Community News
Understanding Yoga Therapy

In the unfolding of the Human experience, we are in a constant interplay of cause and effect, of outer events and our reactions to them. This unfolding is complex and unique to each one of us. Throughout our lives we may bear injuries and/or illness (short, long term or chronic,) and have an ongoing flow of experiences to some of which we may have challenging emotions. Whether you’re seeking relief from struggles in the physical body, in difficult thoughts and emotions, or (often) both, a Yoga Therapist works with you to create an individualized practice that empowers you to support yourself through recovery, in creating greater ease and/or in establishing meaningful transformation.

Music of the Plants:

Interspecies Communication. Since the 1970s, Damanhur—a Federation of Communities with its own constitution, culture, music, currency, school and uses of science and technology has researched communication with the plant world. They created an instrument that perceives the electromagnetic variations from the surface of plant leaves to the root system and translates them into sound. Each variation is given a different musical note value. When connected, the musical instrument digital interface turns the value into an audible note of music. Plants can create 4 to 5 octaves of music and upward of 120 different sounds. Music of the Plants allows people around the world to connect with plants’ innate intelligence to expand their awareness.

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].

Music and Dementia

The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.

New Superberry: an Antioxidant Powerhouse

In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. That’s because powerful antioxidants (proanthocyanidins) in Aronia berries remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice reduced blood glucose, and its extracts reduced inflammation and improved immunity. An extract of Aronia berries injected into highly malignant brain tumor cells killed malignant cells within 24 hours without harming healthy cells. And in hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.

AJ Pedal Wheelchair

Whether your mobility has been impacted by Parkinson’s, MS, a stroke, or knee or hip trouble, the AJ Pedal Wheelchair is designed to get you moving again. Like a bike, it’s powered by you – so you can reconnect with your body, rebuild muscle tone and improve your cardiovascular system. Designed to maneuver in tight spaces like narrow halls and doorways, the AJ rides easily into elevators, buildings and shopping centres. More robust than a wheelchair, the AJ allows you to pedal through parks, along sidewalks and even ride public transit. One-handed, dual hydraulic brakes allow you to stop quickly with just a gentle squeeze of the brake handle. The comfort-ride shock and pneumatic tires keep you comfortable and confidently in control. Each AJ is hand built in Victoria, BC, using the highest grade aluminum and other durable materials for a safe and sturdy ride.

Support Available 24/7

Covid 19 continues to disrupt our routines. BC casinos and gaming centres remain closed as per public health order closures. Consequently, online gambling platforms have experienced an increase in play. This shift may worsen risk factors including social isolation and increased substance use as well as an increase in use of credit to gamble. The Responsible & Problem Gambling Program remains committed to serving the people of BC 24/7. Our support services include outreach, education, and counselling services by phone, text, web chat, or in person, all of which are FREE of charge. We’re here for you, should gambling take a harmful turn.

Supporting Local Business

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® aspires to help local businesses connect to our community. Are you a local business, non profit organization, or health professional and would like to be showcased in our next edition in print, online and on social media – contact us at [email protected]. Showcase your business for FREE on our new Online Wellness Hub -NorthIslandWellnessHub.ca. Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is sent directly from our Printer to pre-selected postal tracts via Canada Post and is seen at selected businesses throughout Comox Valley. Thanks for supporting our local economy!

Supporting Local

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® aspires to help local businesses connect to our community. Giving-back, we profile a non-profit organization as our “Charity of Choice” each month. Are you a local business, non profit organization, or health professional and would like to be showcased in our next edition in print, online and on social media – contact [email protected]. Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is sent directly from our Printer to pre-selected postal tracts via Canada Post and is seen at selected businesses throughout White Rock and South Surrey. Thanks for supporting LOCAL. Subscribe to our local online edition at Wellnessnews.ca. Healthiest Regards,

Tea and Toast Syndrome

“Tea and toast syndrome” refers to malnutrition in seniors when a lack of desire or inability to prepare and/or eat proper meals results in them relying on simpler meals like tea and toast. Seniors who skip meals almost daily, have gained/lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months, take medications, have dental issues, or have a disability can be at risk for malnutrition. Some common signs to watch for include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, memory issues, digestive issues, a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and anemia. There are support services available to help seniors eat well and regularly!

Have You Considered Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of an ancient Traditional Chinese medical system that aims to restore order and balance to the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can be used for a variety of issues such as digestive, emotional, menstrual, respiratory, fertility, neurological, musculoskeletal and addiction. In recent years, several clinical studies have proven that acupuncture is effective for people who do not want to take medication, have allergies/sensitivities to medications or have intolerable side effects to medication. The benefits of acupuncture include: enhanced mental clarity and energy, stress reduction, immune stimulation, pain control and improved circulation.