Yearly Archives: 2018

//2018

Resolutions

By | 2018-12-28T19:22:18+00:00 December 28th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , |

As we prepare to move into a new year, many will be reflecting on the year that has passed and perhaps be making decisions to make changes for the year ahead. Making New Year’s resolutions is something as old as time, and what most studies show is that, for many, resolutions are very short lived. Why is that? Let’s take a look at what most people to resolve to change. The most common resolutions are: Quit smoking Lose weight Read more Travel more Make more time for family Save more money Start a new hobby or learn a new skill [...]

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Seasonal Stress

By | 2018-11-22T20:57:49+00:00 November 22nd, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , |

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it? For many, this time of year can bring on stress. And lots of it. Christmas shopping, office parties, Christmas concerts, dinners, and decorating. It’s a whirlwind of activity and expenses that are not always warmly anticipated. It can also be a very sad time for some. It’s the time when most families gather around the table and break bread together. But what about those who have no family or are unable to travel to be with family. What about those who have lost loved ones? Still, others are not [...]

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Are You Feeling SAD?

By | 2018-10-30T20:02:30+00:00 October 30th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |

Its that time of year again where the days begin to get shorter, colder, and the snow will soon start to fly. For those of us in Prince George, the latter part of the summer was perhaps spent avoiding the outdoors due to the smoke from the wildfires. We have, however, been blessed with a beautiful September and October as the fall rolled in. For some though, this is where things begin to change emotionally, especially with the limited exposure to daylight. Perhaps you have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD? For anyone affected by the disorder, the symptoms [...]

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What Your Body May Be Telling You

By | 2018-09-25T19:55:46+00:00 September 25th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Feeling short of breath? Unusual anxiety or emotional stress? Nausea or vomiting? Pay attention to what your body may be telling you. I think most of us have assumed or been told what the signs of a heart attack are. We often associate the symptoms of a heart attack with a tight squeezing in the chest, and pain in the left arm. At least that is what I always had understood the signs to be. But medical experts have revealed that a heart attack, especially in women, does not always follow the “classic signs” of what a heart attack may [...]

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Wildfires and Your Health

By | 2018-09-04T20:32:04+00:00 September 4th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , |

If you are a resident of Prince George and have been here throughout the summer, you will have tolerated a large amount of smoke over the last couple of months due to wildfires across BC.  While others throughout BC have complained of the smoke in their areas, I believe that we in the Northern parts of BC have taken the brunt of it. Last year, we also had a lot of smoke to deal with, but this year, in particular, I noted some of the direct effects of the smoke on my own health. I have spent the last couple [...]

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Alone and Loneliness

By | 2018-07-24T21:26:49+00:00 July 24th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , |

As your loved ones begin to age, often the ones who used to surround them are no longer there. Perhaps their spouse has passed away, and maybe some of their friends too. If they live alone this can lead to loneliness. Recent statistics show that about 25% of the Canadian population is over 65 and live alone. 72% of men over 65 are married and are living with someone while only 45% of women are married, 37% are widows and nearly half of women over 75 live alone. On average, people over 65 still have about 20 years to live. [...]

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Dealing With Dementia

By | 2018-07-14T22:58:01+00:00 June 20th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , |

What is dementia? According to online sources, dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia in and of itself is not a specific disease, but rather a term to describe symptoms of impairment. Memory loss and Alzheimer’s are examples of dementia. What are some of the various symptoms of dementia? Although one or two of these symptoms does not mean that dementia is the case, it is important to recognize the early signs and certainly more than a noted few would suggest consulting with your doctor: Difficulty finding the [...]

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What is Your Purpose?

By | 2018-10-29T21:07:18+00:00 May 17th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |

What is purpose? purpose   the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists   As humans it is important we serve a purpose; it is important we have a reason to exist. We all desire to be useful and needed. Throughout our early years of life, we all have a purpose. When we are young we are meant to be learning, going to school each day, growing, and we are constantly in motion with school, sports and making new friendships. We are truly alive. As we grow older we are busy with post-secondary school, jobs, getting married, and raising children. Our lives are full of purpose. What [...]

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Activity for Longevity

By | 2018-04-24T20:18:24+00:00 April 24th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , |

  Studies, carried out by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), show that seniors who are active are much more likely to live longer. Researchers concluded after a six-year period of study of just over 300 volunteers aged 70-82, any amount of regular activity was linked closely to a longer lifespan. Those in the study who were the most active were 69% less likely to die than those who were less active. Those in the more active group burned, on average, about 600 calories more than those in the less active group. 600 calories burned equals about 2 [...]

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Advance Care Planning

By | 2018-03-27T18:45:29+00:00 March 27th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

None of us really like to think about being incapable of making decisions regarding our care because of a serious accident or illness, but the truth is we never know when something could happen to render us unable to make decisions for our own selves. Planning for such an event is imperative so you will be able to make your wishes and instructions for your future health care known, provide your health care team with information to guide them in your care and so you can ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. By having conversations [...]

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