One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Springtime is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Community News
Spring Clean Your Life
May is a great time to spring clean your home and spruce up your exercise and eating habits. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the May Contest for a chance to win a Holistic Health Plan sponsored by Rose Nutrition.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.
Take Charge of Your Wellness
Your health and wellness are your most precious assets. Many people accept that growing older means that our health declines and we are not able to do many of the things that we enjoyed when we were younger. It doesn’t have to be this way. Take charge of your wellness and explore the many different ways that you can achieve and maintain both physical and spiritual wellness. The many options include: *meditation, *maintaining mobility by staying active, *a healthy diet, *keep being curious, *massage, *spiritual guidance and *a positive attitude. I can help you Stay on Track.
Benefits of Air Polishing vs Rubber Cup Polishing
Air polishers are more effective in removing stains and more efficient. They easily target stain particles within grooves, fissures and in between the teeth in a way that rubber cups physically can’t. Consequently, this leaves behind some stains and biofilm. Also, air polishing powders may actually serve to help reduce dentinal sensitivity. Sometimes air polishers are used prior to scaling to reduce plaque and stains that may interfere with visibility during scaling, especially if biofilm levels are high. It’s like “sweeping before you mop.” It’s easier to clean a floor without loose debris and it’s easier to clean patients’ teeth by pre-polishing.
Tips for Spring Cleaning
The green season is upon us and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Many people dread this yearly task; the best way to tackle it is to go low and slow. Go through one drawer or cupboard a day, to get the ball rolling in the right direction without taxing yourself. In the bathroom, look for expired medications. Collect these and take them to the Pharmacy for proper disposal. Ask for help. Decluttering with the help of a friend can make the task much easier. Or call us to help you! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind and home.
Try Something New
Spring is a new beginning and a great time to start new and healthy habits. Moving out of our comfort zone can result in new and exciting experiences. Spring is a perfect time to go outside and spend time in green spaces. The possibilities are endless. Things to try include birdwatching, rock hounding, searching for sea glass on the beach or an outdoor fitness class. The beginning of a new exercise routine is great for your overall well-being. If you prefer to stay inside, an online course, a painting class or dance lessons may be the perfect new experience to celebrate spring.
The Alchemy of Gathering
Set amongst the majestic Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, the Alchemy of Gathering will focus on creating an open space for the community to come together and celebrate our connections – to ourselves, to each other and to Nature. Offering over 40 local product and service vendors, live music, interactive sound and meditative healing stations, local food vendors and access to the 24 acres of pathways, foliage and the Ocean Stone labyrinth. Join us in this beautiful space and experience sharing ideas on wellness, connection, identity, creativity, healing and more! Let us come together in Nature and celebrate the community and love that is here NOW!
Supercharge Your Immune System
Scientist John Stuart Reid made an amazing discovery. He took two test tubes of red blood cells and placed one in a chamber in complete silence and the other was exposed to music. He then measured the number of cells in each tube. The tube exposed to music multiplied so much that they overloaded the cell counter. The cells were brilliant red and robust. The experiment was done with white blood cells with similar results. He concluded that when immersed in music one is supercharging their immune system. Bathe yourself in the sound of music for an immune boost extraordinaire.
Invest in Children and Youth
How do we improve the physical, social, and emotional health of our community’s kids? By giving them better access to recreation. Research shows that when kids engage in activities that foster healthy play, they are more likely to build a lifetime habit of fitness. Extra-curricular activities also give non-academically focused kids a chance to shine. We believe that all kids should have the chance to play. That’s why the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program (RACY) is so important to low-income families. To learn more about RACY, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Spring Nutrition for Seniors
Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
