Did you know that exercise is one of the simplest, healthiest and most effective means of stress management? Movement of any kind is physically, mentally and emotionally beneficial. If we remain physically active we can counteract the body’s natural stress response. Among many other things, exercise rids the body of natural chemicals that are released during stress and releases endorphins that create a sense of well-being. Exercise is one of the best ways to get relief from irritability, depression, anxiety and anger so don’t let the rain get you down, just start moving. When exercise is not enough, speaking to a trained counsellor can be beneficial.

At Nanaimo Memory & Complex Care, they believe in and practice their proven-effective methods they call The Avenir Approach. They place residents according to their cognitive abilities and create an individual care plan for each individual. These essential principles define their daily dedication to the well-being of residents with memory loss. They provide support for the whole family, offering education and meaningful resources during initial consultation and on an ongoing basis. They focus on how they, as a team, can come together to provide the best quality of living for your loved one. This includes everything from how to start the conversation about memory care to making moving day as worry-free as possible. Nanaimo Memory & Complex Care offers a range of price points based on needed care to assist with your financial planning.

Bowenwork® uses gentle, slow moves, which the body perceives as a weak stimulus, thus activating healing. We ‘fly under the radar’ of the body so as to not provoke a defensive response. When a traumatic event such as a fall occurs, the energy of the force of the fall is absorbed by the body. This energy must be released from the body or transformed for healing to occur. After each set of Bowenwork moves, the client is left to process at least two minutes before any other work is done. During this time, energy can dissipate freely or be transformed.

The other day, I stopped at the post office to pick up my Zeal package. To get there, I had to go through one of our local stores. As I was leaving, I realized that I never buy any of the myriad of products that the store offers. I don’t need the over the counter pain medication, indigestion remedies and laxatives nor the various lotions and potions. I haven’t purchased any of their vitamin supplements for years now. This “ah-ha” moment was very satisfying for me. I have finally found what works. A product that covers all of my body’s bases. Have you found yours yet?

Being active with children has so many benefits. We can categorize these benefits into three main areas, physical, social and emotional. Physical activities help children develop gross motor skills, which help with balance, coordination, alertness and body awareness. Playing with other children teaches important social skills. Interacting with parents, grandparents and family caregivers helps forge strong bonds and improves children’s self-confidence. Come play with your child at Preschoolers on the Move. This free, drop-in program is for parents and family caregivers with infants to 5 year olds. It runs at the Qualicum Commons Gym, Wednesdays from 9-11 am.