February 4 marks World Cancer Day. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, educate and encourage governments and individuals to take action and fight against cancer. From 2022-2024, the World Cancer Day theme is “Close the Care Gap”, which aims to reduce health inequities when accessing cancer care and to provide the same opportunity to prevent, diagnose and treat this disease. As we honour this day, remember that making healthier choices such as; *avoiding smoking, *using sunscreen, *limiting alcohol consumption, *eating healthy and *participating in screening tests can help reduce the risk of getting certain types of cancer.
Community News
Community Event – CNOY
Have you registered to walk in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk? This winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. There is no registration fee to enter. Team up, walk and fundraise! If you raise $150, you will receive one of this year’s amazing toques. The event takes place on February 25th and features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.
Superbowl
In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sports betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas oddsmakers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in their neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
My face in the mirror isn’t wrinkled or drawn. My house isn’t dirty. The cobwebs are gone. My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn. I think I might never put my glasses back on.
Wellness Expo – FREE Community Event
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living™ is thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Wellness Expo on February 25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. The Expo is FREE to attend. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks and door prizes.
Brain Teasers
1. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? 2. What can travel around the world while staying in one corner? 3. What do you throw out when you want to use it but take in when you don’t want to use it?
Brain Teasers Answers
1. Mt. Everest. It was still the highest in the world. It just had not been discovered yet! 2. A Stamp. 3. An Anchor
There Is No Quick Fix
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!
Depression in Older Adults
Many older adults fail to recognize the symptoms of depression or don’t take the steps to get the help they need. There are many reasons why elderly depression is often overlooked. You may assume that is just part of aging or you may be isolated with few people around to notice your distress. You also may be reluctant to ask for help. Of course, when you’re depressed, putting steps into action can be hard, but taking a short walk, for example, can boost your mood for the next two hours. By taking small steps day by day, you’ll find yourself feeling more energetic and hopeful again. Reach out for help if you are struggling.
Resolutions for 2023
With the start of the new year, we are hopeful that it will different than the last two years. 2022 is now officially over and as we embark on 2023, it is time to move forward. Let’s work on making resolutions that will help us through. Focus on that all-important Self-care (and Community-care)! Find the things in life that are enjoyable (and able to do within the constrictions of the pandemic), and resolve to commit to them regularly. Be specific yet flexible, and most importantly, make them enjoyable (not just healthy)!
Is Your Liver Healthy?
The liver plays a major role in many processes in our body (immunity, hormonal balance, detox). It is negatively impacted by increasing amounts of toxins in our food, household and beauty products and environment. Unfortunately, many of us don’t recognize the cry of our liver for help and don’t realize it has become sluggish and toxic until it starts seriously failing. There are many things you can do to support your liver: good sleep, no alcohol, a better diet (avoiding refined sugars, carbs and fats). In the Harmonic Egg we use orange and yellow lights, flute music and wood elements.
