Community News
Vancouver Island Gambling Support

It’s been over a year since Covid 19 overtook our lives. For most, it has been a challenging time. For many, it has been a difficult time emotionally and financially. Pushed to the limit, some of our friends and family have sought financially relief through online gambling. Rarely has it been the silver bullet many had hoped for. Here at VIGamingSupport.ca, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Support groups, outreach support services, counselling, and webinars are available to support you and your loved one’s redress gambling related harms. VI Gaming Support is contracted by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program.

Tips for Getting a Good Sleep

We all know the feeling of waking up refreshed after a full night’s sleep. We are in a good mood, have more energy for the day ahead, we are able to concentrate better, our memory is sharper, and we are more productive. These are only a few benefits sleep provides, as it plays an important role in both our physical and mental health. Tips to help you get a good night’s sleep: *keep consistent sleep times, *establish set sleep routines, *Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed time, *keep physically active. Everyone can benefit from having a more restful and restorative sleep.

Benefits of Living in a Seniors’ Community

If you want to free yourself from home management chores and to enjoy the convenience of amenities and security in a social atmosphere, then independent living could be a perfect fit for you! Features include: *Privacy and independence, *Laundry and housekeeping services, *Meals, *Access to recreation, events, and entertainment, *Peace of mind knowing assistance is available if you need it, *24-hour nurse on call for emergencies. The independent living program is ideal for those who want to free up their time and live life to the fullest without being bogged down by daily chores. Enjoy an independent lifestyle with assistance available if you need it.

Bringing Health and Wellness Information to You

What were you doing four years ago? Wellnessnews Central Vancouver Island published its first newsletter in March 2017. This issue is the start of our 5th year of bringing health and wellness information to our communities. Like for so many other businesses, the past year has been a challenge. We met the challenge by continuing to print and finding new ways of distributing the printed newsletter and by going online. The WellnessHUB brings not only all the newsletters to you; it brings you an expanded wealth of local health and wellness information from experts in your community.

Drug Free Pain Relief

Did you know that lack of stability and balance account for a large portion of foot and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology.

Share Love with an Online Obituary

An online obituary allows a family more opportunities to share about their loved one. Photos, special moments and a life story are centralized in the guestbook and allows for digital condolences. It can also act as a permanent memorial that the family can revisit to re-read the messages left by family members and friends. Online stories can be read around the world and will be seen by loved ones near and far. When posting your message of sympathy and support, try to share something that the family may not know and appreciate learning. A funny story from your times together can bring surprising comfort.

Gambling Support – Fold Em Podcast

Do you gamble from time to time? Has the pandemic increased your feelings of loneliness and isolation? Do you listen to podcasts? Are you concerned about someone’s gambling behaviour, or possibly your own? You are not alone. Connect with others by tuning into the Fold Em podcast on your favourite app or check out www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca and click “listen now”. You can listen in on how others have sought help to overcome problematic gambling behaviour. On the island, reach out Tracy Tsui for FREE, confidential support.

Spend Family Time Enjoying Nature

It is well known that nature and fresh air is a tonic for the soul. Reconnecting with nature is good for our physical and mental health. Living on Vancouver Island, we are lucky to have some of the world’s best nature in our own back yard. Strathcona Provincial Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Located 25 minutes west of Courtenay and just steps away from Mount Washington Alpine Village, it is a mountain wilderness that offers an incomparable nature experience. Summer activities include hiking, zip lining, mountain biking, swimming and relaxing while soaking in the natural beauty.

Why Use a Compounding Pharmacy?

If you are unable to take a mass-produced medication, a compounding pharmacy can create a personalized medicine just for you. Reasons to turn to a compounding pharmacy include; inability to swallow a pill, an allergy to gluten or dyes, or a drug may be in short supply. The pharmacist works with the prescribing health care practitioner to create a solution that works for you. The compounding pharmacist can add appealing flavours, create unique dosage forms and provide innovative delivery methods to make it easier for you to take your medicine.

Oral Health Important During Covid

Today, many dentists report seeing an increase in cavities and infection. There may be a number of reasons for this including; *People snacking on sticky and sweet foods throughout the day, *Altered sleep habits which, in turn, alters saliva flow, *Reduced cleaning both at home and professional cleaning at the dental office. Most dental offices are open and are functioning with some restrictions. So, maintain your dental appointments and make sure to keep up your oral care at home.

Social Connection

Staying socially connected is more important than ever and especially during this pandemic. Social Isolation particularily among seniors, is a growing problem and is associated with a number of health risks. There is technology to help you keep in-touch but not everyone has the access nor the ability to use it. Nanaimo Lifeline has a Check-In Service with a daily phone call to those who might not be connected. Their friendly chat provides peace of mind and ensures that somebody knows that you are doing Ok today. Contact us if you or someone you know would benefit from this service.