Community News
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.

Is the Food Good?

When considering a move to independent senior living, there are two burning questions that come to mind; “What am I going to do with my time?” and “Is the food good?” Today’s senior residences offer a calendar with a variety of recreation programs and unlimited access to programs in recreation, leisure, social arts, entertainment and fitness. You are welcome to participate in as much as you want, or to take quiet time for yourself. Executive Chefs offer in-house prepared meals with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Residents can enjoy everything from comfort food to elegant special event dinners.

The Story You Tell Yourself

Our experiences are determined by our conscious and subconscious thoughts. They become the story we tell ourselves or “self-talk.” Self-talk impacts how we live our lives, including how we react to unpleasant or stressful situations. Negative self-talk can be challenged by changing how we respond to situations. Recognize negative thinking styles such as *Perfectionism,*Thinking you are the only one experiencing stress and strain, *Ignoring the positive, *Thinking only of the worst outcome. Ways to manage negative self-talk includes identifying the negative thoughts and changing them to healthier thoughts. Acknowledging the negative thoughts and feelings while moving towards what matters most to you.

Common Questions about Hearing Aids

Here are answers to some common hearing aid questions: *Are they expensive? Your hearing practitioner, through careful investigation and consultation, can recommend a product to fit every budget and need. *How long do they last? With normal wear and tear of daily use, you can expect approximately five years of life from a set of hearing aids. *Can people tell that I am wearing hearing aids? Many of the options available today are the most discreet and invisible hearing aids ever. Our hearing practitioner will help you make an educated decision. Contact us today – we come to you.

Urban Poling Your Way to Better Health

If you have been told you should use a cane but using a cane just does not fit your image, why not try Urban poles. They are sporty, fun, easy to use and facilitate a more fluid gait. Evidence based research relating to older adults identify Urban poling (Nordic walking), with the proper training, as a healthy activity suited for improving quality of life. Proven benefits include increased balance & stability, increase in mobility and improved strength. A 2011 study on Nordic walking with Parkinson’s clients found pain, balance and health related quality of life were improved.