Spring is here, and there is a feeling of hopefulness and renewal in the air. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we tend to want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health, and socializing helps with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthy things, so get out and go for a walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better about it!
Community News
Staying Active, Really?
The old saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it” has some truth to it. If you are active, you are doing yourself a huge favour to stave off falls, increase independence, and help prevent illnesses like stroke, diabetes type 2, and osteoporosis. But what if you don’t like to exercise? Find something that you like to do! Walking with a friend, dancing, biking, and even mowing the lawn count. Start slow and enjoy it. Comfort Keepers can help you stay active and get your life back on track.
Healthy Zucchini Carrot Squares
2 zucchinis grated; 1/2 medium sweet onion grated; 1 large carrot grated; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup whole wheat pancake/waffle mix; 4 large eggs lightly beaten; 1/2 cup olive oil. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with non-stick baking spray. Remove excess liquid from veggies and add to a large bowl. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic power, cheese, pancake mix, eggs and oil until well combined. Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brain Teasers
1. Which hormone is often called the ‘stress hormone’? 2. What is the smallest bone in the human body? 3. What does a sphygmomanometer measure 4. What is the strongest muscle in your body?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Doctor, can you give me something for my sleep walking?” she asked. “No, you need the exercise,” the doctor replied.
Build New Social Connections
Encouraging seniors to embrace change and build new social connections at a senior living home can greatly enhance their well-being. Socially isolated seniors can be prone to loneliness. Shrinking social circles and the loss of a spouse or friends are some of the reasons seniors become socially isolated. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and make life more enjoyable. Research shows that strong social bonds promote longevity and overall health, emphasizing the value of fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Activities offered at Sherwood House help seniors’ physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health.
Wellness Expo – March 23 – FREE to Attend
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is thrilled to present the 4th Annual Wellness Expo on March 23 at Beban Park Social Centre in Nanaimo. The Expo is FREE to attend. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Explore, transform, escape, and shop! You will find great fashion and products for your home that all contribute to feeling good. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks, and door prizes.
Profile: Pacific Pearl Dental Dental Hygiene Clinic
Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc. was founded in Ladysmith in 2019 by Ricki Weissbach. Fast forward to 2022, when she met her now-business partner, Natalie Cuthbert. It wasn’t long before they realized that they shared a passion for dental hygiene and entrepreneurship. These two women are very excited to be expanding the Pacific Pearl business, with a second office now open in Nanaimo. With 25 years of experience between Ricki and Natalie, they both strive to make their clients feel welcome and cared for. These women make dental hygiene comfortable, easily accessible, and provide a service with minimal wait times.
March is Social Work Month!
Social workers play a critical role in the health of our community by supporting individuals, groups, and families. Their goal is to ensure their clients have housing, know about benefits and resource programs they can access, and help facilitate housing and employment opportunities. For seniors, social workers work to reduce social isolation, counsel family members and friends about how to support aging loved ones, and ensure their clients receive the medical services they need. Social workers deserve a big pat on the back for all they do to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
Gaming vs Gambling
Once upon a time, gaming and gambling were separate forms of entertainment, vying for their respective market share. In today’s world, now that people of all ages have wide-ranging access to the internet and smartphones, these industries have become powerhouses within their respective worlds. How people gamble has changed. How our youth play video games has changed as well: Never-ending self-contained online worlds, rife with micro-transactions fuel increased spending to simply keep up in the game. If this all sounds foreign to you, please connect with an under-40 gaming enthusiast near you. Gaming and gambling have changed. Now, there is even more reason to make sure we are doing both responsibly.
Spring Clean the Medicine Cabinet
Here are a few tips to clean up your medicine cabinet and other places where medication and vitamins are stored: Gather all medications in one place. Check the expiration date of each item. Set aside any medications that you no longer take or that have expired. Set aside any medication that is not in its original container or whose appearance, consistency, or odour has changed. Take all discarded medications and vitamins to your pharmacist for safe and ecological disposal. Do not throw them into the waste basket, sink, or toilet. The Medicine Shoppe can help with the cleanup process and disposal.
