Community News
Save Your Back This Winter

One of the most common causes of back pain during the winter months is snow shoveling. Are you shoveling snow properly?
Improper technique: bending down at the waist to scoop the snow onto your shovel and then twisting at the trunk to throw the snow to the side.
Proper technique: pushing the snow forward and then position your body so that you are facing the spot where you want to dump the snow. Bend from the knees into a semi-lunge position to scoop the pile of snow onto your shovel and dump the snow directly ahead.

Get Smart About Antibiotics

Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections but are ineffective against viral infections. The common cold and the flu are viral infections, so avoid seeking antibiotics if you suffer from either of these illnesses. Overuse of antibiotics when they are not needed is a significant factor in some bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic, potentially reducing that antibiotic’s future effectiveness. It’s not always obvious whether an infection is viral or bacterial. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine what is the right treatment for you.

Vision and Success in School

Parents want their children to do well at school. But 80% of learning depends on vision, so ensuring your child has good vision is crucial to successful learning. Your child may not realize they have a vision problem, they may simply assume everyone sees the way they do. A vision-related problem may cause: Headaches or irritability. Difficulty staying on task. Avoiding work. Covering or rubbing the eyes. Losing place or using finger to maintain place while reading. Omitting or confusing small words when reading. Performing below their potential. Eye redness or discharge.

2nd Annual Wellnessnews Women’s Expo

We are proud to present the 2nd Annual Women’s Expo on February 9th, 2019. Bring your Mom, Daughter, and Friends and join us at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo for a day of wellbeing. With over 100 exhibitors, the Diva Oasis and wellness seminars, it will be a day to explore, indulge, shop, learn and have fun. The Expo is FREE. Get your VIP tickets where you get your Wellnessnews or from one of the exhibitors. While not required to attend, tickets redeemed raise funds for Samaritan House. Check the Women’s Expo website for an updated exhibitor list and scheduled health talks. See you on February 9th.

Beat the Winter Doldrums

The first weeks back after the holiday break can be hard on everyone in the family. If your child seems a little off in the first weeks of January, chances are that it’s a function of holiday comedown and fatigue. Their schedules and their sleep have been thrown off. After all the holiday anticipation, it’s back to reality with a return to routine and regular sleep. January on the Island can be dark and dreary with a distinct lack of sunshine. Exercise, going outside, getting more recess time or doing something after school with peers will help your kids beat ordinary winter doldrums.

Trouble Sleeping?

Are you a side sleeper? Is your bed a place where you are constantly tossing and turning, time-checking, and speculating about things that may never happen? A special pillow exists for side sleepers called the Body Pillow. This long and narrow pillow gives comfort and support during the night for both the upper and lower body. With a body pillow, the entire body is in alignment: knees, hips, and arm are relaxed while consistently being held afloat by the pillow. A body pillow will help you wake up in the morning feeling restored and ready to face the day.

Simple Post-Holiday Detox

Feeling like you could use a post-holiday detox? Try these simple, every day little tweaks: * Start your day with a glass or two of lemon or apple cider vinegar water. * Eat vegetables especially leafy greens and brassicas. * Limit red meat and heavy starches, and opt for leaner proteins like poultry, fish, sprouts, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. * Stay away from processed food and sugar. * Limit alcohol consumption. *Consume lots of turmeric, ginger – season your meals with herbs and spices and take milk thistle periodically.
Be well! Excellent health and happiness in the New Year to you!

Add a Little Exercise to Your Lifestyle

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduces your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!

Community Profile – La Rosa Gardens

La Rosa Gardens in Ladysmith is a comfortable and affordable senior’s residence where seniors come first. This BC, family owned and operated residence is located on a beautifully landscaped property in a quiet residential area. A lively group of seniors welcome all newcomers. There is something for everyone and fun is always at the forefront. This includes a variety of exercise programs, games, music, and special events. They also go on outings to a variety of interesting destinations such as the Raptor Centre and regular trips for shopping. Once you get there you will wonder why you waited so long.

Modern Dentures Look Like Natural Teeth

Today, people of all ages get dentures because they have no or very few remaining natural teeth. You may think that dentures are just for seniors however that is not the case. If you need dentures, it is normal to worry that they will look unnatural, affect your speech, won’t let you eat your favorite foods or will fall out of your mouth while talking or eating. With the right set of dentures, and the care of a skilled denturist, you do not have to worry about any of these things. Modern dentures look amazingly natural and function almost like natural, healthy teeth.

Manual Osteopathy and Ozone Therapy

When our body is in physical and mental distress as a result of daily activities and stressors, it may try to adapt by realignment or protective readjustments. Unfortunately, these adaptations may result in more problems. A manual osteopathic practitioner works with your body to enable it to successfully manage physical and mental stress without any subsequence problems. In most states of stress or disease, we find a related low oxygen state. Giving the body a shot of ozone helps it heal faster as the cells get a boost of oxygen and nutrients which are elements the cells need to work normally.