Fall will soon be here and that usually brings wet, colder weather. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors but be aware of changing conditions. Walking after a rain fall can be risky. Many walkers do not realize how slick the leaves on the ground can be. Wearing proper shoes and using Walking Poles can help reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Make sure that your footwear also provides support for your ankles. Using a pair of Walking Poles allows you to enjoy nice long walks with friends no matter what the weather. Keep doing what you love to do!

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers personalized service. Through their Pharmacy at Home Program, complimentary home visits help you manage your medication schedule or set up your blister pack. Free delivery service is available anywhere in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Errington, Parksville and Qualicum. They also offer Blood Pressure, BMI and Diabetes Monitoring, Foot Care and Compression Sock Fitting and a compounding laboratory to prepare customized medication. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo and in Parksville. Mel and Kristen Azcarraga, pharmacists and owners, are proud to serve their community.

Are you thinking about making a move to a retirement community? Here are some questions to ask when doing your research that will help you make your decision: *Does the facility have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellness of its residents and staff? *Are there cleaning protocols in place? *Is there sufficient staff to ensure extra cleaning and care is in place? *If an infection should occur, what procedures are there to ensure the containment? Answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Have you heard the expression “Good Intentions”? What does that mean? The dictionary definition of intention is: mentally determining to carry out an action in the future. Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned author and speaker says: “Our Intention Creates Our Reality”. Do you set intentions for your life? September is a great time to set or re-set Intentions. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that keep you from setting positive intentions for your life.

Mobility is key to maintaining independence, especially as people age. For seniors, the loss of mobility has profound social, psychological, and physical consequences. If joints and muscles aren’t properly maintained, basic movements may cause pain or even injury. Luckily the many negative effects that comes with immobility can often be prevented or limited by physical activity and exercise. Join a local exercise class, take daily walks, or find something that you enjoy and make it a habit. There are many opportunities to move throughout the day and you can even practice many upper- and lower-body mobility exercises from a chair.