This holiday season, why not spread some cheer and support the Home Instead gift drive for seniors! The purpose of Home Instead community service program Be a Santa to a Senior® is to positively impact the community by providing holiday cheer and gift giving to seniors who are least likely to receive a present during the holiday season, are lonely and financially challenged. For more information, contact: Home Instead at: 250 338 0554 or email: [email protected]
Community News
Is Sugar Harmful for Denture Wearers?
Sugar can significantly impact the oral health of denture wearers. Though dentures aren’t susceptible to cavities, sugars in the diet still encourage bacterial growth in the mouth. Bacteria feed on sugars, which leads to plaque buildup on dentures and gums, potentially causing bad breath, gum irritation, and infections. If dentures aren’t cleaned thoroughly, sugar residue can create a sticky environment for bacteria to thrive. High sugar intake also increases the risk of oral thrush, a common fungal infection for denture wearers. Limiting sugary foods and drinks, maintaining proper denture hygiene, and rinsing after meals help keep the mouth healthy.
Sign up to Volunteer Today!
The Senior Support North Vancouver Island programs are run almost exclusively by volunteers, and we need you! All our programs in the Comox Valley and Campbell River are looking for volunteers. Why not start the new year right and register to volunteer today!
We have many options of programs. Do you love to visit, do puzzles, go for a walk, drink tea, play cards or do a little shopping? If so, we have a senior for you! With just one hour a week you can make a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable seniors here in your community. It just takes one hour, and we promise you will get as much back as you give you.
Or, are you great at computers, online navigation systems or taxes? Well, we also have programs that support seniors in those areas. Reach out today to get started!
Email: [email protected] or call: 250-871-5940
Diabetes & Dental Health
Diabetes can significantly impact dental health, increasing the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and infections. High blood sugar levels can lead to more bacteria in the mouth, which may cause plaque buildup and inflame the gums. Diabetics are more prone to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss if untreated. Dry mouth, another common issue in diabetes, can lead to sores, infections, and tooth decay. Practicing good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—can help manage these risks. Keeping blood sugar levels stable is also crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Remembering a Loved One
Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that feels right for you and your family and friends without having to go through a traditional funeral home. For some, it might mean planning a tribute at a local, favourite restaurant or hotel, or hosting a simple, intimate gathering in the backyard with family and friends, while for others, maybe it’s a private moment shared over a glass of wine or cup of tea, quietly remembering the good times right at home. Branch & Pyre provides Modern, Simple Cremation Care, with clear and affordable pricing. No Funeral Home appointment needed.
Enjoying Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Enriched Living in 2025
In retirement homes, seniors are redefining their golden years with purposeful goals. Far from idle, residents are embracing new hobbies, exercises, and wellness programs they never had time for before. The pursuit of mental and physical wellness remains a priority, fostering a sense of purpose. Amidst the serene setting of retirement homes, seniors are crafting a narrative of fulfillment, proving that age doesn’t diminish the zest for life; instead, it enriches it. Dynamic hubs where the pursuit of personal goals is complemented by the joy of shared moments, proving that a fulfilling and vibrant life is possible.
Mobility Challenges & The Holidays
Holiday safety is essential for those with mobility challenges, as seasonal activities and decorations can present unique risks. Clear walkways and remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, holiday lights, and cords. Arrange decorations thoughtfully, avoiding clutter or items on the floor, and opt for non-slip mats if winter weather makes entrances slippery. During gatherings, ensure seating and accessible pathways are readily available. If traveling, plan ahead for wheelchair-accessible transportation and accommodations. Encourage family and friends to assist as needed and keep emergency contacts readily accessible. With small adjustments, everyone can enjoy a safe, inclusive, and joyful holiday season.
Holiday Serenity
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, gifting yourself a therapeutic massage is a rejuvenating act of self-care. Allow the stress and tension to melt away as skilled hands work magic on tired muscles. Beyond physical relaxation, massages contribute to mental serenity, offering a holistic escape from the holiday chaos. Boosting circulation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being, a massage is the perfect gift to yourself. Embrace the tranquility, let go of the holiday rush, and revel in the revitalizing benefits a therapeutic massage brings. Treat yourself this season; your body and mind will thank you.
Understanding Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy focuses on simple movements and the connection between body segments, rather than traditional yoga postures. It involves neuromuscular patterning and repatterning through basic movement. The human experience is an ongoing interplay of cause and effect, with unique responses to external events. Throughout life, we may encounter injuries, illness, or emotional challenges, often affecting both body and mind. A Yoga Therapist works with you to create a personalized practice that supports recovery, enhances ease, and fosters meaningful transformation, helping you navigate physical, emotional, or mental struggles toward healing and well-being.
Remembering a Loved One
Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that feels right for you and your family and friends without having to go through a traditional funeral home. For some, it might mean planning a tribute at a local, favourite restaurant or hotel, or hosting a simple, intimate gathering in the backyard with family and friends, while for others, maybe it’s a private moment shared over a glass of wine or cup of tea, quietly remembering the good times right at home. Branch & Pyre provides Modern, Simple Cremation Care, with clear and affordable pricing. No Funeral Home appointment needed.
