Heat and cold therapy can be an effective and inexpensive way to relieve pain from a variety of conditions such as arthritis, pulled muscles, inflammation and swelling. Cold therapy is best for bruised or swollen joints and tendons; it improves nerve activity and blood flow. Use ice packs and a bag of ice cubes with a little cool water for acute injuries/pain, inflammation and swelling. Heat therapy improves blood flow, circulation and soothes muscles and joints and increases their flexibility. Use heat packs and pads for muscle pain, tension and stiffness. Take care, your body will thank you!

This fall, the City of Nanaimo, Parks, Recreation and Culture will be offering programs for all ages! Due to COVID-19, they will not be producing their usual Fall and Winter Activity Guide. Find the latest programs by following the City of Nanaimo Facebook page and the City of Nanaimo website. These will be updated on a regular basis as new programs come available. There will be arts, crafts, fitness, wellness, swimming, skating and so much more to participate in. Stay active this Fall with Parks, Recreation and Culture. For more information, visit www.nanaimo.ca or call 250.756.5200.

It’s hard enough to think about death without having to consider the financial realities that go along with it. Making the right decisions about funeral and cemetery expenses can be especially tough when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. There’s a way around that. The cost of funerals and cemetery services are unavoidable, however if you are smart, you can cut those costs and protect your family. With well-informed estate planning, you could save thousands of dollars, and spare your spouse and children from a heavy financial and emotional burden. Please contact us for more information with no obligation.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety during challenging and uncertain times. Positive thinking can help you to handle problems more effectively and provide a boost to your immune system and self-esteem. Step 1: Write down the things you are worried and stressed about to get them out of your head. Step 2: Make a list of things you feel positive or grateful for. Step 3: When you find yourself in a negative thought, remind yourself of the things you are grateful for. This will help to train your brain to focus on the positive.

In Canada, hospital readmissions of patients with chronic disease may be preventable with improvements in home self-care, in-home monitoring, self-tracking, and better training in health self-management practices. Given this prevention perspective, the University of Victoria – Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health has implemented a two-year randomized controlled research study; the Victoria Assistive Devices and Coaching (VADAC) Study. VADAC is looking for volunteers to become study participants. If you are *a senior (65 years+), *live in the Victoria to Nanaimo region, *have one or more chronic health conditions, and *have internet / WiFi access, contact the Project Co-ordinator, Suzanne toll free 1-866-902-3767, (VADAC@uvic.ca).