Help to make your next vacation free from developing a travel-related illness. Plan and speak with your pharmacist about how to stay healthy while travelling away from home. Your Pharmacist can give you vital health information regarding managing your medications, recommended vaccines and medications to prevent illness, useful travel products, and basic first aid supplies to have on hand while travelling. Your pharmacist will ensure you have the information and products you need to be prepared for health issues that may arise while you are away. Stay healthy on your vacation.
Community News
Managing Adult Scoliosis & Kyphosis
Adults and seniors with diagnoses like Scoliosis and Kyphosis are experiencing positive outcomes through physiotherapy, particularly when degenerative changes, osteoporosis, or osteoarthritis are also present. The mature adult spine can be less flexible and demands a targeted focus on enhancing body mechanics, posture, and daily movement. Treatment objectives for adults revolve around these aspects, with the correction of scoliotic posture being pivotal to impede structural progression and alleviate pain. Conservative treatments, aiming to enhance scoliosis-related body appearance, hold significance across age groups, significantly impacting quality of life and emphasizing the aesthetic dimension. This physiotherapy approach is indispensable in effectively managing spinal asymmetries.
Beating the Winter Blues
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, many seniors find themselves struggling with a common phenomenon known as the “winter blues.” The cold weather, shorter daylight hours, and limited outdoor activities can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even depression. However, there are ways for seniors to beat these winter blues and stay mentally and physically healthy during the colder months.
One effective strategy is to stay active both physically and socially. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps improve physical well-being but also releases endorphins that boost mood. Seniors can consider joining fitness classes specifically designed for their age group or participating in activities like yoga or tai chi that promote balance and flexibility. Additionally, they can bundle up warmly and take short walks outside when weather permits.
Staying socially connected is equally important. Loneliness is often exacerbated during winter when outdoor social interactions are limited. Maintaining social connections by attending community events or joining clubs or organizations that align with their interests can alleviate loneliness. Seniors can also reach out to friends or family members through phone calls, video chats, or even scheduling regular coffee dates at home – or connect with a program like CV Senior Support.
Another significant aspect of beating the winter blues is maintaining a healthy diet. It’s common for individuals to crave comfort foods during colder months; however, relying on unhealthy snacks high in sugar may lead to lethargy and worsen mood swings. Instead of reaching for sugary treats as a quick fix solution when feeling down, focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources into meals which provide essential nutrients necessary for overall health.
Creating an enjoyable indoor environment is also crucial in combating winter blues. Decorating living spaces with cheerful colors such as vibrant paintings or colorful throw pillows can lift spirits significantly while bringing warmth into the home through soft lighting options enhances coziness during dark days.
Engaging in hobbies such as reading books from favorite authors, solving puzzles, or even learning new skills through online classes can help seniors ward off boredom and provide them with a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, practicing self-care is vital to beat the winter blues. Seniors should priorize self-care activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Taking warm baths, meditating, listening to soothing music or engaging in therapeutic activities like knitting or painting can help improve mental well-being and alleviate symptoms of wintertime sadness.
Help Feed a Senior for $12/Week
In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support/
Comprehensive Support
Having support after the loss of a loved one is incredibly valuable. Grieving is a deeply personal experience, and having help can make a significant difference in navigating the complex emotions and challenges that come with loss. Support can come in many forms: Practical support can help provide traction to get the necessary details started. Our funeral supports can provide help with all the documents that need to be filled and services cancelled. We are unique in the provision of our Estate Settlement Services. This service helps the family with all your documents. Ask our staff how we might be able to help you manage all the basic details during this difficult time.
Local Business Spotlight
MOTION – Making life accessible for our community through mobility & home accessibility solutions. MOTION offers a wide range of life-changing equipment to make life accessible such as power lift recliners (lift-out chairs), walkers, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds, bathroom safety items, stairlifts, ceiling lifts, and more for clients of all ages. Whether a client is being fitted for equipment for the first time, needs an equipment repair or rental, or is looking to upgrade their solution, Motion’s knowledgeable team of experts is ready to deliver real solutions with real impacts. Because MOTION isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.
Seniors Thriving: Community Bonds
In 2024, the significance of community connections for seniors cannot be overstated. Beyond mere social interactions, fostering community bonds is crucial for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Active participation in local events, clubs, or volunteer work not only combats isolation but also provides a sense of purpose and belonging. Shared experiences and friendships contribute to a fulfilling and enriched life. Communities should prioritize creating inclusive spaces, ensuring seniors feel valued and engaged. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, strong community connections become the cornerstone for seniors to lead connected, supported, and meaningful lives in the year ahead.
Seniors New Year’s Resolutions
A new year means it’s time for a fresh start! Why not use these New Year’s Resolutions as inspiration? 1) Challenge Your Brain – this is important for maintaining your cognitive skills and lowering your risk of memory loss. Play games, do puzzles, or learn a new language. 2) Exercise Daily – even just 10 minutes a day to start can make a difference. Aim to work up to 1 hour per day in the future. 3) Connect with Others – volunteer, join a seniors club. This can boost your mental well-being and confidence.
Family Members Assessment of Their Experience
Attitudes and Life Satisfaction
1. More tolerant and compassionate towards themselves and others.
2. They can list things and people in their lives they are grateful for.
3. They have learned to relax and let go of their stressors.
4. They have goals and hopes for their future, and feel their lives have purpose.
5. Increased self-esteem
6. Increased activity levels
7. Sleeping Patterns
8. Eating Patterns
Successes Cited By Participants
1. They have family members who are doing well now. 2. They have family members still using alcohol or other drugs, but they are coping. 3. Adult children accepting residential and SRWC programing 4. Reconciliation with their adult children and healthier relationships 5. For the first time in a number of years we were able to take a holiday. 6. For the first time in 12 years I am able to sleep through the night. 7. My husband and I find “joy in our relationship.”
Did You Know?
For every person experiencing a substance abuse problem, on average, at least six others are affected – partners, spouses, children, parents, friends, employers, and co-workers. Although family members, friends, employers and co-workers are often in the best position to intervene, on average, significant others do not seek direct help for their loved ones substance abuse or addiction problem for at least nine years. Those affected by a significant other’s substance abuse, may themselves experience significant physical, emotional, social and spiritual stressors. Some commonly experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness when trying to deal with their loved one.
You Are Not Alone!
WE KNOW THAT: Family members are often highly motivated to not only understand, intervene and support their loved ones experiencing problems with mental health and substance use, but also able to participate in the change and recovery process in restoring their relationship. The sooner one receives the help they need to recover the better the prognosis for Recovery. We Are Here to Help
THE PURPOSE OF OUR FAMILY PROGRAMS: Is to invite individuals to be part of a community of people who are affected by another’s substance abuse. Family members require information, skills and strategies in order to deal with their loved one’s mental health and substance use. Many of our families are financially stressed supporting and attempting to get help for their loved one.
We Offer
1. A short wait time for intakes and entering individual counseling or programing. Short wait times are very important for your well being and for emotional and spiritual safety.
2. Our Service Fees are based on a sliding scale based on income. No one is turned away if they are financially stressed.
3. We believe there are many paths to recovery, and are compatible with twelve steps self-help groups.
4. Individual and couples counseling with family members who are facing issues, and not amenable to group given their situation, as well as individual and couples who may be facing an emerging crises who are part of our education and support groups.
5. Education Group – provides psychoeducation to participants about substance use/abuse, relationship and family dynamics, tools, and strategies within a 6 to 10 week program developed to engage their audience and provide a safe space for learning.
6. Family Support Group – Participants share info/stories, tools and strategies in a safe therapeutic setting.
7. SRWC also assists families and affected others in identifying and accessing organizations and programs that might also be of benefit in dealing with some of the issues that may arise.
