Spring has sprung! Here at Wisteria Place, we’ve been making the best of the sunshine and good weather with excursions to Nitobe Gardens, Country Vines Winery, and Seasons in the park. Our upcoming trips include the Cherry Blossom Festival, VanDusen Gardens, and Spanish Banks. 

Our residents are getting craftier by the day with our office team joining in on the fun. Heather, our Concierge, hosted a wonderful heating pack making class as well as a crafting class for spring decorations. Cathy, ur other lovely Concierge, has been helping with traditional Pysanky Egg decorating in time for Easter. Ryleigh, our Administrative Assistant, hosted a terrarium-making class as well as a beaded bracelet-making class. 

With help from our volunteer Liliana, our Mexican Fiesta was a blast. Residents got to learn about the culture and even make a pinata. Wisteria Place is a very diverse multicultural community, we show our appreciation by learning about different cultures, their celebrations, traditions, and one of our favourite parts… the food! 

You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers. Despite some gloomy and rainy days in the forecast, our garden club members are excited to plant flowers around the community as well as vegetables in our raised garden. The chef will be incorporating freshly harvested chives, oregano, dill, and much more. 

On April 26th, Alta Vida Fashions will be having a “pop-up” shop at Wisteria Place. Residents will be able to browse a wide selection of clothing and jewelry. This will be their second time here, back by popular demand. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring and a hoppy Easter!

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Health Tips: Allergy Season

An allergy is an exaggerated reaction by the immune system to a usually harmless substance. Substances that trigger allergies are called allergens. When allergens enter the body of a person predisposed to allergies, the body "remembers" the reaction and the next time the person is exposed to the allergen, the immune system defends itself by releasing various substances including histamine. This in turn triggers a wide range of symptoms. Allergies vary in intensity and can take many forms including atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, and, most commonly, allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can cause many different symptoms and vary in intensity. Individuals with allergies may suffer from one or several of the following symptoms:

• runny nose with clear discharge

• red eyes

• itchy eyes

• watery eyes

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• cough

• sneezing

• itchy nose

• nasal or sinus congestion

• headache

• postnasal drip

• scratchy throat

Treatment

Many allergy remedies are sold over the counter. It is recommended however, that you speak to your pharmacist in order to choose the product that best suits your needs and avoid interactions with your prescriptions. 

Using a saline solution to irrigate the nasal passages may help improve symptoms associated with rhinitis. It can also enhance one's quality of life by eliminating mucus and irritants (e.g., pollen).

Prevention

The best prevention is to avoid any and all contact with allergens. Since this is not always possible, it is a good idea to limit exposure. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your allergy symptoms:

• Wash bedding in hot water, at least every two weeks

• Keep the humidity level in the house between 40 and 45%, and minimize use of humidifiers

• Use specially designed allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers

• Keep an eye on the pollen count and forecast in your area to better plan your outings

• Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner at home

Talk to our pharmacists for the safest treatment options and any of your prescription questions.

Regards,

Steven RPH
Steveston Medicine Shoppe – We're Here to Care 
11-3993 Chatham St. Richmond BC V7E 2Z6
Tel: (778) 297-5777 Fax: (778) 297-5778

Pack your bags and come for a trial stay at Wisteria Place! We are always looking to get more seniors involved in all of Wisteria Place's fun events, cultural celebrations, and activities. With COVID, it has been hard—sometimes impossible—to go on vacation. So, why not stay-cation?

Our trial suites are fully furnished and include toiletries, housekeeping, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can relax with meals made for you daily, cleaning services, and access to all our fitness activities, outings, in-house entertainment, and events.

Take the time you need to meet new people, try new things, or just enjoy a break. Book your stay-cation today by emailing [email protected] or calling 604.204.0910.