Community News
Cleaning with Hypochlorous Acid

Studies have shown that hypochlorous acid (HOCL) is an effective disinfectant and sanitizer that can be used in public places and homes to protect against a broad range of microorganisms. It’s also simple to make with just 1/2 gram of salt and 1 ml of vinegar added to water, which is then electrolyzed. The neutral charge of HOCL helps burst the cells of harmful microorganisms, and also helps it remove dirt and grease effectively. Recent research trials have shown that HOCL could also potentially be effective at killing the SARS-2-Covid virus on surfaces and within the body.

New to Coaching?

Coaching is not advice, therapy, or counselling. Coaching, just as in athletics, is about teamwork. You will express a desire about something you would like to change in your life and together with your coach, you will figure out different practices to address this. The Enneagram Personality Type System is one tool that can be used to explore and connect, whether individually or with others. The idea is to respond from what you know to be true in the moment, without reliving the past or worrying about the future, and to self-correct old behaviours and create new ways of responding.

Fever Can Be Helpful

Did you know that the immune system’s ability nearly doubles for every 1 degree above normal your body temperature rises? A fever is extremely beneficial to help the immune system fight off disease. Over-the-counter medications can sometimes inhibit the release of glutathione – the body’s master antioxidant – which is also beneficial for fighting disease. While there are some cautions when it comes to fever, this bodily reaction can actually be a good thing sometimes, as it shows our immune system is kicking into high-gear. A couple of easy ways to cope include getting lots of rest and plenty of fluid intake.

The Mouth/Body Health Connection

Did you know that you cannot have good general health if you have poor oral health? Gum disease (periodontitis) is an infection of the gums that can have major impacts on your oral and overall health. The bacteria in your mouth can make its way into the bloodstream and begin to cause problems elsewhere in the body. Gum disease has been linked to lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and even to Alzheimer’s. Be sure to have regular checkups and brush your teeth and gums every day for a healthier mouth and body.

The Music is Back!

Our 27th Vancouver Island Symphony Season adapts and reimagines our concerts in light of current times. A gradual, safe return for all – audiences and musicians alike – warrants a combination of chamber music, chamber orchestra and full-fledged orchestral concerts. As always, we make room for great composers and great performers as well as premieres by Canadian composers. We look forward to welcoming guest artists Joëlle Rabu and Dory Hayley. We have saved your seat and cannot wait to play for you again! Join us for what promises to be an exciting return for the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Get Online to Stay Connected

About 71 percent of seniors are online every day. Of those who are online, their main reason is to stay connected with family and friends. Whether it’s joining forums or sharing photos and stories with loved ones, social media and email allows seniors with limited mobility the opportunity to interact with others. If you’re interested in getting online but don’t know where to start, community centres and local senior groups often have programs to teach seniors about the internet and how to participate in online communities. Spending time with others benefits our mental and emotional health. It is important as we age to continue to stay socially connected to friends and loved ones.

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines were released in September. They include. 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 two types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. See more at gamblingguidelines.ca . Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out at VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you!

Supplements to Support and Boost your BRAIN

There are a number of supplements that support and boost the many functions of the brain. These include *GABA, L-theanine, Magnesium for anxiety, *Omega 3, Saffron, Vitamin D to improve your mood, *Panax Ginseng, Cordyceps for improved focus and energy, *Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola, Omega 3s help your memory function, *Melatonin, 5-HTP, Ashwaganda are for better sleep, *5-HTP, SAM-E, L-tyrosine, Ginkgo can provide relief of drepression. Come and talked to us about how supplements can help your brain function.

Be Kind to Yourself

Silencing your inner critic takes time and practice, especially if yours has been taking centre stage. Maryse Cardin, author and motivational speaker from www.selftalklove.com, talks about how it is important to stop and take notice of what we are telling our selves. Is what you’re saying encouraging, complimentary or something you would say to your loved ones? If not, it’s time to turn the station and “switch the song”. Remember a happy time in your life. A time that fills you with joy. Maryse indicates that when we stop catastrophizing, and instead tell ourselves what we are grateful for, we can sooth our systems.

Online Health and Wellness Resource

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the Wellness Hub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. There are currently a few events listed and we are hoping that soon it will be filled with local community events. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the October Contest. The draw date is October 31, 2021.

Nanaimo Theatre Group Returns!

Nanaimo Theatre Group is pleased to present “Talking With” to open the 2021-2022 season. This thought-provoking collection of monologues by Jane Martin opens in October at the Bailey Studio in Nanaimo. After a dark year, the club is excited to be back in the game. In a creative gambit to ensure limited social contact, there is one actor and one director for each monologue and some doubling up in each other’s scenes. Rehearsals started via Zoom!