For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline. Having care givers can help stem the existence of loneliness in the lives of our seniors. We enjoy conversations, daily walks, shopping, cooking and folding the laundry together. These can be moments of joy when done together in the right way. Comfort Keepers engage the human spirit.
Community News
Take Care of Your Heart
Every year, more than 60,000 Canadians suffer a heart attack. A healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk. If you have cardiovascular disease, follow your treatment carefully and take medicine as prescribed. Common signs of a heart attack include: *chest pain; *discomfort or pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm; *shortness of breath; and *dizziness. If you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately, follow operator instructions, stop all activity, stay calm, and rest in a comfortable position while waiting for help. Ask our pharmacist for more information about heart health.
Community Event – CNOY
Have you registered to walk in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk? This family-friendly walk helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care, and holistic support to empower people to step forward to independence and hope. There is no registration fee to enter. Team up, walk and fundraise! If you raise $150, you will receive one of this year’s amazing toques. The event takes place on February 24th and features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.
Relationships are Everything
Relationships are part of humans’ ingenious and innate mechanism for healing. To remain in connection with the Other, we do the work we might not otherwise do, ultimately mending our relationship with ourselves as well. As the newest associate at Shore Counselling Services in Nanaimo, Jude brings a wealth of integrated, experiential and trauma-informed practices to the art of relationships with a sound integration of professional, evidence-based practices. Non-Violent Communication and the Way of Council are two of the integrations seeing the greatest results. Book a 1-hour Couples Consult with Jude by visiting our website. Consult is available online or in Nanaimo.
Health Benefits of Knitting
Did you know that knitting has mental health benefits? Knitting involves the movement of the hands and fingers. This active finger and wrist movement, dexterity, and fine motor coordination can facilitate improvements in other functional skills. Recent studies show that knitting can help with: ▪Lowering blood pressure, ▪Reducing depression and anxiety, ▪Slowing onset of dementia, ▪Distracting from chronic pain, ▪Increasing sense of wellbeing, ▪Reducing loneliness and isolation. Knitting is one of many activities offered and encouraged at Sherwood House.
Endocrine Massage Testimonial
“Recently, I experienced my first endocrine massage and the repairing touch of a healer’s hands. This was a gentle stretch to balance my emotions, a soft awakening to bring about calmness. The massage began with my feet and Davana essential oil, which prepares the body like a primer, setting the scene for the gathering that follows. Jen has found a way to gather your emotions and bring balance back into the ‘crazy hormones’ that have been running amuck within. An amazing scalp and back massage followed. Afterwards, I felt calm. I felt peaceful. I felt balance.” Tamara Mize
Welcome 2024!
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to concentrate on health and wellness? The WellnessHub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource has great information to help you with your health and wellness journey. It features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest. The draw date is January 31, 2024. Happy New Year!
Support is a Game Changer
2024 Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can tempt us to use gambling as a quick fix. Gambling can cost us everything—not only our money but our mental and physical health, especially when we are seeking financial or emotional relief. Free tools and confidential supports are available, including voluntary self-exclusions, gambling-blocking apps (GamBan, GamBlock), a 24/7 toll-free phone line, credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts (Fold ’Em), or connect with us. Support is a game-changer!
Supporting Our Communities
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2024 takes place on February 24th, 2024, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 180 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.
Remedy for Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is the development of calcium crystals in the body. It is especially painful when it develops in the joints. Contrary to common belief, it is not a normal part of aging. Crystals will develop if a body has been inactive for as little as two to three weeks. You can get rid of the calcium crystals in your body and, therefore, the symptoms of arthritis, by using movement. There are massage techniques that can be done by a practitioner, or you can learn how to perform these movements on yourself. Contact me for more information on massage services and self-massage classes.
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice, offers holistic wellness benefits. By stimulating specific points in the body, it promotes energy flow, aiding in pain relief, stress reduction and improved circulation. This technique, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, can alleviate migraines and back pain, and even aid in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Acupuncture also supports mental health by reducing anxiety and enhancing relaxation. Incorporating acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside modern medicine fosters a balanced approach to health. Boost the effectiveness of an acupuncture session by being well-hydrated. Acupuncture is covered by Extended Health Care Plans.
