Community News
Get Up and Boogie!

When was the last time you danced? If you’re like so many of us and can’t remember, consider turning up your favourite song and letting loose! Dance has so many health benefits including improved strength, cardiovascular fitness and lowered stress. It helps you build better coordination, agility and flexibility. You don’t have to join a class or group to dance. Dancing solo in your kitchen or living room is guaranteed to make you smile! The residents at Berwick Qualicum Beach are kicking it into gear and enjoying all the benefits of dance. Stay tuned on facebook.com/berwickrc for the latest “We are Family” dance video.

Get Your Taxes Done, Ease Your Mind

Tax time can be stressful for residents; SOS is here to help. Doing your income tax return is the key to unlocking unclaimed government benefits and recovering overpaid taxes. It can also help relieve the stress that comes with piles of unfinished business. SOS works in conjunction with the Revenue Canada Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to help low-income residents file basic tax returns at no cost. The income threshold is $35,000 for 1 person and $45,000 for a couple. This service does not assist with self-employment returns. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this service is only offered over the phone. For more information, please call SOS at 250-248-2093.

Oral Health Important During Covid

Today, many dentists report seeing an increase in cavities and infection. There may be a number of reasons for this including; *People snacking on sticky and sweet foods throughout the day, *Altered sleep habits which, in turn, alters saliva flow, *Reduced cleaning both at home and professional cleaning at the dental office. Most dental offices are open and are functioning with some restrictions. So, maintain your dental appointments and make sure to keep up your oral care at home.

Supporting Someone with Hearing Loss

People with a hearing impairment often need additional support managing the impacts of hearing loss. It can be overwhelming to navigate daily life and adjust to symptoms, especially early on. One of the most important things you can do to support your loved one is to be present. Be an advocate for them, attend appointments with them, check for accommodations when visiting theaters and teach others about communication strategies for people with hearing impairment. If someone with hearing loss resists your help, remember that they must take responsibility for their own hearing. Remind them that you are simply there to listen and offer support.

Why Use a Compounding Pharmacy?

If you are unable to take a mass-produced medication, a compounding pharmacy can create a personalized medicine just for you. Reasons to turn to a compounding pharmacy include; inability to swallow a pill, an allergy to gluten or dyes, or a drug may be in short supply. The pharmacist works with the prescribing health care practitioner to create a solution that works for you. The compounding pharmacist can add appealing flavours, create unique dosage forms and provide innovative delivery methods to make it easier for you to take your medicine.

Heal Shoulder Joint Pain

To eliminate the pain of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries and to regenerate the joint, especially with osteo-arthritic elements; acupuncture, natural medicines and ozone are historically my treatment protocols. Hypoxia or the inadequacy of cellular oxygen reaching the body’s tissues causes degeneration in the ligaments. These treatments are excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck & back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative, arthritic hips, knees, degenerated discs, shoulder and elbow pain.

Social Connection

Staying socially connected is more important than ever and especially during this pandemic. Social Isolation particularily among seniors, is a growing problem and is associated with a number of health risks. There is technology to help you keep in-touch but not everyone has the access nor the ability to use it. Nanaimo Lifeline has a Check-In Service with a daily phone call to those who might not be connected. Their friendly chat provides peace of mind and ensures that somebody knows that you are doing Ok today. Contact us if you or someone you know would benefit from this service.

Is the Food Good?

When considering a move to independent senior living, there are two burning questions that come to mind; “What am I going to do with my time?” and “Is the food good?” Today’s senior residences offer a calendar with a variety of recreation programs and unlimited access to programs in recreation, leisure, social arts, entertainment and fitness. You are welcome to participate in as much as you want, or to take quiet time for yourself. Executive Chefs offer in-house prepared meals with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Residents can enjoy everything from comfort food to elegant special event dinners.

Natural Product Spotlight:

Innotech Nutrition Fasting Days™ – Research shows some of the main benefits of intermittent fasting include: safe weight loss, more energy, improved cardio wellness, relief from aches and pains, rebuilding of liver, normalization of insulin sensitivity, and immune system optimization. Innotech Fasting Days™ is doctor-formulated to help support your goals with a balanced nutrient powder that’s very low in calories, keto-friendly, vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy, and free of sugar, gluten, artificial sweeteners/flavours and colours. It helps with glucose metabolism, hydration and electrolyte balance, muscle mass, collagen formation, and hunger suppression.

Living Sustainably: But There’s More…

For decades we have been warned that not changing our wasteful ways to be better stewards of our planet would lead to dire consequences. So, we compost, recycle, lower our thermostats, buy local and more. But there’s one more thing. Your environmental stewardship does not stop when your heart does. Reconsider your end of life plans to include sustainable funeral alternatives. No embalming; local, earth-friendly caskets; no concrete grave boxes are a few examples. Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd., your Green Funeral provider, helps guide you in creating a funeral event that is kinder and gentler to our planet.

Your Cool New Booze-Free Option

Taking a night off from drinking can now be a part of an exciting night out! Self-care can extend past sunset and socializing can boost your health and wellness game. When we consume beverages that are healthier for our body and mind, we feel more empowered and connected to our souls. We call this mindful consumption. Our Brü is soulfully curated for both flavour and functionality, creating a novel social experience. It’s time we remove outdated, stigmatized labels like alcoholic, recovery, disease and replace them with empowering words like alcohol-free, sober curious, and non-drinker, so people can feel proud about their accomplishment by choosing not to drink.