Studies show that when children participate in recreational activities, they benefit from more than just physical development. Play teaches important life-skills such as cooperation, leadership and how to handle adversity. It builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Many parents are finding it challenging to afford these activities. That’s why SOS Child, Youth & Family programs and the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program are so important. To learn more about these free programs and how to access or support them, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Community News
Are You Doing A Spring Detox?
Spring is the season of cleansing and renewal. Before starting a detox, consider the following? 1) Are you under stress? If yes, your body may not be able to get rid of toxins. Your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulates voluntary and involuntary physiological processes in the body – including detoxification. An ANS that is out of balance is inefficient. 2) Are you drinking enough good quality water and replenishing electrolytes to stay hydrated? 3) Are your emunctories (pathways of elimination such as liver, intestines, and kidneys) ready and well to eliminate the toxins from your body? Detox safely!
Plant Positive Intentions
April is here! Flowers are blooming! It’s time to plant intentions! Your intentions should be positive, uplifting and in the present tense. When you state your intentions, do so in a positive tone. Avoid using any negative words. Intentions are what you want, not what you do not want. Say the intention out loud to yourself. Reading and hearing it makes it more powerful. Are you ready to plant & birth JOYful intentions for your life? If you are not yet ready, book a Body Code session to release those negative emotions and put JOY back in your life!
Nar-Anon Family Groups
It is no secret that addiction issues have become a glaring part of our community; what is less obvious is the loved ones affected by this disease. Addiction is a family disease as it not only harms the person who is abusing substances, but it deeply affects the loved ones of the user. “The sickness spreads to those of us who care the most.” “In Nar-Anon we learn a better way to live.” If someone else’s addiction is causing you to feel out of control, isolated and or alienated, Nar-Anon is here for you. For more information visit our website.
Profile: On Track Wellness
Jennifer Baker’s wellness journey started when she went chemical free. She realized that what we put on and in our bodies is the key to a healthier life. Her journey began with Epicure, a Vancouver Island company that helps get healthy, clean food on the table affordably and quickly. She became certified to provide Raindrop Massages, Reiki treatments, card readings and more to help herself and her clients achieve and maintain both physical and spiritual wellness. As her wellness journey evolved, On Track Wellness was born. Jennifer is living her best life helping people stay on track with their wellness.
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
Clarity is Key
When making any changes to your lifestyle, having a clear understanding of why and what you are changing is key to long-term success. If you’re unclear about the direction you wish to move towards you may find yourself being pulled in another direction. Clarity is the first of many baby steps to take when reaching a goal; it’s a common place to get stuck especially if you’re a perfectionist. Clarity can be refined as you progress. Reflecting on how you’re proceeding is the best tool to get more clear about how, why and what you do to reach your goals.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
I feel as if my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. By the time I got my pants on, the class was over!
Do You Drink Filtered Water?
Many people believe that the water coming out of our taps is safe. This may not be true. Whether it’s contaminants from the reservoir or the pipes or the addition of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) used by the local governments, most tap water contains things that are bad for the biology of our cells. DBPs can be endocrine disruptors. An additional concern is the concentration of fluoride in tap water, which is of particular concern to the thyroid hormone system. Too much fluoride can be toxic to the body and its cells. There is a huge benefit to drinking some form of filtered water.
Aronia Berries and the Liver
The liver is vital for digestion and detoxification. It can suffer from inflammation, scarring or fibrosis due to various stressors. Scientists working to address liver problems recently made three exciting discoveries involving Aronia melanocarpa, a super-berry now growing in BC: 1) Certain components of Aronia berries may inhibit the secretion of inflammatory compounds in the liver; 2) Extracts from Aronia improved liver function in mice that were fed a high-fat diet; and 3) Aronia berry components significantly reduced signs of liver injury, and helped to restore a balanced microbial ecosystem in the gut. See our website for more information.
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
