It’s been over a year since Covid 19 overtook our lives. For most, it has been a challenging time. For many, it has been a difficult time emotionally and financially. Pushed to the limit, some of our friends and family have sought financially relief through online gambling. Rarely has it been the silver bullet many had hoped for. Here at VIGamingSupport.ca, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Support groups, outreach support services, counselling, and webinars are available to support you and your loved one’s redress gambling related harms. VI Gaming Support is contracted by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program.
Community News
Help with Filing a Basic Tax Return
Tax returns have to be completed, but for many residents that’s easier said than done. The SOS Income Tax program helps low-income residents file basic tax returns at no cost. This alleviates the stress that comes with unfinished paperwork, while also unlocking government benefits. SOS works in conjunction with the Revenue Canada Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to deliver the program with the help of trained SOS volunteers. The income threshold is $35,000 for one person and $45,000 for a couple. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this service will be offered over the phone. For more information, please call SOS at 250-248-2093.
Ultrasonic Facial Treatment
Has wearing a mask left your skin blemished by acne, blackheads and congestion? The Ultrasonic facial treatment is recommended for all skin types and is a drug-free, chemical-free and gentle alternative to traditional methods. Pores that have become blocked by oils create an environment for bacterial growth. The sound waves from Ultrasonic can dissolve and extract these oils, even if the congestion is deep under the skin. After treatment with a natural product, the ultrasound is used to create channels in the skin for better nutrient absorption. Most people experience a considerable difference after only one treatment.
Look After the Caregiver
When you are the caregiver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from burn out: *Withdrawal from family and friends *Changes in sleep patterns *Feelings of irritability, helplessness and resentment *Decline in your own health. Things you can do to support yourself include talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; finding a support group and being realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that the time may come when your loved one will need specialized long term care and know that it is available in your community.
Bringing Health and Wellness Information to You
What were you doing four years ago? Wellnessnews Central Vancouver Island published its first newsletter in March 2017. This issue is the start of our 5th year of bringing health and wellness information to our communities. Like for so many other businesses, the past year has been a challenge. We met the challenge by continuing to print and finding new ways of distributing the printed newsletter and by going online. The WellnessHUB brings not only all the newsletters to you; it brings you an expanded wealth of local health and wellness information from experts in your community.
Helping Seniors Eat Healthy
Seniors need to get adequate nutrients from their meals to help them reduce the risk of serious health conditions, stabilize their mood, and maintain their mental health. Retirement communities help meet seniors’ nutrition needs by providing meals that are low in saturated fats and have moderate amounts of unsaturated fat, which promotes a stable body mass index (BMI) and metabolism. Healthy portion sizes support a healthy weight for older adults by preventing excessive calorie intake. If you or a loved one have questions about proper nutrition and eating habits for seniors, reach out to your care provider or retirement community.
Gambling Support – Fold Em Podcast
Do you gamble from time to time? Has the pandemic increased your feelings of loneliness and isolation? Do you listen to podcasts? Are you concerned about someone’s gambling behaviour, or possibly your own? You are not alone. Connect with others by tuning into the Fold Em podcast on your favourite app or check out www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca and click “listen now”. You can listen in on how others have sought help to overcome problematic gambling behaviour. On the island, reach out Tracy Tsui for FREE, confidential support.
Oral Health Important During Covid
Today, many dentists report seeing an increase in cavities and infection. There may be a number of reasons for this including; *People snacking on sticky and sweet foods throughout the day, *Altered sleep habits which, in turn, alters saliva flow, *Reduced cleaning both at home and professional cleaning at the dental office. Most dental offices are open and are functioning with some restrictions. So, maintain your dental appointments and make sure to keep up your oral care at home.
Supporting Someone with Hearing Loss
People with a hearing impairment often need additional support managing the impacts of hearing loss. It can be overwhelming to navigate daily life and adjust to symptoms, especially early on. One of the most important things you can do to support your loved one is to be present. Be an advocate for them, attend appointments with them, check for accommodations when visiting theaters and teach others about communication strategies for people with hearing impairment. If someone with hearing loss resists your help, remember that they must take responsibility for their own hearing. Remind them that you are simply there to listen and offer support.
Why Use a Compounding Pharmacy?
If you are unable to take a mass-produced medication, a compounding pharmacy can create a personalized medicine just for you. Reasons to turn to a compounding pharmacy include; inability to swallow a pill, an allergy to gluten or dyes, or a drug may be in short supply. The pharmacist works with the prescribing health care practitioner to create a solution that works for you. The compounding pharmacist can add appealing flavours, create unique dosage forms and provide innovative delivery methods to make it easier for you to take your medicine.
Heal Shoulder Joint Pain
To eliminate the pain of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries and to regenerate the joint, especially with osteo-arthritic elements; acupuncture, natural medicines and ozone are historically my treatment protocols. Hypoxia or the inadequacy of cellular oxygen reaching the body’s tissues causes degeneration in the ligaments. These treatments are excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck & back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative, arthritic hips, knees, degenerated discs, shoulder and elbow pain.
