Everyone wants to be happy — but sometimes it can seem so out-of-reach! Happiness is not always an easy target. Maybe you are carrying around a sense of dissatisfaction, irritation, or disappointment that does not go away. Where does this come from? Is it how you are living now, or is it an old experience? Other people say “let it go” – but how do you do that?! How can you change the story? Counselling provides a safe, encouraging place to explore your options, including how to start connecting with what makes you feel satisfied and joyful.
Community News
Gambling Prevention Services
The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program offer Prevention Services including: • Education and information for students in grades 5 to 12 • Training for student leadership programs and peer helpers • Information sessions for parent groups, ESL classes, college and university classes, community groups, and treatment programs • Drama projects and awareness booths for older adult populations
• Training for community professionals • On-campus awareness initiatives for college and university students • Culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian and other populations. We will work with your group to ensure messaging regarding responsible and/or problem gambling awareness meets your group’s needs.
When it’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, there are some symptoms that should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss – this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies, and some disorders. 2. Vision problems – getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss – getting regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression – certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse, but this problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness – a good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
Hemp-Derived Wellness Product Review
ACTIVE RELEAF is about the movement to embrace mother nature and the powerful healing ingredients she provides us with. We explore options to help both physical and mental well-being. ACTIVE RELEAF is about being good to ourselves. Providing unique and innovative products made from plants which can provide life changing benefits. These hemp-derived products are made for all lifestyles whether you are in need of everyday wellness products to support various ailments, or you are a competitive athlete, their high quality broad spectrum hemp-derived products, that are rich in cannabinoids, are made for you.
Great Socks for Travel
Many of us have compression socks for traveling. On the day of travel, put them on when you get up; that is when your legs are less swollen. This allows your body to adapt to the socks. Make sure to leave them on for a few hours after you land to again allow your body to adapt. Wearing the socks for the extra time can reduce any swelling of the legs much more effectively than if they are taken straight off. Travel socks do not work unless you wear them. If the ones you have are not comfortable, look for a different kind.
Give the Gift of Beautiful Skin
Valentine’s Day is traditionally a special day to treat your loved one; it is also a great time to treat yourself. This year, instead of gifts that will last a few days such as chocolates or flowers, give a gift that will nourish and protect their skin. When selecting gifts of beauty, look for natural, handcrafted skin products made without harmful chemicals or allergens. Pure, organic ingredients such as Coconut oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter and Essential Oils soothe, nourish, and moisturize skin – naturally. This Valentine’s day, give the gift of luxurious skin care products to yourself and to your loved one.
Hope for Brain Injury Survivors
The connections in the brain are like a super-highway with information zipping around, sorting and filing. After a brain injury, the connections are like roads under major construction, torn up pathways full of obstacles, detours and disconnected. It takes time and energy to process information. It’s frustrating, discouraging, exhausting and mind boggling. Research on the brain validates that after an injury, many new connections can be made and ‘roads’ or pathways in the brain can be rebuilt. Processing information gets smoother and faster with practice learning the new detours or the new road. Strategies are the key. New challenges become less scary.
Support for Excessive Gambling – Service Profile
Has excessive gambling become an issue for you or someone you love? The BC Government provides British Columbians with free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviours with respect to gambling participation. BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program provides services that are confidential and free of charge, funded by the Government of British Columbia. This includes *24/7 Gambling Support Line, *Outreach Support and *Personal and Group treatment. Call 1-888-795-6111 or go to BCRresponsibleGambling.ca for more information.
Avoiding Medication Mistakes
Medications play an important role in maintaining health and longevity for many of us as we get older. Taking multiple medications can be challenging. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, shake bottles of liquid medications before use, take all medications as prescribed, use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, never stop taking a medications suddenly without checking with your doctor and most importantly, conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.
February – Take Heart
Eating a natural whole foods diet and exercising regularly are both vital for your heart and whole health. In addition there are some key supplements to consider. *Garlic- along with eating it, enteric-coated capsules of garlic can give you a good daily dose of circulatory and immune support *Cayenne- along with seasoning food, is available in capsules gives a good circulatory boost and metabolic aid *Hawthorn- lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevents arteriosclerosis *CoQ10- ATP are an energy powerhouse *Omega 3 are essential fatty acids for healthy blood cholesterol and fluidity. See your health food store for more information.
Small Steps, Big Rewards
Small changes when you’re working to better your overall health and wellbeing can really add up! This year, consider some simple habit shifts like these: If you frequently find yourself reaching for junk foods, make healthy snacks like fruit and nuts available at all times to curb your cravings. Practice simple deep breathing exercises throughout the day. Count to five as you breathe in, hold your breath while you count to five again, and slowly breathe out while counting to five once more. Take a break from sitting throughout the day by taking brisk walks inside or outdoors!
