Community News
Book Club: Forever Strong

A New, Science-based Strategy for Aging Well by Gabrielle Lyon. Learn how to reboot your metabolism, build strength, and extend your life with this accessible new guidebook that demonstrates the importance of muscle for health and longevity from the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine. Pick up at your local bookstore.

Making New Holiday Traditions

The first holiday season after a move to a senior community can sometimes be stressful and difficult for your senior loved one. Creating new traditions can help with the transition and make the holiday season less stressful for everyone. Although your family holiday events may have been held at your senior loved one’s home in the past, holding gatherings at another family member’s home going forward can make things easier. Have your senior loved one help with one or two tasks that keep them involved without overwhelming them, and take advantage of the many fun holiday events this season!

Socks for Christmas

What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas this year? How about a gift of Wellness? This year, give your loved ones a pair of socks. But not just any sock. Socks with wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance for months to come. Knee-high socks with mild compression are great for the travellers on your list. For the hikers, choose wool socks that hug the feet and keep them warm in the outdoors. And don’t forget yourself, you too deserve a gift of wellness.

Where Do My Belongings Go?

One area of stress for those who haven’t moved for many years is what to do with all of the items they’ve collected over the years. Who will want them and how do you get them moved? Styles and décor change so pieces like your piano or dining table may not have the value today they once did. The good news is there are services locally that can help you with everything. Planning in advance is helpful, so if you’re thinking of a move in a year or two, start downsizing now. We’d be happy to chat about your Real Estate needs.

Coldest Night of the Year

The Coldest Night of the Year is Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness. Since 2011, it has raised more than $96 million in 166 communities across Canada. The Coldest Night of the year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. Team up, fundraise, walk and gather for good… because it’s cold out there. The event takes place on February 24th. The event features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved with the Victoria events that raise funds for Our Place Society and Pacific Centre Family Services Association.

Make Self-Care a Priority

Stress is a natural part of everyday life. The holiday season can be extra stressful. Are you aware that stress is among the number one causes for all kinds of health concerns including sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, illness, anxiety and depression? One of the greatest ways to combat these stress symptoms is to implement a self-care plan that is done regularly in your life. Self-care strategies are doing activities that you enjoy on a regular basis. During the exciting and busy holiday season, it is important to remember to make your own health and wellness a priority.

Denture Cleaning Tips

Maintaining clean dentures involves a daily routine. *Use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser to remove stains, plaque and debris. *Soak dentures overnight in water to loosen stains. *Be gentle to prevent damage; clean over a towel or basin of water. *Avoid hot water to prevent warping. Schedule regular denture checkups for a professional cleaning and a proper fit. Even with full dentures, gently rub your mouth and gums daily using a regular toothbrush. Avoid abrasive toothpaste and harsh cleaners that can damage dentures. Following these tips preserves dentures and improves overall oral health. Find more tips on our website.

Count Your Blessings

December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. At Wellnessnews, we hosted our Wellness Expo in 2023 and introduced a SeniorsNews newsletter in Victoria. We continue to publish four additional local newsletters here on the island and also grow the WellnessHub, our local online resource. We are grateful for these and many things that we take for granted; clean air, water from the tap and feelings of wellbeing. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.

Spotlight on Ageism Zoom Session

BC Community Response Networks is offering a new program – Spotlight on Ageism. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is; discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age. Join us on Zoom and learn virtually. Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 from 12 PM – 1 PM. Register at www.BCCRNS.ca or contact the BC CRN Program Team at programs@bccrns.ca.

Flu & COVID Immunization Clinic December 5

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. Our nurses are able to assist you by providing a nursing assessment and recommendations. We provide navigation services to assist you to connect with other healthcare providers as required. In keeping with the principle of community well-being, we offer wellness sessions on a regular basis. An Immunization Clinic for flu and COVID takes place on December 5 from 1 – 4 pm. We are located in Cook Street Village at #200-1075 Pendergast Street. Contact us or visit our website to find out more.

Help is Available

December can be a challenging month at the best of times. Online gambling and sports betting have gained incredible popularity recently. Vulnerable people can be at an increased risk of developing gambling issues when combined with the financial and emotional stress the holiday season can bring. If gambling which was once a light-hearted and fun activity has become a coping mechanism for emotional and/or financial relief, reach out to VI Gaming Support. We are available by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram) or online on our website. Our toll-free support line is open 24/7. You are not alone.