Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for creating a state of homeostasis in the body by regulating various functions. THC and CBD offer similar health benefits – increasing energy, providing an overall sense of wellness, decreased discomfort, or an improved mental state. However, CBD can be taken without becoming inebriated, THC on the other hand can cause a feeling of intoxication due to the euphoric effects on the brain. Both THC and CBD are extracted from cannabis plants. Knowing these differences will help you make well-informed decisions when purchasing cannabis products.
Community News
4 Foods for a Better Mood
When you’re reaching for your next snack or meal, consider the contents and how they impact your emotional state. Here are several mood-boosting foods that will help you not only feel full, but good too. 1. Trail Mix: Nuts and seeds contain depression-combating protein and fibre, while berries contain energy-boosting sugars. 2. Fatty Fish: Contain omega-3s, an essential nutrient for maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. 3. Fermented Foods: Contain probiotics, which are great for the gut, and therefore the brain. 4. Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have been linked to increased brain health (eat this in moderation, though).
Protect Your Mental Health in Winter
Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider for additional information and resources.
Abs of Steel or Jelly Belly?
Your pelvis is a ring of bones held together by ligaments and muscles. These muscles engage every time you walk, sit, stand, run, or even breathe! Weak stabilizing muscles cause your pelvis to move too much and surrounding muscles contract to control the excess movement, leading to chronic muscle tightness. By strengthening the core, our bodies are able to withstand these forces without muscle spasms. Some of the best exercises for core involve maintaining a neutral spine position and resisting forces. Your physiotherapist can give you specific exercises to improve your strength, while relaxing other muscles through manual therapy techniques.
Every Month Should be Movember
Although Movember is a great yearly reminder to think about prostate, testicular and mental health, men should be focusing on their physical and mental well-being every month. It’s important for men to take charge of their own health. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through nutritional testing and supplementation. If an area is found to be weak or underperforming, specific, natural formulations can be taken to boost and maximize your body’s ability to function optimally, so you can have a better quality of life every month.
Changing a Habit
When we free ourselves of an addiction or habit that we no longer need or desire, it requires a clear vision alongside a plan and a boat load of self-compassion & patience. As we break free from what holds us hostage, we discover an uncomfortable in-between place where we must dwell and move through without giving into the urge. Most habits are not conscious and are built on behaviours that helped us avoid or numb feelings, making stopping uncomfortable for a period of time as they emerge. Our bodies, heart and mind needs time to adjust to a new way of being as we create healthier behaviours to put into its place to thrive.
Community Announcement:
Re-New Mobility is excited to announce that its 665 Stafford St. location has moved to its NEW location at Unit 1-940 Lorimer Blvd. (by the Golf Dome), combining the warehouse and retail outlet to serve you better. Re-New Mobility has been helping people gain more mobility for more than 25 years. The business offers new and gently used products such as power chairs, scooters, grab bars, security poles, stair lifts, and much more. Services such as equipment rentals, in-home installation, and modification of products are also available. Shop online or in person and regain your independence with increased mobility!
Donations Gratefully Accepted
Comox Valley Senior Support receives roughly ⅓ of its funding from Island Health and ⅓ from the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remaining funds are all raised by grants and donations. Though the Society charges no fees for any of its supports, programs each cost money to operate. Your donations can go a long way at Comox Valley Senior Support, and we will happily direct donations to where you would like. There is a donation link on our website https://comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca/donate/ or cheques can be mailed to us at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1N5. If you would like to talk to staff about donating, or where you would like your donation directed, please call Chris at 250-871-4950 or email at [email protected]. Comox Valley Senior Support is a federally registered charity: 89587 9849 RR0001
Community Announcement
The National Seniors Council (NSC) engages with seniors, stakeholders, and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being, and quality of life of seniors. www.canada.ca/en/national-seniors-council.html Work priorities are determined by the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health, based on recommendations from the National Seniors Council (NSC). The NSC is currently focusing on the following 4 work priorities:
1. identifying measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors, with a particular focus on financial abuse, fraud, and scams
2. considering the federal and provincial strategies and initiatives that include a senior’s dimension, and providing advice on gaps that could potentially be addressed if a national seniors strategy were to be developed
3. providing advice to the government on the development and implementation of existing initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective, including, as a first step, observations, and recommendations on ways to strengthen attention to seniors’ housing needs in the implementation of the National Housing Strategy
4. identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse
To examine the above issues and advance its work, the NSC developed a 3-year work plan covering 2018 to 2021, which includes activities such as research, convening expert panels, and consulting with seniors and representatives of organizations serving or advocating for seniors.
Community Announcement
Congratulations to CV Senior Support Society’s community partner, LUSH Valley Food Action Society, on the recent purchase of a new (to them) home! Located in Tin Town, the new home will house the Society’s main office, food aggregation hub, and, eventually, a commercial kitchen. LUSH took possession at the beginning of October and are already in full swing in their new location preparing for the upcoming year.
Second Home for Seniors
The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.
