Healthy Detox Salad. Roast 3 cups cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cumin, salt, and pepper at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, stirring halfway. Whisk ¼ cup grapeseed oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 minced shallot for dressing. Toss 1 bunch kale, 1 pint Brussels sprouts, roasted squash, and 1 oz. toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with dressing, mix, then fold in 1 diced avocado.
Community News
When it’s Not Just Aging
While it’s true that some health conditions are more common with age, some symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. 1. Memory loss—this can sometimes be the result of medications, vitamin deficiencies, and some disorders. 2. Vision problems—getting treatment early for certain vision problems like glaucoma can prevent serious damage. 3. Tooth loss—regular dental care can help seniors avoid tooth loss. 4. Depression—certain health conditions and medications can make depression symptoms worse, but this problem can be treated professionally. 5. Weakness—A good exercise program can help prevent loss of muscle mass.
Wellness Expo April 26 – FREE to Attend
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is thrilled to present the 1st Annual Wellness Expo on April 26 at Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The expo is FREE to attend. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Explore, transform, escape, and shop! In support of the Senior Support North Vancouver Island. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, presentations, and door prizes.
Companionship for Seniors
Companionship is vital for seniors’ health and well-being. As we age, social isolation can increase the risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Regular interaction with compassionate caregivers or loved ones boosts emotional health, reduces stress, and supports physical vitality. Studies show seniors with strong social bonds often live longer, healthier lives. At Comfort Keepers, we prioritize meaningful companionship, offering personalized care that fosters connection and joy. Whether through conversation, shared activities, or simply being present, our caregivers help seniors thrive—because no one should face aging alone. Contact Comfort Keepers and allow us to help enrich your life holistically, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Gardening Safety Tips
For seniors, gardening can be a rewarding activity; safety is key. *Start by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with good grip to prevent slips. *Use raised garden beds or kneeling pads to reduce strain on your back and knees. *When lifting, bend your knees, not your back, and avoid heavy lifting. *Stay hydrated and wear a hat for sun protection. *Take frequent breaks, and if gardening outside, work in cooler parts of the day. Finally, *keep tools within easy reach to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching. Gardening should be enjoyable, so listen to your body and rest when needed!
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) is running better. Coverage authorization still takes weeks for full dentures and longer for partials, but it is improving. CDCP is a service that needs to be renewed each year to be sure you still qualify. You must have filed your current income tax and received your Notice of Assessment. After that, you will receive a letter on how to renew your coverage. The deadline is June 1, 2025. Call us for all your denture needs or if you are looking for direction about your remaining teeth.
Time to Honour Effective Leadership
For the past 20 years, Leadership Vancouver Island (LVI) has helped Vancouver Island
organizations reap the benefits of investing in their people, ultimately strengthening our communities. LVI is excited to announce a special celebration on April 24 where alumni and their sponsors can reconnect. This public event will showcase the impactful stories of past participants and guests who will hear about the changing face of leadership from guest speaker Clemens Rettich, professor in organizational behaviour and leadership at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. For more information about this event contact info@leadershipvi.com.
Medicine Cabinet Review and Spring Clean
Spring is an excellent time to review your medications with your pharmacist. It is also a great time to go through your medicine cabinet and get rid of items that you no longer need or that have expired. Take all discarded medications and vitamins to your pharmacist for safe and ecological disposal. Do not throw them into the wastebasket, sink, or toilet. Your pharmacist can help with your medication review, cleanup process, and disposal of medications. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville today.
Reiki Healing Energy
Reiki energy healing is a holistic practice that taps into the universal life force energy to promote healing and balance within the body, mind, and spirit. It’s a gentle yet powerful technique that can help with stress, anxiety, pain, or grief. Reiki works by channelling energy through the hands of the practitioner into the recipient, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall wellness. Reiki is a tool for personal transformation. By aligning the body’s energy centres and removing energetic blockages, Reiki can unlock your innate healing potential and facilitate deep inner healing.
Do You Need a Medical Alert System?
Here are some of the reasons people use a medical alert system: *They live alone. *They use a cane or walker to assist with mobility. *They had a fall or were at risk of falling. *They sometimes feel weak or dizzy. If you face any of these issues and it is important for you to continue living independently, a medical alert system may be the answer. With Lifeline, a service that supports The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that help is available 24/7 at the push of a button.
A Holistic Path to Pain Relief
Neuromovement® therapy is a groundbreaking approach to pain relief that focuses on re-educating the brain and nervous system. This therapy is rooted in the idea that the brain plays a central role in how we experience pain. Neuromovement® lessons use gentle, mindful movements to address the neurological patterns that contribute to pain and discomfort. It is a process of self-discovery and exploration of what you feel as you move that helps you learn to move in smarter ways, not working harder to achieve an outcome. Neuromovement® lessons focus on the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, offering a more holistic and long-term solution for pain relief.
