Our youth treatment center is rooted in holistic, individualized care, emphasizing empowerment, trauma-informed approaches, and family involvement. Seeking to equip young individuals with life skills, promote positive youth development, incorporate evidence-based practices while respecting cultural diversity. Treatment centers offer nonjudgmental and compassionate approach while fostering a safe, supportive environment for youth facing various challenges. Education and skill-building are priorities, and a continuum of care may extend beyond treatment. Ultimately, the philosophy centers on helping young individuals overcome obstacles and develop into resilient, self-confident individuals, ready to reintegrate into their communities. At Valley Hill “Every youth deserves a second opportunity”.
Community News
Holistic Wellness Program
Youth Engagement & Empowerment program is available for youth and operates five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and is free to register. Transportation and food are provided. Participation is required, and our goal is to provide a safe space where youth can develop self-esteem, leadership skills, and healthy relationships. We offer evening, summer, and Saturday day programs, including cultural activities and on-the-land camps. We aim to reduce illegal behaviors and drug use among indigenous youth and address their mental health concerns. Our team includes Elders, youth workers, and various facilitators. We care about urban Indigenous youth and are here to help and support them and their families.
Health Benefits of a Facial
Facials offer several health benefits for facial skin. They cleanse and exfoliate, removing impurities and dead skin cells, promoting clearer, smoother skin. Hydration through masks and serums maintains a healthy skin barrier, while anti-aging treatments target fine lines and wrinkles. For acne-prone skin, facials unclog pores and reduce breakouts. The relaxation they provide can alleviate stress, indirectly benefiting the skin. Facial massage improves blood circulation and can even out skin tone by reducing dark spots and redness. Some facials include detoxifying elements, while others are customized to specific skin types and concerns. Regular discussions with a skincare professional are essential to determine the right facial routine.
Suicide Prevention – Where to Begin?
Navigating the struggle of suicide prevention involves seeking support from friends, family, and professionals. Finding helpful tools such as the Embracing Life App (Scan the QR code in our Ad) or finding other immediate assistance sources are key to prevention, along with therapy which provides coping strategies, and staying connected to help combat isolation. Educate yourself about warning signs, whether it be for yourself, a loved one, a child in need, create a safety plan, encourage professional help. Remember, you are NOT alone—reach out. Prioritize safety, seek help, and work towards a healthier, more hopeful tomorrow.. Embrace life!
Aronia Berries are Powerful Antioxidants
Today more than ever, a healthy immune system is important. According to Healthline, Aronia berries may strengthen the immune system and even counteract some infections. Aronia –grown in BC – contains powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice, when taken regularly, reduced blood glucose. Aronia extracts have also reduced inflammation and improved immunity. In hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.
Cracks at the Corner of Your Mouth?
Angular cheilitis is a common skin condition that causes inflammation, redness and cracking at the corners of the mouth. It can be caused by wearing old dentures that have lost their proper height. Loss of denture height leads to overclosure of the mouth, which can cause the buildup of moisture and saliva at the corners of the mouth. Factors like saliva accumulation, poorly fitted dentures or excessive lip licking can create a moist environment that contributes to this condition. To prevent angular cheilitis, it is essential to have well-designed dentures and maintain diligent oral hygiene to minimize discomfort. Checking for proper denture height can be a quick, 5-minute appointment.
Gambling Awareness and Education
Gambling has become progressively more complex with the growth of online gambling products worldwide, including sports betting apps, websites, as well as a variety of in-person and lottery products. Vancouver Island Gaming Support (VIGS) helps navigate this emerging landscape. VIGS contracts with Gambling Support BC (GSBC) to offer education and awareness workshops to anyone in the community interested in learning more about gambling-related topics. Topics include seniors and casinos, young adults and sports betting, affected families and friends, brain chemistry and behavioural addictions and more. We also provide outreach support and counselling services at no charge. We are here to help.
Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health
For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline. Having caregivers can help stem the existence of loneliness in the lives of our seniors. We enjoy conversations, daily walks, shopping, cooking and folding the laundry together. These can be moments of joy when done together in the right way. Comfort Keepers engage the human spirit.
The WellnessHub Vancouver Island
Looking for more local health and wellness information? Check out the WellnessHub Vancouver Island. It features hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products, health tips on a variety of topics, podcasts, reviews and more. It is easy to search, access and share information. Our health and wellness resources also include our printed newsletters, the “Wellness Wednesday” radio show and health and wellness events. November is a great time to start new activities and adopt healthy habits to keep you active and well during the wet months of fall.
As Winter Comes
Most everyone on the West Coast knows, November brings with it more rain and overcast skies. Many people experience an effect on their mood during this time, which can certainly make things more difficult. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a known phenomenon, where the winter weather affects moods and outlook on life. A couple strategies to help overcome these “winter blues” is to continue with those all-important self-care strategies of enjoyable activities, and the regular use of a full-spectrum light of some sort throughout your day! Fight back against the dreary with light!
Socks with Comfortable Compression
Are you moving enough during the day? If you spend a lot of time sitting, your calf muscles which usually help pump blood through your veins do very little. This can cause swelling and blood to pool in the lower legs. Standing all day can have the same effect. Walking is a great exercise to help the calf muscles do their job. Socks with compression squeeze your legs to move blood up your leg whether you are sitting or standing. Voxx Knee Highs offer gentle compression, are comfortable to wear and have HPT to help with pain, balance and stability.
