December can be overwhelming as we try to prepare for the holiday season. We often forget to stop and enjoy moments with our friends and family. Here are some holiday-themed events for the whole family: • SKATES with SANTA: Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-8 pm at Frank Crane Arena and Friday, December 20, 3:45-5:15 pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre. • DUNK with SANTA: Saturday, December 21, 3-5 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. • WINTER WONDERLAND – $2 Skating Sessions: December 24 & 26 to 30 at Frank Crane Arena. • FINALE 2019 – Family New Year’s Eve Party: December 31, 5-10 pm at Beban Park.
Community News
Safe Winter Adventures
Winter is almost here and with that comes the cold and wet weather. Wearing warm clothing helps prevent frost bite, achy muscles and getting a cold or the flu. Proper warm insulated boots with good grips will keep your feet warm so you can still be outside to do what you love to do! A good pair of Walking Poles can be a key part in your outdoor adventures. They keep your balance inline, provide extra stability and give you a light workout! Our physiotherapists can show you proper poling technique and help you with all your Poling needs.
Celebrating the Holidays After a Loss
Dealing with grief can be twice as hard during the holidays. The first holiday after the loss of a loved one changes the way a family celebrates. Although family traditions and rituals are sacred events, they can be adapted to the changing dynamics in the family. Planning for the change, whether it be starting new family traditions or updating old ones, creates realistic expectations around significant events. It is important to acknowledge that things are going to be different. Adjusting to a family member passing is a big transition; accept it for what it is – an opportunity to create stronger family bonds and traditions.
What is a Hearing Evaluation Like?
To start, you will meet with a Hearing Care professional and a thorough history will be taken. An inspection of your ears will take place to confirm good ear health. You will be asked to respond to tones in a sound treated room. The tones tested are specific and range from the low to high frequencies that are important for hearing speech. You will undergo word testing to measure your communication abilities and how you hear speech in quiet and in noisy situations. Results are recorded to guide the Hearing Care Professional in forming a treatment plan if hearing loss is present.
The Power of Smell
Smell is amazing. It is far more than just a sniff or a whiff of something. Smell is the most primal of all of our senses and is the only one embedded in the limbic brain. The limbic brain is our emotional brain and in the end EVERYTHING boils down to how we FEEL. Our ability to smell has the ability to alter mood and behaviour. Changing how we feel changes behaviour. Instead of striving for a scent free environment, get rid of synthetic scents and toxins. Replace them with the smells of nature to improve mood and motivation. Viva our sense of smell!
Take Care of YOU During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of happiness and a time of high stress. We stress over meal preparation, finding the perfect gift, and traveling home. It’s important during this season to take some time for ourselves to rest and reflect on the year we have had. Increased stress levels reduce our immune systems, making us more susceptible to colds and flus. Rest, drink lots of water, eat healthy, get exercise, and take care of any aches and pains by seeing your local physiotherapist, massage therapist or chiropractor. You are important so take care of you too. Happy Holidays!
Community Profile – The Laundry Fairy
Are you tired of endless laundry? Do you wish your dirty clothes could magically appear washed and folded? The Laundry Fairy can do that for you. Your time is valuable so don’t waste it doing laundry. Simply schedule the Laundry Fairy’s pick-up and drop-off time and they will do your laundry for you. They pick it up, wash, dry and fold it, and then deliver it back to you the next day at your scheduled convenience. FREE pick up and drop off is available in Nanaimo and Lantzville with 24 hour turn around, 7 days a week.
Denture Care When Travelling
You want your smile to look its best no matter where you are, and having an organized plan for denture care can ensure that it will. Choose your meals and beverages carefully, bring along your own ‘denture friendly’ snacks for flights and long drives, pack the right cleaning products and tools, and remember to stick to your daily routine for the best results. Be proactive by taking the time to see your denturist before you travel. He can ensure your denture fits properly and is functioning as it should, which can help you avoid bigger problems while away from home.
Community Profile – Soul Comfort
Soul Comfort Sheepskin, Sheep’s Wool & Hemp has been dedicated to creating natural wool products for more than 38 years. Wool’s natural healing qualities have been known by holistic practitioners around the world for centuries. Soul Comfort’s goal is to spread the word to healthcare professionals and patients that health-grade wool offers both preventive medicine and pain relief. They have extensive knowledge of the benefits of wool and are always learning more to help create even better products for you and your loved ones. Soul Comfort is continuously committed to bringing you the finest quality sheep’s wool products.
Finding our Team/Connection
With the holidays coming up, it is importance to acknowledge our human need for connection as important to our survival. Our brain’s hardwiring seeks connection with others in order to promote our safety. When we have connection, our brain is more relaxed knowing the species can survive a threat. Not belonging to a group can produce feelings of loneliness and increase the risk of illness or injury. Building our connections can come from various ways such as organized groups, team sports, religious communities, holiday dinners or simply engaging in quality connections with another human who shares a common experience with us.
Eliminating the Winter Blues
As winter approaches on the Island, the days get shorter, the weather changes, and you might notice you develop the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal depression affecting 18% of Canadians, but there’s a lot you can do to get back to yourself again. Start by taking Health Canada approved Truehope EMP, a nutritional supplement that supports your mental and physical well being. It’s supported by 36 medical journals and scientists at over 16 universities worldwide. Compliment EMP with light therapy every morning, extra vitamin D, regular exercise, social time with friends, and a healthy diet.
