The leaves are turning, the wind is brisk and autumn has come. With it comes the sense of quiet that settles in like leaves on the forest floor. However, it is important that we do not settle back into old habits. Keeping pace with new hobbies and social activities which are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and osteoporosis, is important for long-term health goals. Don’t let the change in season stop you from being your best!
Community News
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, causing pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg. This is often due to nerve root compression in the spine, lumbar disc issues, spinal stenosis, or tight muscles like the piriformis. Acupuncture can effectively treat sciatica by relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, and regulating the nervous system, offering a non-surgical alternative to pain medications. Studies show it can relieve symptoms and enhance the effects of other treatments. Various exercises can benefit you as well. For chronic pain, you may need 2-3 sessions to notice relief.
Help for Seniors
With the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing for seniors, we’re seeing an increase in the number of residents we consider vulnerable. In fact, according to Food Banks Canada, 1 in 4 British Columbians are living in poverty. And in our area, we have witnessed this troubling crisis firsthand. With community support, we have been able to recover more than $200,000 in backpay for local seniors since July 2023. Get in touch with us if you know a senior who could use our assistance. Financial donations are gratefully accepted online, by phone, or in person. Thank you!
Volunteers Needed
When someone needs a hand, our dedicated team of Sendial volunteers is happy to help. Volunteers take and shop orders for customers who, because of injury, frailty, or other physical reasons, can’t easily grocery shop themselves. Love to talk??!! Phoning volunteers are needed at our Parksville and Longwood Station locations. Volunteers take customer orders, calling weekly or biweekly. Phoning is done from home, and orders are submitted in person or by email. A two-hour general orientation (Zoom) is the first step, followed by role-specific training (Zoom), and then in-store shopping observation. Interested? Please contact us by phone or email.
The Wellness Benefits of Walking
Walking offers numerous benefits for seniors, making it an ideal form of exercise. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls. Regular walking also supports joint mobility and flexibility, which can ease symptoms of arthritis. Beyond physical health, walking boosts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing mood, thanks to the release of endorphins. It also provides an opportunity for social interaction when done with friends or in a group. Importantly, walking is low-impact, easy to incorporate into daily routines, and requires no special equipment, making it accessible for most seniors.
Stay Active with Swimming
A great way to get some low-impact exercise is through swimming! This non-weight-bearing exercise is perfect for those who want to stay fit but have a creaky joint or two. Here at Lifeline, you know we’re always trying to educate about how to prevent falls, and guess what? Swimming helps with that too! Because it allows for increased flexibility through a full range of motion and engages all muscle groups, swimming helps you be overall stronger. Swimming tires you out, so it helps improve sleep as well. It also helps towards the goal of 30 minutes of exercise three times per week.
Raindrop and Endocrine Massages
A Raindrop Technique Massage helps bring balance and harmony to the body by combining massage, distinctive energy approaches, intuitive wisdom, and pure essential oils. Benefits may include; *stress release, *improved immunity, *reduced pain and inflammation and *improved circulation. It rejuvenates the body and the mind. An Endocrine Massage is a relaxing soft touch massage using Young Living essential oils and crystals. We absorb so much stress into our endocrine system. This stress can unbalance the body and deplete our energy centres, leading to adrenal burnout. An endocrine massage helps to realign the energy centres in the body. Book your September Special $60 massage today!
Business Profile: Genie Senior Services
Start to finish senior moving service. They do it all, including the move. Genie Senior Services is locally owned and operated by teams that live and work in the community. They do not use subcontractors; it’s all done in-house. They do it all, from the FREE initial consultation to the time you’re comfortably settled in your new home. This ensures the smoothest experience for you; you don’t have to lift a finger! They offer a full-package, move, and unpack all-inclusive service. Contact Genie Senior Services today to downsize, declutter, and relocate to your new home.
Minor Ailments and Contraception Services
Your pharmacist has the knowledge, training, and authority to assess and prescribe for minor ailments and contraception. Minor ailments are health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment. If you have a skin rash, fungal infection, heartburn, seasonal allergies, shingles, UTIs or a vaginal yeast infection, visit your pharmacist for a free assessment. After the assessment, your pharmacist may prescribe medication or refer you to another healthcare provider. If a prescription is issued, a prescription fee applies, just like prescriptions issued by a physician. Your primary care provider will be notified to support continuity of care and treatment outcomes.
Time to Get Your Dentures Checked
Ho! Ho! Ho! It is not that time of year yet, but, if you hope to get a new smile before Christmas, book appointments soon. The busy time for denturists is September to December, so it is a good idea to book appointments now. If your dentures are over seven years old, they may need replacing due to tooth wear. If they are two to five years old, they may need to be refitted with a reline. If you are in the habit of using adhesives, it is time to have your dentures evaluated.
Singing Promotes Health and Belonging
Do you miss the joy of singing? Sing Again Community Choir is a fun way to FREE your voice and connect with others in an encouraging, informal group. Sing a mix of uplifting songs from around the world incorporating movement, and learn to harmonize by ear. Singing releases natural hormones that can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being. It also increases cardiovascular health, social cohesion and feelings of belonging. Drop in to Sing Again in Nanaimo, Parksville, or Nanoose. No experience necessary. First visit is FREE.
