Have you ever wondered how some people manage to look ageless? Well into their 80s, they have a youthfulness that belies their age, and still participate in activities that younger adults enjoy. There are many factors affecting how we age, including financial security, but aging well, without mental and physical stress on our bodies, is within the reach of us all. Through a few simple daily practices and preventive measures, we can experience our senior years with a quality of life, rather than simply clinging to life.
 
Tips for aging successfully:
· Prevention: Many diseases in later life are preventable through even minor lifestyle changes, even for people with chronic disabilities.

·Nutrition: Nutrition is an important component of aging well, since it improves physical well-being while regulating stress and promotes social inclusion and participation.

·Physical activity: Physical activity reduces by about 50% the risk of many disorders related to inactivity, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

·Mental health: Total health is not merely about the absence of infirmity or disease but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.

· Join a program: In Canada, the New Horizons for Seniors Program is designed to empower seniors, encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community and enhance their social well-being.
 

March 20th marks world oral health day! Thank you again to Julie from Gleam Smile Centre for sharing with us!

Got diabetes? Improve your oral health!
A new study shows that inflamed gums increase A1Cs in Type 2 diabetics. And similarly, getting your gums healthy, will significantly reduce this important marker.  In fact, improving your oral health is equivalent to taking another medication for your diabetes. 

Healthy gums in diabetics have other benefits, including feeling better. Kidney function improves and overall inflammation drops. This can be important to managing high blood pressure, to your heart health, and to the risks of stroke and pre-dementia. 

So what causes sore and bleeding gums? 
It is a medical condition called “oral dysbiosis” – a fancy term which means an imbalance of bacteria in the plaque at your gum line and under your gums. When your gums are pink and firm, the bacteria in your plaque are behaving themselves and living in harmony with all of the other kinds of bacteria. But then, for some reason, several bacteria start to dominate the plaque and begin to misbehave. They enter the blood stream and they produce nasty chemicals.   
A new painless and affordable treatment is now available to turn sore and bleeding gums back to healthy gums. Gleam Smile Centre in Hamilton has been using this treatment for years and with consistently good results with diabetics. This treatment is a safe, high-strength antiseptic which is applied painlessly and quickly by our hygienists. 

For a consultation about your oral health, and how to improve it along with your diabetes, call Julie at the Gleam Smile Centre.
678 Upper James Street, Hamilton 
Tel: (905)-387-6453

Today we are happy to have a guest blog from the "Have Your Will Team"

A will is one of the most critical documents you can have for yourself and your family. A will can legally protect your spouse, children and assets. It is a legal document that allows you to decide when and how your assets are distributed, designate a guardian for any minor children, avoid lengthy probate process and minimize estate taxes.


One common reason for not completing a will is because we believe everything will automatically go to our spouse when we die. In reality, there is not a single Province in Canada that will guarantee this will actually happen. Without a will the distribution of your estate is determined by “intestate law”, which can be rather complicated depending on your family situation. This can also be very time consuming and costly, not to mention the stress on your loved ones that often causes unnecessary fighting and family division.


It can be to late to write a will, there might come a time when you no longer have the mental capacity to write a will. With that in mind it is never to early to write a will. If you already have a will you should review and update your will based on life changes such as marriage, cohabitation, children or divorce. It is also important to review and/or update your will if you have any financial changes like buying a house and acquiring assets.


We often overlook what happens if we are not well enough to care for ourselves in the event of mental incapacity. Who will make or medical and financial decisions on our behalf? What if the wrong person is in charge of making those decisions?  Having completed your power of Attorney for personal care and Continuing Power of attorney for Property will allow you to decide who will be able to make those choices for you.


Have Your Will’s package is broken down in 3 separate legal documents. Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney for Personal Care and Continuing Power of Attorney for Property.


Our process is simple, go to www.haveyourwill.com, fill out a request form, we will call you to set up an appointment to sit with you and your spouse to help set up your personalized will and Power of Attorney’s. This process is all done at no cost to you! If there is any other estate planning areas in which you need help with we will be more then happy to assist you as well.

February 20th is Love Your Pet Day so we thought we would talk about some of the benefits of service and therapy animals.  
 
If you have been in to visit a Long Term Care facility, hospital or rehab centre recently, you may have noticed a cat on the unit, some birds, a new fish tank or perhaps a therapy dog in for a visit.
Animal assisted therapy is performed with a trained, certified animal and their handler in which the resident or patient interacts with the animal based on treatment needs, whether playing with, caring for, cuddling or simply petting the animal. Pet therapy is used to help improve mental, social, emotional, and physical functions.

There are 3 types of support animals: service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESA). The training of these animals varies, as does who they help and where they are allowed to go or live. While ESAs are not trained in the same way as service dogs, they are more than pets and must be prescribed.
 
Who should consider pet therapy?
There are many ways that pet therapy can be useful:

• For people undergoing chemotherapy
• For residents in long-term care facilities
• For people hospitalized with chronic heart failure
• For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
• For children having physical or dental procedures
• For stroke victims and people undergoing physical therapy to regain motor skills
• For people with mental health disorders
• For people diagnosed with Alzheimer's/Dementia

During a medical procedure, people may have less anxiety if a pet is present. In rehabilitation, people may be more motivated to recover and practice their therapy when working with a pet.

Pet Therapy can also help with:
 
1) Physical activity – Pets such as a dog or a cat help motivate seniors get involved with physical activity. Petting, walking and playing with them provide a fun, soothing activity that seniors can enjoy. For people who have suffered from a stroke,  they may have mobility issues, problems with memory and fine motor difficulties. Service dogs can be trained to help— large dogs can steady the person who is wobbly; or the service dog can encourage the person to get up and walk — it's hard to turn down a dog who wants to go outside. Service dogs can be trained to get things that have been dropped and bring them to the person, and they can be used as a part of a fine-motor physical rehab program. For example, the person with a stroke can squeeze an exercise ball, which is a boring task. They could also have a daily goal of brushing the dog, and this becomes functional rehab. Sometimes, after a stroke, the person tends to stay in the house. A service dog can provide companionship.

2) Communication – For those who have difficulty communicating, it can become easily frustrating not being able to convey their thoughts. People who have sensory disabilities can sometimes communicate more easily with an animal. This encourages more interaction with healthcare providers and other people.

3) Emotional support – Pets form a very special bond with humans and that bond can be very fruitful. It has been also seen that people with dementia see pets as being non-threatening and they also tend to display more interactive behaviours. Pet therapy also helps in lessening symptoms of depression and anxiety because of its calming effects. They produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that helps to lower down the levels of stress inducing hormones; cortisol and helps in increasing the production of feel good hormones serotonin.

4) Enjoyment – They also help with boredom and provide a distraction from a normal daily routine.

5) Sense of purpose – Being or planning to be a pet caregiver and nurturer at an older age gives a sense of being wanted and needed. It gives your loved one a reason to get up in the morning and being greeted with a feline face has the power to make anyone's day bright and full of laughter. It's just impossible to not be happy when your day starts with a dog wagging his tail or a purring cat waiting for your attention. A pet can help bring routine to your loved one's life and also gives them a sense of responsibility.

6) Reminiscence – Pets can also help invoke feelings of joy, happiness, playfulness and old memories to a person with a dementia who may feel that his/her world is changing into something unknowable. Being involved with a pet also helps to reminiscence of the pets they once had.

For more information on Therapy Dog Services, please see the below link for St. John's Ambulance:
www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Services/default.aspx
 

We are thrilled to have guest blogger Julie DiNardo, RDH, from Gleam Smile Centre share with us today! 

When memory scores start to decline, and confusion sets in, we are told to exercise more, follow the Mediterranean diet, join a club, and do puzzles. In other words, there are no medical treatments for this condition.

But, encouragingly, studies are showing those with good oral health (no bleeding gums, no ongoing dental decay) are better able to arrest memory decline. Likewise, it is now evident that oral inflammation is significantly predictive of cognitive decline.

One oral bacteria is highly implicated in dementia (Figure 1). It is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients where it is believed to trigger inflammation.  Studies in mice show infecting the animal with this bacteria, leads to impaired learning and memory problems. Human clinical trials of new drugs to treat this bacteria are underway.

But today, chronic oral inflammation and its associated bacteria can be managed effectively and painlessly with a topical antiseptic medication applied by a hygienist quickly along the gum line. 

Figure 1 An illustration of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria which originates at the gum line and is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. 

 The hygienists at a Hamilton clinic have years of observing inflamed gums turning pink and healthy after using this medication. In fact, two patients on this treatment have markedly improved their cognitive abilities for several years.

Warding off or slowing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease require changes to your lifestyle and it now increasingly appears to also require you managing bacteria in your mouth.

For more information on improving your oral health, call Julie at Gleam:
678 Upper James Street, Hamilton
Tel: (905)-387-6453

What is this medication?
They're officially called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. But most people call them beta-blockers.

Beta-blockers include:

• Acebutolol (Sectral®)
• Atenolol (Tenormin®)
• Bisoprolol (Monocor®)
• Carvedilol (Coreg®)
• Labetalol (Trandate®)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Betaloc®)
• Nadolol (Corgard®)
• Pindolol (Viskazide®)
• Propranolol (Inderal®)
• Timolol (Blocadren®)

Be aware:

• Generic names are listed first.
• Canadian brand names are in brackets.
• This list doesn't include every brand name.
• If your prescription isn't listed, your pharmacist is the best source for more information.

What does it do?
Beta-blockers make your heart work less hard. This lowers your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressures. If your heart is weakened, certain beta-blockers can protect your heart and help it get stronger.

• They are used to treat many conditions:
  • Heart attacks
  • Angina
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmia
• They protect the heart from stress and abnormal heartbeats.

Key facts about beta-blockers:

• Lower your heart rate.
• Lower your blood pressure.
• If your heart has been weakened, may protect it and help it get stronger.

Be aware:  If you take a beta-blocker, keep a written log of your heart rate and blood pressure.

• Track your heart rate by taking your pulse daily.
• Write down your blood pressure numbers every time you take your blood pressure. It could be from your healthcare provider, the automated blood pressure machine at the drugstore, or your home blood pressure monitor.

How do I take it?
Take your beta-blocker exactly as prescribed.

• Try to take it at the same time(s) every day.
• If you take it more than once each day, space it out through the day.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose.
• Never double-up your dose or take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
• Do not stop taking it unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Are there any interactions?
Some medications can stop your heart medicine from working properly. They may even cause other health problems.
Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking. These include:

• Prescriptions
• Non-prescription drugs
• Inhalers
• Creams or ointments
• Over-the-counter or natural health products
• Alternative therapies
• Vitamins, minerals or supplements
• Herbal remedies
• Homeopathic medicines
• Traditional remedies, such as Chinese medicines

Are there any side effects?
Beta-blockers can cause some side effects.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint.
  • Beta-blockers will slow your heart rate (pulse) and lower your blood pressure.
  • If you are dizzy or feel like you might faint, sit or lie down right away.
  • Get up slowly to give your blood vessels time to adjust.
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Unusual swelling of the feet and ankles
• Wheezing, trouble breathing
• Depression
• Nightmares
• Cold hands and feet
• Decreased sexual ability.

Be aware: If you have diabetes and take a beta-blocker, watch your blood sugars closely. It may be harder to notice the effects of low blood sugar:

• Trembling
• Fast heart rate (pulse)

Beta-blockers don't affect dizziness or sweating caused by low blood sugar.
If you have side effects, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Lifestyle changes that can also help
There are two ways to control and manage your heart health: medication and lifestyle.
Medication can help you control heart disease and high blood pressure, but it cannot cure it.
A healthy lifestyle can help you keep medication to a minimum.
Visit heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy. Learn how to keep your heart healthy with current information and advice from Heart and Stroke experts.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the most beneficial lifestyle goals for you.
Related information
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist are your best sources of information. You can also learn more about medications at any of these trusted sites.
Health Canada - Drugs and Health Products
Provides health and medical information for Canadians to maintain and improve their health.
Learn more about:

• Safe Use of Medicines
• Safety and Effectiveness of Generic Drugs
• Buying drugs over the Internet
• Drug Product Database
• MedEffect Canada
  Provides safety alerts, public health advisories, warnings and recalls.

Your ministry of health also offers health resources in your province or territory. For example, Ontario's MedsCheck program provides free pharmacist consultations. And British Columbia's Senior Healthcare web page provides information about important health programs.
Drug coverage.

Did you know that about 4 in 10 cancer cases in Canada can be prevented? There are things we eat, drink, breathe and do that affect our cancer risk.

The ComPARe study (Canadian Population Attributable Risk of Cancer) found how many cancer cases can be prevented in the future by changing the world around us. This includes making healthy choices and protecting ourselves where we live, work and play.

There's a lot you can do to reduce your risk of cancer – starting with living a healthy, active lifestyle. Making healthy choices can be easy, affordable and quick. You can take small but important steps to stay on the path of great health no matter what age you are.

The Canadian Cancer Association presents simple ways to reduce your risk of cancer:

Live smoke-free
The single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to live smoke-free. Read more

Be sun safe
Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin and protect your eyes. Read more

Have a healthy body weight
Besides living smoke-free, having a healthy body weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce cancer risk. Read more

Eat well
Eating well is an important part of reducing your cancer risk. Read more

Move more, sit less
Not enough physical activity and too much sitting increases your cancer risk. Aim for 30 minutes of activity every day and take frequent, short breaks from sitting. Read more

Limit alcohol
Drinking any type or amount of alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer. The less alcohol you drink, the more you reduce your risk. Read more
Make informed decisions
Follow these recommendations and help reduce your cancer risk:

Check your family history
Tell your doctor if any of your close relatives have ever been diagnosed with cancer. Read more

Understand hormones
The birth control pill and hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk of cancer. Understand the risks and benefits. Read more

Get vaccinated
Some viruses cause cancer. Check with your doctor about whether a Hepatitis B or HPV vaccine is a good idea for you. Read more

Be safe at work
Cancer-causing substances at work are responsible for a small percentage of cancers. Know your risk and protect yourself. Read more

Know your environment
Learn how to reduce your exposure to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens). Read more

Myths and controversies
Be cautious of any information obtained from un-monitored sources. Read more

Find cancer early

How well do you know your body? Know what’s normal for you so you can notice changes. When cancer is found early, it’s often easier to treat.

Get changes checked sooner rather than later. That change to your body might be nothing, but it might be serious. Always see a doctor if there are any changes to how you’re feeling or you have new physical symptoms.

Know your body
Only a doctor can say for sure whether a change is cancer. Read more

Find prostate cancer
Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and the PSA test. Read more

If you're in a certain age or population group, you can also have screening tests that help find breast, cervical and colorectal cancer before you've even noticed symptoms.

Screening for cancer
See your doctor regularly and know when you should be screened for certain cancers. Read more

Get screened for breast cancer
Mammography is the most reliable method of finding breast cancer. Read more

Get screened for cervical cancer
Even if you've had HPV vaccine, regular Pap tests are still needed. Read more

Get screened for colorectal cancer
Stool tests check for hidden blood you can't see with your eyes. Read more

Screening in LGBTQ communities
LGBTQ communities can have unique screening needs. See your doctor regularly and know when you should be screened for certain cancers. Read more

Hurrying to meet a looming court deadline, the federal government has given Canadians two weeks to weigh in on how far to extend access to medical aid in dying. The Government of Canada has launched an online public consultation aimed at obtaining Canadian's views on amending the federal medical assistance in dying legislation. Canadians and interested stakeholders are invited to share their views online until January 27, 2020.

Who can provide medical assistance in dying and who can help
Those who can provide medical assistance in dying services are:

• physicians
• nurse practitioners (in provinces where this is allowed)

Those who can help provide medical assistance in dying include:

• pharmacists
• family members or other people that you ask to help
• health care providers who help physicians or nurse practitioners

These people can assist in the process without being charged under criminal law. However, physicians, nurse practitioners and other people who are directly involved must follow:

• the rules set out in the Criminal Code
• applicable provincial and territorial health-related laws, rules and policies

Protecting the right of providers to act according to their beliefs and values

Not all health care providers will be comfortable with medical assistance in dying. The federal practice may not be consistent with a provider's beliefs and values. The federal legislation does not force any person to provide or help to provide medical assistance in dying.
Provincial and territorial governments have the responsibility for determining how and where health care services are provided. They may also make policies around where medical assistance in dying can take place as long as they do not conflict with the Criminal Code.

There are 2 types of medical assistance in dying available to Canadians. They each must include a physician or nurse practitioner who:

• directly administers a substance that causes death, such as an injection of a drug
  • this is becoming known as clinician-administered medical assistance in dying
  • it was previously known as voluntary euthanasia

or

• provides or prescribes a drug that the eligible person takes themselves, in order to bring about their own death
  • this is becoming known as self-administered medical assistance in dying
  • it was previously known as medically assisted suicide or assisted suicide

The consultations will also ask Canadians whether assisted death should be expanded to give people in specific situations access to a doctor or nurse practitioner's help to die:

• So-called "mature minors" — people under age 18 considered by doctors to be capable of directing their own care.
• Cases involving "advance requests" — where a patient stipulates they would like their life to end at a later time when they are no longer competent to give consent.
• And people who wish to end their lives solely because of mental illness.

Process for requesting the service
The legislation contains safeguards to make sure those who ask for medical assistance in dying:

• request the service of their own free will
• are able to make health care decisions for themselves
• are eligible (this means they meet all of the listed criteria)
• can and do give informed consent, which includes being informed of all care options available to them to help relieve suffering

These safeguards will guide health care providers to carry out this service appropriately and in a way that protects people from abuse or misuse.

Talk to your physician or nurse practitioner about end-of-life care options in relation to your medical condition or circumstances.

To participate in the online public consultation: www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/ad-am/index.html