If you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card and have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. Medication Reviews may identify issues such as an interaction between your medications, changes that may be needed in dosage, etc. This service provided by your Pharmacist, helps British Columbians better understand their medications. When you understand your medications – why you are taking them, when to take them, and how to best take them – you make informed decisions and have greater ownership of your overall health. Speak to your community pharmacist.

During these interesting times, dentists are noticing a greater number of people coming in with pain and infection due to decay and gum disease. We have also noticed patients coming in with implants that have not been cleaned for many years. These patients are now calling us because they have swelling and soreness around their implants caused by an infection. If you have implants, they need to be looked at by a dentist, evaluated and cleaned to prevent infections and loss of the implants.

Seniors are among the most vulnerable during this pandemic. They are restricted and even those with family near, feel isolated and alone. A phone call can cheer them up and make them feel “noticed” and cared for. The daughter of a parent living in a Senior Residence stated; “I fear seeing mom in person as she has many pre-existing medical challenges making her medically vulnerable to Covid-19. My mom has shared with me that her phone calls with the family are all she needs to feel loved and cared for on a daily basis. The connection by voice brings her some peace.”

Rechargeable hearing aids allow you the freedom to experience high quality sound without the worry of carrying spare batteries. Traditional hearing aid technology did not allow for this freedom; hearing aids required spares and replacement batteries. Utilising Li-ion battery, rechargeable aids allow you to carry on with your active life with simple and reliable charging. Li-ion is the battery technology utilising the power of lithium ions, this means you can reuse the same battery simply by recharging the hearing aids with the supplied charger.

Giving and Gratitude are important elements that should be included in our everyday life. Having a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world and a concern for others, helps us be grateful for what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. Gratitude is consistently connected with greater happiness, it helps people feel more positive emotions and improves health. Expressing gratitude every day assists in releasing the feeling of Overwhelm. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release the unprocessed negative (trapped) emotion of Overwhelm which will allow you to live a more joyful life.

For over 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas. The program provides a gift for children and youth so there is something special for them under the tree on Christmas morning. Adults receive local grocery store gift cards so they may choose food that is important to them. To support the program donate online, call 250.248.2093, find an SOS Angel Tree in a local business, or attend a local event that benefits the program. Drop off a new, unwrapped gift or monetary donation to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. Visit the website for drop-off times.

Our lives have changed drastically over the past eight months and it is affecting our mental and physical health. Social distancing and social isolation go hand in hand. Make sure that you take the time every day to reach out to loved ones, friends and neighbours. Pick a book to share and start a book club. Send mail the old-fashioned way, go for a socially distanced stroll. If you are feeling isolated please call us, we can help!