Community News
Support Chemainus Theatre

The Playbill Dining Room at Chemainus Theatre Festival is open for dining on Friday and Saturday evenings with physical-distancing and safety measures in place. Chemainus Theatre Festival is a not-for-profit registered charity; generous donations from patrons enable them to continue the work. The Chemainus Theatre Bridging the Gap Fund has been established to help them withstand this difficult time and to return when it is safe to do so.  Today more than ever, they rely on charitable support.  If you are able to help, any donation will be an integral part of helping them build towards their next season.

Spring Detox

Here are some tips for spring wellness: *Drink lemon or apple cider vinegar water first thing in morning, *Cut out processed sugar and junk food and limit gluten, dairy, and meat consumption. *Include fermented, probiotic-rich foods in your diet. *Drink at least 10 glasses of water and herbal teas such as dandelion, nettle ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and green every day. *Consider taking an occasional dose of aloe vera and/or milk thistle. *Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetable and maybe add in a daily greens powder like moringa or chlorella.

Observing Spring

This month, many of us will be celebrating Easter in our own way by decorating our homes and working in the garden. Others still find themselves alone and/or fearful to reach out. Use this new moon to find a way to make new connections. Hide some painted eggs in a neighbour’s yard for their kids to find, spend some time volunteering, or give someone a basket filled with thoughtful trinkets. It doesn’t just have to be about a rabbit leaving chocolate gifts, hot cross buns, or a feast of ham with family. This spring, embrace the time for sharing and starting new friendships and experiences at a safe distance.

Communicating with Individuals with Hearing Loss

Communicating effectively with someone experiencing hearing loss can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help: *Find a quiet place – create the best conditions for them to understand you, *Understand level of loss – understand the unique set of challenges they face, *Say it a different way – choose uncomplicated words so it’s easier for them to understand, *Make eye contact – eye contact allows someone to read your expression for context, *Get their attention – make sure they know you’re speaking. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, be sure to schedule a hearing test today!

Covid 19 Vaccines

Vaccines are products that produce immunity to a specific disease like COVID-19. When you are immune to COVID-19 that means you can be exposed to it without becoming sick or if you do become infected, it prevents more severe illness. Vaccines save lives. Vaccines don’t just protect the people getting vaccinated; they protect everyone around them too. The more people in a community who are vaccinated and therefore protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for it to spread. (Source: Provincial Health Services Authority). Vaccines will soon be available at the pharmacy. Please check our website for updates.

Reiki – Release Stress and Tension

Reiki offers deep relaxation and helps the body release stress and tension. A reiki treatment gives you time to yourself where you are ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’. Clients report feeling more clear, peaceful, relaxed, and lighter in themselves. Reiki provides a space where you can be more aware of what is going on inside your body and mind. You can learn to listen to your own body and make wise decisions about your wellbeing. Being more present in your body helps you to access the inner knowing and wisdom that we all have!

Wanted! Check-in Volunteers

Are you a cheerful person with good communication skills? Do you have 2 hours per week available to chat and connect with a senior in your community? Check‐In Services Volunteers are an essential part of the Nanaimo Lifeline team. They support seniors in the community by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within the community. This role is a great fit for individuals who are comfortable speaking on the phone and want to help people in their community stay connected and engaged. Training is provided by Lifeline staff and volunteers.

Role of the Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; and are trained on diseases, symptoms, treatment and signs that require an appointment with a doctor. Your pharmacist will ensure your prescribed medication is appropriate for your health issue, is the correct dose based on your weight and kidney health and does not interact with any medication you are already taking. As appropriate, you pharmacist may suggest a complementary treatment to prevent side effects and can help ensure that you aren’t taking drugs that are no longer needed. If you feel unwell, your pharmacist may recommend an OTC medication or refer you to a health care professional.

Decibels and Hearing Loss

Sound is measured in two ways: Decibels and Frequencies. Decibels (dB) refer to how loud or soft a sound is, or its intensity. A person with normal hearing can typically hear sounds from 0 to 140 dB. Someone with mild hearing loss is unable to hear sounds below 30 or 40 decibels, while a person with moderate hearing loss will miss sounds below 50-70 decibels. Since a lot of speech occurs within this decibel range, a person with moderate hearing loss may have trouble hearing (and comprehending) conversations, especially amid background noise. Please go to our website for information about decibels and hearing loss.

Prevent Teeth from Fracturing

Dentists across Canada continue to see an increase in dental issues such as decay during the Covid-19 pandemic. They are also seeing an increase in teeth fracturing. It is believed that the fracturing is caused by the increase in stress levels across all populations. It is especially apparent in people who tend clench and grind their teeth. Your dentist has proactive treatments to help protect your teeth and help prevent fracturing your teeth.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

The green season is upon us and with Spring comes Spring Cleaning! The best way to tackle this yearly task is to go low and slow. Try one drawer or cupboard a day, this can get the ball rolling in the right direction. Try starting in the bathroom by looking for expired medications, collect these up and take them to the Pharmacy during your next trip for proper disposal. Declutter with the help of a friend or call us to help you with even more! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind and home.