Have you registered to walk? The CNOY winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities supporting people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. CNOY funding goes towards life-enhancing programs such as the employability program and life skills programming for people who have languished in isolation, helping them move beyond the basics of shelter and sustenance towards real change and hope. The event takes place on February 25th 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.
Community News
Prioritize Social Interactions
The winter months can restrict our social interactions and activities if we allow them to happen. It is time to prioritize social interactions and become more active. Being social and active is associated with many health benefits; Activities help our physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health. Walking is a perfect activity that can be done outside when conditions permit or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. Once we start, we tend to do more healthful things, so get out and have a walk with a friend, socialize and engage – you’ll feel better for it!
Superbowl
In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sports betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas oddsmakers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in their neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?
Suffer from Anxiety?
Hypnotherapy can help. Hypnotherapy is a therapy that accesses our subconscious mind to bring peace to our inner world allowing safety, confidence and healing to be our new normal. Many clients find hypnotherapy to be the key to a lifelong change. It is effective, and brief and allows a level of security to be realized that talk therapy cannot reach since hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious mind directly. It can help to clear: depression, disordered eating, anger and much more.
Wellness Expo – FREE Community Event
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living™ is thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Wellness Expo on February 25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. The Expo is FREE to attend. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks and door prizes.
Let’s Talk About Chocolate
Chocolate is made from the seeds or nibs of the Cocoa tree. Dried nibs are crushed with sugar and dairy, to make milk chocolate. My favourite kitchen staple, Cocoa powder, is made by crushing the nibs into cocoa liquor. Then liquor is pressed to separate out the cocoa butter and the cocoa powder. Good quality chocolate is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, which is one of the reasons ladies crave it around that time of the month. It can also be a source of antioxidants WHEN minimally processed as the processing can cause the antioxidants to denature.
Eat Right for Your Heart
The facts: in Canada *1 in 2 people are overweight, *11.7 million people live with diabetes or prediabetes, *and 2.6 million have heart disease. 80% of chronic diseases and premature death are preventable with healthy living. Healthy eating is key. It is time to take back our kitchens and commit to making healthy food choices for ourselves and our families. It is possible to cook and eat healthily on a budget. It is recommended that heart-healthy meals be low in sodium and low in sugar. Epicure offers meal solutions low in sodium and sugar that are also gluten-free.
There Is No Quick Fix
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!
Getting Your First Hearing Aid
You’ve been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss and are looking for your first hearing aid.
Technology has dramatically advanced in recent years, allowing hearing aids to be more effective than ever. With a wide variety of hearing aid brands and types of hearing aids, it can feel overwhelming to choose one that works best for you.
Fortunately, NexGen Hearing has passionate, dedicated and experienced audiologists and hearing professionals to support you on your journey to better hearing and help improve your quality of life through exceptional care.
Where to Go for Your First Hearing Aid
The first step to getting your first hearing aid is meeting with your audiologist or Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP). They will assess your hearing and help you choose the best hearing aid for your lifestyle. Once a hearing aid is chosen, it is ordered and you are scheduled in for a fitting.
During the fitting, your audiologist or RHIP will program the device to your prescription, review the care instructions and how to use the device, as well as ensure it is comfortable for you. You can expect several follow-up appointments to fine-tune your hearing aid, each about a week apart. It’s possible that your device may need adjustments to sound levels. Not only will your hearing professional help get you set up with your first hearing aid, but they will guide you through your hearing journey for years to come.
What to Look for in Your First Hearing Aid
There are several aspects of your lifestyle to consider before purchasing your first hearing aid, including your hobbies and job.
If you spend a lot of your time outside hiking, gardening, or biking, you might want a hearing aid that is better at blocking out wind or handling various environments. If your job requires attending social events, you may benefit from a higher level of technology that can block out background noise. Or maybe you simply want a hearing aid that connects to Bluetooth so you can pair it to your phone, computer or TV.
It’s important to ask about a trial period with whichever hearing aid you decide to go with, especially when it’s your first time getting a hearing aid. This trial period will allow you to decide if your chosen device is right for you after using it. We recommend meeting with your audiologist during this period to ensure the hearing aid fits well and is working as it should.
NexGen Hearing provides a free 21-day introductory hearing aid trial before a deposit is required. After 21 days, you can enjoy an additional 69-day trial or 100% of money refunded. NexGen Hearing also offers complimentary batteries during the warranty period, which is typically three to five years, depending on the model.
Tips & Tricks for Getting Your First Hearing Aid
It’s likely to take some time to get used to your hearing aid, but wearing them should never cause you pain. Try wearing your new hearing aid for about four hours a day to allow the skin around your device to adjust. It can take up to a week to get accustomed to the feeling, but taking breaks will ease the process.
It’s also important to get into a cleaning routine early. Taking proper care of your hearing aid by following the cleaning instructions will help increase the lifespan of your device. We recommend cleaning your hearing aids before putting them on for the day, as well as storing them in a dry place to avoid moisture build-up.
Building a support system is another key component to getting your first hearing aid. It takes an average of seven years for someone experiencing hearing loss to get treated, which often results in mental fatigue and cognitive decline. Having supportive loved ones around who are aware of your hearing loss journey can help improve your quality of life as you are getting used to your first hearing aid.
NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671.
Importance of Vitamin D
With the darker winter months upon us, the sun’s rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. Plus, it also helps maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. Several studies have suggested that it may also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers. Talk to one of our pharmacists about recommended doses.
Access to Care When You Need It
When you need extra care, Brio Care Suites are available for respite stays, to promote recovery from surgery or long-term care. They are licensed and comply with all local health authority regulations. The Brio Care Suites offer dining options and activity programs designed specifically for Brio residents. A consistent care staff of licensed nurses and registered care aids is on duty 24 hours a day. Services offered include medication management; regular resident care meetings; bathing assistance; chef prepared meals; weekly housekeeping; towel and linen service; personal laundry; utilities including cable and internet; and recreation activities.
