When you die, where would you like your final resting place to be? With your partner? With your parents or children? If you are like most, you have not yet made up your mind. This is a conversation that should take place sooner rather than later. If your plans have been made, you want to ensure that they are up-to-date. These days, many Canadians are moving farther away, living longer and changing family traditions. This reinforces the need to review and update your end-of-life plans every five-to-ten years or so, or when major life events happen. We can help.

If you are struggling with a minor health problem, a Pharmacist can help. They can *Recommend a non-prescription medication for minor conditions such as dry skin, fungal infection, diarrhea or constipation that do not require a doctor’s visit. *Provide advice on Over the Counter (OTC) Medications. They can guide you through the different options and help you make an informed choice. *Recommend that you seek urgent care or emergency care if they see a red flag regarding your condition. *Prepare Your Medication List. It is useful to have a list of your medication and allergies in case of emergency, travel or a doctor appointment.

Social isolation, especially among seniors, is a growing problem which has been elevated by the pandemic. Social isolation is associated with many health risks including; high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors living alone, a daily Check-In Service can be very beneficial. A check-in service offers a daily phone call and human contact. It provides a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. Nanaimo Lifeline’s Check-In Service aims to support seniors by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within their community.

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 burnout: *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.

Hormones affect many areas of your health, including your mood, your metabolism, and your sexual and reproductive function. Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body. Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Compounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. With your healthcare provider’s prescription, we can help establish a hormone replacement regimen that brings your hormones back into balance to closely mimic what your body has been doing naturally for years.

What comes to mind when you think of a healthy meal? Baked chicken, steamed broccoli with a side of plain brown rice, might come to mind but where’s the fun in that? A rule of thumb when it comes to a healthy meal is that your plate should be about ½ fruits and/or veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ starchy carbs like rice, pasta, or potato. Spice it up by playing with new cooking methods, seasonings, cultures such as Mexican, Italian, Asian, new foods and herbs. Your food can be fun, tasty and healthy. Get adventurous. I can help.