Community News
Fall Prevention

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Here are some tips for fall prevention: *Keep moving – activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi can reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. *Wear sensible shoes – properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles help with balance and stability. *Make an appointment with your health care provider or pharmacist – they may want to talk about your medications and health conditions if you’ve had falls previously. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.

Keep Learning and Stay Active

People who reside in our independent living community don’t think of themselves as old folks. Residents are artists, writers, photographers and learners, exploring and discovering new things every day. Aging is inevitable; growing old is a choice. Janet Lancey wrote about the label old. In Janet’s words, “Age is not a number, and it has nothing to do with appearance or status. It is, indeed, how you choose to lead your life”. Janet emphasized the importance of grasping opportunities to keep growing, learning, and helping others gain better lives. Residents are encouraged to participate in an array of activities.

Celebrate Important Relationships

As February arrives, people are reminded of the importance of spending time with family and the importance of relationships in their lives. Valentine’s Day brings up mixed emotions for many, with some looking to celebrate it, while others, for various reasons, try to avoid it. If we look at Valentine’s Day as we used to when we were children, we can see the day as a way to celebrate the important relationships we do have, regardless of type, and connect with all of them to let them know we are thinking about them.”

Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation

At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including *Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. *Fostering positive experiences. *Improving self-confidence. *Increasing sense of belonging. *Decreasing loneliness, boredom and expressive behaviours.

Why Men’s Vigor?

We understand. Sexual health and performance is a topic that men are reluctant to talk about. Research states that 40% of men have experienced some sort of sexual performance anxiety by the age of 30, and that percentage often increases with age. We all want to feel strong, confident and have intimacy with our partner. While drug therapy is the typical approach to treating inadequate blood flow, it only provides a quick fix solution and does not address the underlying physical condition. Men’s Vigor is a way to get back in the game safely and effectively. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime. Health Canada Approved.

Superbowl

In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sports betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas oddsmakers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in their neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?

Social Connection is Important

Social isolation, especially among seniors, is a growing problem which was elevated by the pandemic. Social isolation is associated with many health risks including; high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors living alone, a daily Check-In Service can be very beneficial. A check-in service offers a daily phone call and human contact. It provides a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. Nanaimo Lifeline’s Check-In Service aims to support seniors by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within their community.

Are Your Hormones Out of Balance?

Hormones affect many areas of your health; mood, metabolism and sexual/reproductive function. Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body. Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Compounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. With your healthcare provider’s prescription, we can help establish a hormone replacement regimen that brings your hormones back into balance to closely mimic what your body has been doing naturally for years. Kristen offers professional consultations to women interested in hormone replacement solutions.

The Rhythms of Your Heart

The rhythms of your Heart Brain communicate with the rhythms of your Conscious Brain. Heart coherence occurs when the communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain are in sync and your thoughts, actions and intentions are aligned. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional and physical health. The many potential benefits include *decreased stress, *better sleep, *increased energy, *enhanced creativity, *and improved quality of life. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you keep these rhythms healthy.

Community Event – CNOY

Have you registered to walk? The CNOY winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities supporting people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. CNOY funding goes towards life-enhancing programs such as the employability program and life skills programming for people who have languished in isolation, helping them move beyond the basics of shelter and sustenance towards real change and hope. The event takes place on February 25th and features family-friendly 2 or 5-km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.

Do You Live In Tune With Your Biorhythms?

We live in a fast-paced society focused on performance, speed and constant routines. Nature works differently. There are clear cycles; the four seasons are an example. Whether we realize it or not, humans operate in cycles too and we call them biorhythms (physical, emotional and intellectual). Have you ever had days when you felt invincible, full of energy with a sharp mind? On the contrary, on other days you struggle to find the right words, keep getting emotional or tire easily? Check online to calculate your biorhythms, prepare for lows and optimize your peaks. Make the most of your natural cycles.