When in fear and anxiety our physical, emotional and mental experiences are uncomfortable and sometimes scary. These include a pounding heart accompanied with increased blood pressure, tightness in the chest and perhaps feeling trapped when in a panic attack. A simple and effective technique for relief is Straw Breathing. Position your lips as if you have a straw in your mouth. Take a deep breath through your nose. Very slowly exhale through your mouth maintaining the straw position. Repeat a comforting thought, simply, ‘I am safe’, to enhance the therapeutic effect. Repeat 5-6 times.
Community News
Community Health Centres in Victoria
The Victoria Community Health Co-operative is currently offering Nursing services based on a
Community Health Centre model. Services are available at no cost with a BC MSP card.
We are located in Cook Street Village at #200-1075 Pendergast Street. In keeping with the
principle of community well-being, we are offering two wellness sessions in July;
to be held at the Cook Street Activity Centre located at #1 – 380 Cook Street.
*July 4: Bone Health from 1-2:30 pm and *July 19: Anxiety 101 from 10 to 11 am.
Please contact the centre with any questions or to book an appointment with a nurse.
Welcome to Summer
The summer heat has arrived! This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and to explore our island. Check out the WellnessHub, your local, online Health and Wellness resource for information that can help you make the most out of summer. It features hundreds of health tips and articles along with a directory of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to subscribe to receive a monthly email letting you know about events and our monthly contest. Enter our July contest for a chance to win a mobility walker.
Fresh Air & Exercise
One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Summer is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Cardio Testing at Home
Island Mobile Cardiology Testing offers 12-lead ECGs and Holter Monitoring in your residence, office or clinic on Southern Vancouver Island. When ordered by a physician, their services are covered by MSP. All test results are interpreted by a cardiologist. Their mission is to make cardiac testing accessible and convenient for all patients by eliminating barriers such as transportation, mobility and time. At Island Mobile Cardiology Testing, they strive to reduce stress and increase comfort for patients and caregivers.
Meet Your Practitioner
Michael Sorsdahl brings over 18 years of experience in both group and individual counselling/psychotherapy, focusing on helping individuals of all walks of life overcome mental health challenges, transitioning into inspired career/life balanced living. “I am invested in providing you an experience designed uniquely for you, allowing us to create a complimentary plan to achieve your desired results. Highly experienced in PTSD/trauma therapy, military culture, couples, career counselling, LGBTQ+ and Men’s Issues, I believe my integrated and holistic approach will provide you with the greatest chance of success. Together we will move forward to new areas of understandings in life and healthy living.
Words to Live By
“When meditating over a disease, I never think of finding a remedy for it, but, instead, a means of preventing it.” Louis Pasteur
Words to Live By
“Let’s build wellness rather than treat disease.” Bruce Daggy
Can Your Body Relax?
Can you sit by yourself and just be? Calm your mind, meditate? Go for a leisurely walk? If the answer is “Not without difficulty”, your body could be stuck in “fight or flight”. The Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary processes in the body including heart rate, blood pressure and digestion. It can get dysregulated with the sympathetic nervous system staying on, often times as a result of chronic stress. Sound is gaining popularity as a gentle, natural and effective way to help our bodies truly relax. Try high-quality meditative music, a sound bath or the Harmonic Egg!
The Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Floatation therapy has numerous benefits that can help improve physical and mental wellness. Research has shown that floating in sensory deprivation tanks can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, relieve muscle and joint pain, boost creativity and enhance mindfulness. The peaceful, meditative environment in a super saturated bath of Epsom salts that has been heated to body temperature can help individuals become more self-aware, increase self-reflection and promote spiritual growth. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying floatation therapy, especially if you have any medical conditions. Float therapy is a simple, effective way to invest in your own health and happiness.
Sports Betting Lingo Confusion
Straight bet? Parlay? Futures? Propositions (prop bets)? Teaser? What do all these terms mean? Puck line? Money line? Run line? What’s going on? Sports betting seems to have taken on a life of its own. If you are confused, overwhelmed or seeking clarity, please reach out to VI Gaming Support. Not only are we here to support people who are negatively impacted by problematic gambling behaviour, we also offer workshops, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness about gambling in its many forms, whether it is online or in person. Contact us today to find out more.
