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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 7, 2009 - 11 A Step Beyond In Care SALIMA KASSAM REG. CHIROPODIST Making Lives Better One Visit At A TimeTM 728 Burloak Drive Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Inc. 905-632-1414 SCOTT JOHNSON Managing Director OAKVILLE · MILTON · BURLINGTON Q: I'd like to start a new fitness routine, but I find my knees and feet tend to hurt with increased activity. Is there something that can be done for the pain? Becoming more active and fit is generally always good for your health. Pain however, isn't. There are many possible reasons for your pain, including alignment issues stemming from the foot, joint issues such as arthritis or even possibly an old trauma to the area. Treatment for pain in the limbs when active can range from modifying the type of activity to realigning your walking style. Issues at the knee very commonly start at the foot level and can travel all the way up to the back. Custom made foot inserts, also known as orthotics, will realign your walking pattern and redistribute high pressure areas so as not to stress the various joints (ankles, knees, hips, back) throughout the lower limb. If pain is a cause of concern, your Chiropodist can provide you with a thorough lower leg assessment, specific shoe recommendations for your foot-type and individual treatment plans to help alleviate your pain. 905.847.8433 www.homeinstead.ca/3014 High Blood Pressure May be to Blame for Mental Confusion, Study Reveals Office: 905.257.3452 Website: www.nursenextdoor.com Lori Paton RN, RRT Nurse Next Door's services range from a 3 hour a week concierge service to an onsite 24 hr per day Registered Nurse. By Scott Johnson from the Home Instead Senior Care office in Oakville. Q. My 79-year-old father seems to be getting more confused all the time. I'm very worried he is getting Alzheimer's disease and, since he lives alone, I don't know what to do. Help! First, don't jump to conclusions. Various reasons could explain your father's disorientation and there's no reason to panic until you know the medical facts. Ask your dad to make an appointment with his doctor. Or, if he balks, suggest that you help him set that up. Maybe he is fearful of finding out the truth as well. There could be a logical and medically treatable explanation. For instance, diabetes can cause disorientation and high blood pressure spikes can also lead to a decline in mental function. In fact, increased blood pressure in older adults is directly related to decreased cognitive functioning, particularly among seniors with already high blood pressure, research reveals. This means that stressful situations may make it more difficult for some seniors to think clearly. Dr. Jason Allaire, an assistant professor of psychology at North Carolina State, who co-authored the study, explains that study subjects whose average systolic blood pressure was 130 or higher saw a significant decrease in cognitive function when their blood pressure spiked. However, Allaire notes, study subjects whose average blood pressure was low or normal saw no change in their cognitive functioning ­ even when their blood pressure shot up. Specifically, Allaire says, the study shows a link between blood pressure spikes in seniors with high blood pressure and a decrease in their inductive reasoning. Depending on what his doctor says, your dad might also want to heed this advice : be physically active, challenge your brain and stay socially active. Your dad may need help to do all of that, so why not consider employing a companion. Home Instead Senior Care, for instance, hires CAREGivers who can keep seniors engaged by helping them participate in meaningful activities. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact Scott Johnson or Tom Chuchmach at 905.847.8433 or to become a CAREGiver go to www.homeinstead.ca/3014 February is Healthy Heart Month at Nurse Next Door Unfortunately, despite many years of research and education, vascular disease remains the number one killer of both men and women. However, research has shown that heart disease can be prevented and in some cases reversed. In fact, you can make changes in your life to reduce your risk. Below are five simple changes you can begin to do today to help improve your heart health. If you smoke, become smoke-free. Engage in regular physical activity for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Walking is a wonderful way to start. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Consume at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Try including vegetables with each meal and fruit for dessert. Choose foods that are lower in sodium and limit the amount of salt you add when cooking or at the table. Nurse Next Door's caregivers are able to assist seniors with healthy meal preparation in the comfort of their home. They can also assist with mobility in the home or perhaps transportation to the local mall for safe, indoor exercise during the winter months. Call today to see how Nurse Next Door can help you work towards achieving a healthy heart. A: Call to Book your Appointment Today at 905-632-1414 Making Lives Better One Visit At A TimeTM Lisa Panetta Manager, Problem Gambling Services SPRIGGS INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED 159 CHURCH ST. OAKVILLE, ON L6J 1N1 Dr. Rosenblat D.D.S. Problem Gambling Services 481 North Service Rd. West, Unit #A33 Oakville, ON L6M 2V6 Hopedale Shopping Centre Suite 220, 2nd Floor (905) 847-6547 Q: Have you felt a need to gamble more often with more money? Q: Do you ever return to try and win back money you have lost? Q: Do you ever lie about your losses or hide your gambling from others? Q: Do you ever gamble to escape your problems or to relieve unpleasant feelings? Q: Have you or someone close to you ever been worried or concerned about your gambling? 905-827-0301 Oakville (905) 844-9232 Burlington (905) 681-4035 Mississauga (905) 798-7527 Fax (905) 845-1634 Web: www.spriggs.ca E-mail: info@spriggs.ca Q: A: What can I do if I have a dental emergency? Here is what to do for some typical dental emergencies: Toothache: After calling for dental appointment, take an over the counter pain medication that typically works for you. Don't place the pill on the tooth but swallow it. For any swelling, an ice pack can help, but not heat as it can make things worse. Knocked out tooth: If it is an adult tooth it must be put back in place quickly to be saved. If it looks clean put it back in yourself. If you can't or are concerned it may be swallowed, put it in cold milk and see a dentist right away. If the tooth is replaced within 10 minutes there is a good chance the tooth will take root again. After 2 hours the chances are poor. See your dentist in any case. Badly bitten tongue or lip: Use a clean cloth to press down on any bleeding cut. Use an ice pack if there is swelling and if the bleeding does not stop go to Emergency at hospital. Something stuck between your teeth: Gently try to use dental floss to remove the object. Never use sharp pointy objects like pins as you may cut or damage your gums or tooth. If you are unable to remove it, see the dentist. Lost filling: As a short term solution to sensitivity or roughness as a result of loosing a filling or broken tooth you can use a piece of softened sugarless chewing gum to cover the area until you can see the dentist. Q: I had a claim due to a recent `At Fault' accident and the insurance company increased my renewal premium. Why shouldn't I shop around for a better rate? your present A: If you stay with reduced from company, your driving record could be 6 to 5 star rating with If you answered yes to any of the above questions we recommend that you talk to a gambling counsellor or to someone you trust. Gambling patterns can become heavier over time and may lead to serious problems. Problem Gamblers report higher rates of stress, depression, financial problems, relationship problems and even suicide. Help is available. If a friend or family member is gambling too much and you are concerned we also encourage you to talk to someone. a nominal premium increase. If you look for insurance with a different company, your driving record would go as low as 0 star with a large premium increase. You're better off staying with the same insurance company until your driving record is back to your 6 star driving record. This should always be discussed with your broker who will explain the situation directly related to your policy. Claims protection coverage completely forgives your first `At Fault' accident and may be available. Ask your Independent Insurance Broker! WE CAN HELP! FREE · CONFIDENTIAL · PROFESSIONAL Great things star t with a warm healthy smile. the dentist@dentistry4.com www.dentistry4.com "For past questions and answers in Ask the Professionals, please contact us." If you have any questions these professionals can answer, please write to: "Ask the Professionals" c/o The Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Road, Oakville L6K 3S4 or fax to: 905-337-5568