What does player health on online gaming and gambling platforms look like? Playnow, BCLC’s online platform continues to offer player support via their Game Sense Advisor program, including an active chatbox staffed by one of your GSA’s. Players are encouraged to *Stick to their time and financial limits *Take physical breaks from the screens *Walk around and to do something else for a while *Remain sober while playing *Use App-blockers if needed. Feel free to reach out to our outreach team for support. This pandemic is taking a toll on us all. We’re always here to help!
Preserving the Human-Canine Bond
Community volunteers at ElderDog Canada Victoria provide no-cost services such as dog walking, transportation to and from a vet or groomer, foster care when a senior is temporarily hospitalized, and rehoming when keeping the senior and dog together is no longer feasible. Eligible seniors include those who have ongoing health and/or mobility challenges, require temporary support while they undergo and recover from surgery, or must move to a care facility and cannot bring their dog with them. If you are a senior who needs help caring for your dog, you can email ElderDog Canada Victoria at [email protected].
Reiki Really Works
Reiki is an energy healing treatment that works holistically; on the whole body, mind and spirit. Natural healing vibrations are transmitted through the hands of a Reiki practitioner to the body of the recipient. Reiki treatment can relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, accelerate natural healing, balance subtle energies, and support other medical modalities, including traditional therapies. Reputable medical facilities are now offering patients alternative healing programs such as Reiki, and are analyzing the benefits and submitting them for review and compilation. Look at your options on how you can learn Reiki to experience personal healing and also to help others.
Stay Young at Heart
CardioFlex Q10™ is a proprietary collagen precursor formula designed to promote the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and repair connective tissues to support cardiovascular health. Each serving contains 2000 mg Vitamin C, amino acids and other nutrients that help build structural elastin and structural collagen, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex virus/shingles, maintain proper muscle function and generally maintain good health. Excellent for supplementing vegan diets and made in Canada by Innotech Nutrition, a family company.
Class IV Laser for your Injuries
A therapeutic dose of light applied to injured tissue leads to a cellular response that reduces pain and inflammation and speeds up the healing process! The primary target is the cytochrome c complex which is found in the cell mitochondria. Cytochrome c is a vital component of the electron transport chain & as laser light is absorbed, cytochrome c is stimulated, leading to increased production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)/energy within the cell. Nitric Oxide is also produced which improves microcirculation in the damaged tissue, delivers oxygen, vital sugars, proteins, & salts while removing wastes. WHERE THERE IS BLOOD FLOW & ENERGY THERE IS HEALING.
Insomnia? Try Essential Oils
Using essential oils to relax, reduce stress, and alleviate snoring can help increase the likelihood of a good night’s sleep. Did you know Green Valley essential oil blends are made right here in the Comox Valley? Try our Tranquility or Insomnia blends. Chamomile has a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, depression, and aggravation. Lavender relaxes, soothes, and restores peace to mind and body. At nighttime, diffuse essential oils in the bedroom, add to your bath, shake onto a cotton ball tucked into your pillow, or rub onto the soles of your feet with a carrier oil. Cover with some fuzzy bed socks for a cozy feel.
Quit Smoking Using Acupuncture
Smoking cigarettes is the single most preventable cause of premature death in Canada. Acupuncture is an evidence-based approach shown to reduce cravings and withdrawal
symptoms associated with smoking. By regulating the nervous system and disengaging the physiological stress response, it provides the person with a feeling of calm and
increased ability to cope. Studies show that people who use acupuncture in addition to education and counselling are more likely to succeed in becoming a non-smoker. Patients who used acupuncture also reported significant improvement in pain management, concentration, sleep, and energy compared to those who did not receive needles. Acupuncture is recognized as a best practice in the treatment of smoking cessation.
Ask The Expert
Q: Could you come up with a good new year’s resolution for one’s eyes this year? A: Sure, but this would be a “hard ask” for many: cut back on the use of screens as the pandemic winds down. Not really because they’re directly harmful to your eyes, but users tend to do a couple of things that become really problematic over time. The first is habitually staring at a screen, which reduces blinking, which inhibits proper lubrication of the eyes, and a cascade of irritation. The second is poor posture or tension from trying to get a screen in focus, either by improperly focused glasses, squinting, screen position, or inadequate lighting.
Water: The Elixir of Life
Your body is about 60% water.
Water represents a critical nutrient whose absence will be lethal within days. Water’s importance for the prevention of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases is a scientific fact. But how much? I’m sure you’ve felt some of the effects of your cells being dehydrated, including headaches, feeling foggy, constipation, and feeling sluggish physically and mentally. How much water you need to stay healthy is affected by your health, activity, and environment. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces is a good star and as a bonus can help with weight loss and increased metabolism.
February: The Month of Purification
Welcome, February. Did you know that “Februa” in Latin, means “to cleanse”? If you are new to cleansing, it can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with small steps like avoiding coffee, starting your day with a glass of water, and drinking a minimum of 1.5L of water throughout the day. A cleanse is like a “reset button”, it helps the body do exactly what it is designed to do: clear out toxins and keep you healthy. Not one type of cleansing technique fits everyone, if you are considering cleansing and wish for support, feel free to connect with me.
There’s No Place Like Home
Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!


