Did you know? Comox Valley Senior Support is now providing outreach services to the Cumberland 50+ Drop In on the first Friday of each month from 10 till Noon. That’s right! CVSS staff are striking out into the community to trial outreach supports. We are starting with Cumberland, but plan to expand outreach to all the outlying communities by mid-2023.
If you know of a place where CVSS might be a good fit, please contact Chris at [email protected].
Community News
Winter Help for Seniors
There is still a significant period of unpleasant weather ahead this winter. Please think of isolated and vulnerable seniors in your community who may need assistance in inclement weather. If you are unable to assist them yourself, please help them connect with CVSS and we will help them find what they need.
Happy New Year!
The Board of Directors and Staff of Comox Valley Senior Support wish everyone a calm and healthy 2023! Moving into a new year provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge the remarkable community that CVSS works with. Thanks to the community for its incredible support and entrusting CVSS to work with seniors who call the Valley home. The ongoing relationships CVSS enjoys with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, Better at Home, Geriatric Support Services, Community Health Services, the Comox Valley Transition Society, the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, United Way BC, Driving Miss Daisy, Home Instead, the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, Comox Valley Dodge, St. John the Devine, and so many more all highlight the power of collaborative community efforts. We thank the 120 volunteers who work with CVSS, supporting 300 seniors per month, providing their skills, commitment, passion, and their time. To our community’s most fabulous residents, the hundreds of seniors we come across every year… Thank you for letting us assist you. We look forward to continuing to see you with you in 2023.
Better Mobility, Increased Independence
Using a walker can extend a senior’s ability to maintain their independence and can help them continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle. However, sometimes this can be a hard decision to face. If you or a senior loved one are experiencing shortness of breath when walking short distances, having difficulty bearing weight on the legs, needing to rest frequently when walking, noticing trouble with balance, or having difficulty walking up a short flight of stairs, it might be time to consider a walker. Don’t wait until something drastic has happened to experience the benefits of using a walker!
Importance of Vitamin D
During these dark winter months, the sun’s rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce sufficient Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. It also helps maintain muscles and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. Some studies have suggested that it may reduce the risk of certain diseases. Talk with one of our pharmacists about recommended doses or to learn more about other supplements, vitamins and minerals.
There Is No Quick Fix
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
What We Offer
The purpose for our Family Programs is to invite individuals to be part of a community who are affected by substance abuse. Family members require information, skills and strategies in order to deal with their loved one’s mental health and substance use. We offer a short wait time for intakes and entering individual counseling or programing. We believe there are many paths to recovery, and are compatible with twelve steps self-help groups. We also offer 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. Our Education Group provides psychoeducation to participants about substance use, relationship and family dynamics, tools, and strategies. Our Family Support Group is a space to share info/stories, tools and strategies in a safe therapeutic setting.
Dealing with Substance Abuse?
Did you know that 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! 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!
Food Cravings & What They Mean
Did you know that certain food cravings are associated with a nutrient deficiency? Craving salt equals a lack of trace minerals, craving sweets indicates a chromium deficiency, chocolate cravings mean a lack of magnesium, craving dairy and cheese indicates an essential fatty acids deficiency, and a red meat craving means you need iron and/or B12. When your body is lacking essential nutrients, it can lead to chemical imbalances which alter the pH of your tissues. Ignoring the reasons behind your cravings won’t change them and will not improve your overall health. Nutritional testing and precisely formulated nutraceuticals are the best way to find out what nutrients you are lacking, give your body what it really needs, and handle those unwanted cravings for good.
What’s Happening in January
In-person registration for classes and expired memberships will be on Wednesday, January 5 and Thursday, January 6th by appointment at Archwood Community Club at 565 Guilbault St. You can also register on-line if you want to skip any line-ups. Restart for on-site activities like pickleball ($2/session) and billiards (members are free) starts Monday, January 9th. Exercise classes start the same week. Chair Yoga, Yoga Fit Flow, Functional Movement, Tai Chi, Chair Pilates, Line Dancing, Low Impact Cardio and Art class will be back. Let’s move, Let’s Dance will also be back. It is a fusion of Latin and international music and rhythms such as the Cha Cha Cha, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Disco etc. Our January lunch will take place Wednesday, January 18, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. on Tuesday January 24th take a tour of the Royal Aviation Museum! The bus will leave Archwood Community Club at 12:15 pm and return by 3 pm. Cost: $35 Member, $40 Non-members. We have a presentation by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Older Adults & Mental Health Experiences Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Please check our website http://archwood55plus.wildapricot or call us at 204-416-1067 for details. Contact us if you have questions.
