Community News
Education Event – Nutrition & Bone Health

Did you know over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis? Please join Osteoporosis Canada’s information session on March 26th at the Park Town Hotel. Event begins at 10:00am with an overview of bone health and osteoporosis. Next, our keynote speaker Dr. Susan Whiting will present on Nutrition and Bone Health and will discuss nutrition “From Label to Plate” and how to ensure you are getting what you need. There will also be tables to visit with information and activities available for bone health. Event is free but registration is required. To reserve your place, go to https://osteoporosis.ca/event-calendar/

Al-Anon Support Groups: A Beacon of Hope

In the quiet corners of our communities, Al-Anon support groups silently serve as beacons of hope for those affected by the devastating impact of alcoholism. These sanctuaries offer solace to family members and friends, imparting the tools to navigate the stormy seas of addiction. With unwavering support, Al-Anon nurtures understanding, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. The power of shared experiences within these groups cannot be underestimated; they provide a lifeline for those who have felt alone in their struggles. As Al-Anon continues to transform lives and mend relationships, its role in healing and recovery remains vital.

Education Event – Nutrition & Bone Health

Did you know over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis? Please join Osteoporosis Canada’s information session on March 26th at the Park Town Hotel. Event begins at 10:00am with an overview of bone health and osteoporosis. Next, our keynote speaker Dr. Susan Whiting will present on Nutrition and Bone Health and will discuss nutrition “From Label to Plate” and how to ensure you are getting what you need. There will also be tables to visit with information and activities available for bone health. Event is free but registration is required. To reserve your place, go to https://osteoporosis.ca/event-calendar/

Self Care and Desires

Cultivating time for ourselves has never been more important. The Winter season is the perfect time to slow down, reflect on your desires and goals, and inspire change. Someone who has a deep personal connection with themselves can trust more, feel safe & cultivate better communication between their mind, body, and soul. Being on this level allows you to relate, trust and communicate with others, being more of your truly authentic self. At Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures, we offer many experiences and services that allow you to achieve this deep connection with your mind, body, and soul, for continued success and harmony within!

Walking for Wellness

As we age, once-easy exercises can become challenging due to changes in mobility, past injuries, or fear of injury. Walking is an excellent choice for seniors, providing various benefits from short store strolls to leisurely park outings. It *enhances mobility, *aids weight management, *boosts mental well-being, *supports heart health, *maintains strength, *fosters social engagement, and *reduces pain. Incorporating walking into daily life is a lifestyle choice that promotes healthy aging. For those concerned about walking alone, a medical alert system offers reassurance, ensuring help is available at the push of a button. Start your walking journey today for a healthier body, mind, and spirit.

Build New Social Connections

Encouraging seniors to embrace change and build new social connections at a senior living home can greatly enhance their well-being. Socially isolated seniors can be prone to loneliness. Shrinking social circles and the loss of a spouse or friends are some of the reasons seniors become socially isolated. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and make life more enjoyable. Research shows that strong social bonds promote longevity and overall health, emphasizing the value of fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Activities offered at Sherwood House help seniors’ physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health.

Nourishing Seniors, Building Communities

In retirement communities, mealtimes are vital for seniors, fostering socialization and delivering essential nutrients. To ensure a wholesome diet, communities prioritize well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seniors, prone to health risks, must maintain good nutrition to avoid weight loss, depression, and weakened immune systems. The National Resource Centre on Nutrition and Aging reports that over 5.5 million seniors are facing food insecurity. Retirement communities address nutritional challenges by providing chef-prepared communal meals. This approach ensures proper nutrition, fosters a social atmosphere, and creates a well-rounded dining experience for residents.

Proper Nutrition for Seniors

March is National Nutrition Month®. Healthy eating looks different for everyone. As we age, proper nutrition is crucial to help prevent chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance overall well-being. Nutrient-rich foods for seniors include *Protein: lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Seniors require more protein to maintain muscle mass. *Calcium and Vitamin D: dairy products, broccoli, kale, almonds, and fatty fish. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. *Fibre: Fibre aids digestion, prevents constipation, and regulates blood sugar levels. *Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for seniors, especially those who take medications.

Focus on What You Want

When someone heads towards their goals rather than trying to move away or reduce something, the outcome is more positively directed. By looking for something rewarding, success has a better chance of taking place. It also helps to focus on what you want to bring into being, as opposed to dwelling on what you don’t want anymore. A positive attitude is very powerful. When you have a positive attitude, negative thoughts are much less likely to come to mind. Positive thinking can help control stress and improve health.

Profile: Pacific Pearl Dental Dental Hygiene Clinic

Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc. was founded in Ladysmith in 2019 by Ricki Weissbach. Fast forward to 2022, when she met her now-business partner, Natalie Cuthbert. It wasn’t long before they realized that they shared a passion for dental hygiene and entrepreneurship. These two women are very excited to be expanding the Pacific Pearl business, with a second office now open in Nanaimo. With 25 years of experience between Ricki and Natalie, they both strive to make their clients feel welcome and cared for. These women make dental hygiene comfortable, easily accessible, and provide a service with minimal wait times.

Gaming vs Gambling

Once upon a time, gaming and gambling were separate forms of entertainment, vying for their respective market share. In today’s world, now that people of all ages have wide-ranging access to the internet and smartphones, these industries have become powerhouses within their respective worlds. How people gamble has changed. How our youth play video games has changed as well: Never-ending self-contained online worlds, rife with micro-transactions fuel increased spending to simply keep up in the game. If this all sounds foreign to you, please connect with an under-40 gaming enthusiast near you. Gaming and gambling have changed. Now, there is even more reason to make sure we are doing both responsibly.