen at home, particularly in areas where there is water present- bathrooms & kitchens. Stairs can also challenging areas for increased falling.

There are a number of factors which can increase the risk of falling:

·         Poor balance

·         Decreased muscle or bone strength

·         Reduced vision or hearing

·         Unsafe conditions in and around your home

You can prevent the incidence of falling by making adjustments to your home as well as changing your lifestyle habits- including things like ensuring you eat well, stay reasonably fit, and use whatever devices you might need to help keep you safe.

Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre can help with the selection of devices and products which can improve safety conditions in your home. Minimizing risk of falling can be as simple as an in-home assessment, or simply visiting us to discuss your needs, and get help with device selection.

Here are some thoughts to help keep you safe from falls:

 In the Bathroom

·         Use a non-slip rubber bath for the tub and shower. Install the mat when the tub is dry;

·         Install grab-bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand;

·         Use a bath stool in the shower, and a raised toilet seat, if needed;

·         Wipe up any moisture or spills right away.

In the Kitchen:

·         Store kitchen supplies, pots and pans in easy-to-reach locations;

·         Store heavier items in lower cupboards to ease lifting;

·         Use a stable step stool with safety rail for reaching high places; consider a reacher-grabber to help reaching out-of-reach items;

·         Use jar openers to assist sealed containers.

In the Living Room/Bedroom

·         Consider using bed side rails to help getting in and out of bed, and also to prevent actually falling out of bed;

·         Ensure obstacles are removed to ensure safe movement throughout your home;

·         Install nightlights and improve general room lighting;

·         Consider an over-bed table, or a chair-assist table;

·         Eliminate any tripping hazards, like scatter mats; clutter and loose wires/cords or other obstacles.

Around Stairways

·         Ensure stairways are well lit, and railings are secure

Use devices that can help you keep safe and active. Consider using a Walker or Cane, making sure it the correct height and has a unworn rubber cane tip for safety. If outside walking on ice or packed snow, consider using shoe grippers, or an ice-cap for your cane.

If you need help, visit Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre and ask one of our health care specialists for guidance in helping with device selection. Your visit could help make your life safer and easier. Our flyers, and in-store offerings, typically address many of those physical and personal care needs for those living independently at home. And remember…if we don’t have it, we can special order it for you.

Everyone, no matter what age group, or stage of life, wants to enjoy as comfortable and as safe, healthy and as active a lifestyle (as much as possible, anyway), as best they can. But, they don’t always know what assistive devices and/or services which might be available, and helpful to them.

Why not take the time during November; visit one of our 3 locations, and see what’s available to make life more comfortable, safer in your home. Ask one of our Health Care Specialists for assistance. We’re here for you…

Let’s Talk About “Gettting Active and Staying Active” at home

Where did the time go…It’s October already, and 84 Days ‘til Christmas.

Since we started business in 1952, we’ve been committed to helping those wanting to live independently continue to do so, and remain in their community and in their homes for as long as they’re able.

We also look for ways to help those at home maintain the ability to get around- both in and outside of their home...comfortably and safely, encouraging the notion of getting active and staying active.

We look forward to, and invite, you to share your experiences with us and with others who visit our website and read this blog. Share your challenges, and how you’ve been able to find strategies which you find helpful, and may be helpful to others.

The theme for our October Home Health Care Flyer is “Get Active…Staying Active”. Often as the temperatures get cooler, people withdraw to their couches and the warm confines of their homes, and get ready for Winter.

If you have age-related limitations, or chronic disease such as Diabetes, Arthritis (back/joint pain), asthma, or even heart problems, getting active/staying active can have important health benefits. Regular exercise activity can help you manage symptoms and improve your health.  However, as with any chronic illnesses, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine. 

Light exercise can help improve heart health and endurance as well as help with weight loss; strength training can improve muscle tone, as well as endurance, making it easier to do daily activities.

Often slow disease-related declines in muscle strength go unnoticed until recovery becomes much more of a challenge. Improving muscle strength can also provide joint stability (such as knees, wrists, shoulders and elbows). Using something as simple as an Exercise Resistance Band, or Exercise Ball, can be of enormous help; they’re both economical and easy to use- no batteries required.

Flexibility exercises can help to improve range of motion in your joints, so they, and you, can function better, and stability exercises may help reduce the risk of falls. It’s a fact, that most falls happen at home, and often in areas where water is involved- the kitchen and the bathroom. Walsh’s carry a wide range of safety devices (Grab Bars, Toilet Safety Rails, Bath Stool, Anti-slip Mat) that can help avoid a spill. Even a Cane with a wide base or one incorporating a Reacher-Grabber can be beneficial in moving about while also providing safe exercise opportunities. We even carry a Shopping Cart w/Seat which can make your shopping experiences safe and comfortable- it even rolls easily over curbs and stairs.

So what exercise levels are safe for you? Depending on your condition, and to some degree, age, you might need to avoid certain exercises, and in some cases, consult your doctor, and/or therapist before undertaking any exercise program. Check with your Walsh’s Home Health Care specialists as well- they can also direct you accordingly.

If you have low back pain, for example, you might choose low-impact aerobic activities- something as simple or as easy as walking. Walking Poles might be of great help in providing stability as well as provide a low stress cardio workout. We even have aids to help measure your activity level. If you have arthritis, depending on the type, light exercise/stretching equipment, designed with you in mind, and might be appropriate. If you have mobility limitations, perhaps a Walker, or Rollator is in order.

Recommending exercise, even light exercise, assumes that you’re physically able to do so. Mobility issues, even limited mobility issues, generally are the most consistent concern of those living at home. Walsh’s recognizes this, and offers a wide range of assistive devices and price ranges to accommodate most everyone. You only have to visit any of our 3 locations (as well as our flyers/website) to see what’s available for patients, and to care-providers.

Remembering care-providers, or family members, Walsh’s also carries a device which helps to reassure family members/care-providers that a loved one has taken their medicines when they should. I think this is a particularly useful device which provides a degree of comfort. Ask one of our health care specialists about this particular device. Why not take the time during September, as we head into the Fall, visit one (or all) of our 3 locations, and see what’s available to make life more comfortably, safer and independently in their own homes. Ask one of our Health Care Specialists for assistance. We’re here for you…

About Healthy Legs, Healthy Feet, Healthy You

Since Walsh’s opened its doors in 1952, we’ve been committed to helping our friends and neighbours live independently, remain in their community and homes for as long as they’re able, and also enjoy being able to get around- both in and outside of their home.

We’ve also maintained that sometimes the best medicine is simply a good dose of knowledge. We’re hoping we can share some of that knowledge and insights into exploring healthier lifestyles through this blog.

We encourage, and invite, you to share your experiences with us and with others who visit our website and read our blog. Share your challenges, and how you’ve been able to find strategies which you find helpful.

Everyone, no  matter what age, wants to enjoy a healthy, and active lifestyle but with all the activities of work and family, we often forget about maintaining the health of our legs and by extension, our feet. At Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centres, we’re dedicating July to promoting better leg (and foot) health. You’ll see that emphasis, and message, in our July Flyer and BizBull advertising.

You probably haven’t given this much consideration, but the human leg is an extraordinary piece of human engineering- from waist to toe, we have a network of more than 60 bones, and literally miles of blood vessels and nerves. Did you know, that In a lifetime, the average person will walk some 150,000 kilometres (take approximately 9,000 steps every day)- equivalent to almost 4X around the earth.

Health conditions, lifestyle habits, heredity, injury, surgery, age, and even pregnancy can all play a role in leg and foot health. While we can’t control heredity or age, and can’t affect the issues of surgery or changes during pregnancy, we can improve lifestyle factors through exercise, good posture, and the wearing good fitting clothing and footwear…wearing appropriate gradient compression stockings, a brace or orthotics can also help avoid some of the underlying issues associated with leg and foot problems.

Here’s a simple checklist you might consider:

• Avoid long periods of sitting (travel, for instance), or standing; circulation improves with physical activity;

• Elevate your feet above your heart whenever possible; this practice boosts the body’s natural circulation;

•  Lose excess weight; managing weight through healthy diet/regular exercise reduces leg symptoms as well as swelling;

• Avoid hot baths/excessive sun exposure; excessive heat can cause veins to dilate and may induce swelling

• If you have spider/varicose veins, consider appropriate treatment, as well as seeing a compression specialist
• Keep hydrated; hydration helps to prevent leg cramps
• Practice walking properly- learn to flow rather than pound (less body strain) the ground. Walking is also an excellent, low impact, way to tone leg muscles, reduce body fat and improve circulation;

• Eat a healthy, low-fat diet; the outcomes are obvious.

There are various ways we, or your healthcare provider, can help with choices and options. Why not talk to one of our many accredited fitters today; find out how we can help you improve your leg, and foot, health.

About Living Independently…Mobility and You

Since Walsh’s opened its doors in 1952, we’ve been committed to helping our friends and neighbours to live independently, remain in their community and homes for as long as they are able, and also enjoy being able to get around- both in and outside of their home.

We’ve also maintained that sometimes the best medicine is simply a good dose of knowledge. We’re hoping we can share some of that knowledge and insights into healthier lifestyles through this blog.

We encourage, and invite, you to share your experiences with us and with others who visit our website and read our blog. Share your challenges, and how you’ve been able to find strategies which you find helpful.

While June 21st is officially the beginning of Summer, we all begin looking forward to getting outdoors as soon as the snow is gone and the scent of Spring is in the air. Often your sense of well-being can be directly related to how you feel; and often how you feel is directly related to how much you’re able to experience the world around you. We spoke about the importance of mobility in April, but it bears repeating…

For some with mobility issues, and/or other limitations, that’s not always possible. Often mobility options are limited and getting around for some is a challenge. Activity for many can also be compromised if a person has difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, or doing similar activities. These limitations aren’t simply limited to seniors, by the way. There are many who experience these day-to-day challenges, which can affect people of any age.

While more and more seniors are generally healthier and more physically fit than seniors of previous generations, many older Canadians still experience limitations to their activities. In part, these limitations can be associated with the normal course of aging- from arthritis to reduced vision.

But there is some good news...there are a multiple and varied ways to help you maintain your independence and at the same time experience a healthier, more active everyday way of life.

Outdoor activities involving recreational pastimes such as short walks (using a walker, rollator, walking poles, or a cane); gardening (with assistive devices to get down and up), even shopping, combined with other moderate exercise and supplemental programs can add a sense of well-being for all of us. Activities such as these also provide a personal sense of satisfaction that can be so important to a personal health maintenance program. How do you feel about this?

Walsh’s Pharmacy and Health & Lifestyle Centre(s) offer a broad range of assistive devices, safety products and exercise therapy programs to help get you started. And, we have accredited staff members who can also help you make the right choices related to blood pressure, circulation devices, and compression stocking needs. As well we can provide guidance in selecting a cane, a walker/rollator, multiple bathroom safety accessories, or even a lift chair and scooter. Don’t limit yourself…seek expert help.

Why not visit with us today, and find out how we can help you maintain your chosen independent lifestyle. See what’s in store for you at Walsh’s.

Let’s Talk…About Mobility and Living Independently

You’ve heard us say this before: we believe that people in our community deserve the best health support services, programs and advice that a health care provider can make available…and sometimes the best medicine can simply be a good dose of knowledge. We’re hoping we can share some insights into healthier lifestyles with this blog- we also invite you to share your experiences.

April is Mobility Month at Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre. We are celebrating our 65th Anniversary this year…65 years of helping our customers and patients maintain an independent and healthier lifestyle.

We’ve all heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers”. Well, April does bring showers… and May certainly the flowers. April is also the start of the outdoor season when the days seem warmer, the scent of Spring is in the air, and many of us simply have had enough of Winter and want to get started on outdoor activities.

However, for those with mobility issues, getting around can often be quite a challenge… and you don’t have to be a Senior to experience these day-to-day challenges. Why not share some of your challenges, and how you have, or are overcoming those issues.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help you maintain an independent lifestyle while, at the same time experiencing a healthier, more active everyday life.

Outdoor activities involving recreational pastimes such as a short walk, gardening,  and even shopping, combined with other moderate exercise and supplement programs can add a sense of well-being for all of us. These also provide a personal sense of satisfaction that can be so important to a health maintenance agenda. Walsh’s Pharmacy, and Health & Lifestyle Centre offers assistive devices, safety products and exercise therapy programs to help get started.

We also have accredited staff members who can also help in helping to make the right choice related to blood pressure, circulation, and compression stocking needs; as well we can provide guidance on the selection of a cane, a walker/rollator, bathroom safety and even a lift chair.

While many seniors are generally healthier and more physically fit than seniors of previous generations, many older Canadians still experience limitations to their activities. In part, these limitations can be associated with the normal course of aging- from arthritis to reduced vision.

Activity for many can be compromised if a person has difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, or doing similar activities. These limitations don’t necessarily only apply to seniors; they can affect people of any age.

Walsh’s Health &Lifestyle Centre opens this month; why not come see us for all your mobility needs.

Seniors and the Summer...

For over 60 years, Walsh’s Pharmacy has believed that people within our community, at large, deserve the best health care services and advice that we can provide. It is with this in mind that Walsh’s has committed to providing  those in our community, and beyond, with programs, products and services which help to meet the demands of a busy life  and lifestyle.

One of the more significant lifestyle adjustments we make is the one from middle age to senior citizen. According to the 2011 Census, there are almost 5 million people aged 65 and older in Canada. As we get older, we find we have to adjust to meet a variety of changes and challenges in our daily lives. None can be more dramatic than those involving senior citizens who must cope with the fact that activities once handled with ease are often more physically taxing than they previously experienced, and take longer to do.

One of the single most important things seniors can do for themselves to reduce the risk of age-related decline is exercise- plain, ordinary, every-day exercise. A recent study found that moderate exercise- a 40 minute walk, 3 times a week for instance, is not only good for the body, but also the mind. Extreme weather conditions, of course, would be cause for adjustment to this suggestion. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, less than half of Canadians aged 40 years and older are regularly involved in some form of physical activity.

Conferring with your health care provider can help to improve conditions of lifestyle at home, both indoors and out. If mobility is an issue, then perhaps visiting Walsh’s health & lifestyle centre might provide some of the tools to improve health and well-being.

With extreme summer weather conditions being more and more of a consideration, you should always be alert to the circumstances of being sun safe, as well as being aware of heat and humidity, before embarking on any outdoor activity. Conditions of high heat and humidity can be particularly challenging for seniors.

Being sun safe means remembering to limit sun exposure during the day, particularly between 10 am and 4 pm. Seek shade as much as possible, or use an umbrella when outdoors. As well, wear an appropriate level sunscreen which your health care provider can recommend; wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses with proper UVA/UVB protection.

As with most activities, moderation should always be your guideline, and always, always check with your health care provider to ensure that any exercise regimen you embark on, in any form, is right for you.

Enjoy a healthy and safe summer.