Welcome aboard Angels Abreast, a dragon boat team of Breast Cancer survivors and supporters. Research proves exercise reduces health risks for those who beat cancer and those seeking to prevent it. We paddle for fun, sharing emotional and physical support. We enjoy a wonderful waterfront setting in Newcastle Channel, sharing the seas with seals and otters, and the skies with herons and eagles. Join us in celebrating health. Everyone is welcome – experience is not required. PADDLES UP!!
Community News
Fall Recovery
It’s still cold out there, folks! We need to be careful about falling on icy sidewalks. Falls outside in low-temperature conditions pose an increased threat if it happens where you’re isolated—you could be injured and unable to get up quickly. The risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and pneumonia on top of recovering from an injury is a threat. If you fall, turn your head and roll over onto your side. Move slowly, with your head first, then the rest of your body. Steady yourself with something sturdy, like a bench. Finally, raise yourself and sit down to recover before seeking help.
Find Calm with Mindful Touch
Feeling stressed? Pause and reconnect. Place your hands gently on your heart or belly, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Focus on the warmth of your touch, offering yourself a moment of comfort and calm. This simple practice eases anxiety and helps you feel grounded anytime, anywhere. Reiki also helps with stress. Reiki energy healing is a holistic practice that taps into the universal life force energy to restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit. To experience the transformative power of Reiki healing, book a session with Lily Zunic, a Certified Reiki Therapist, today.
Help Support Emergency Needs
As we enjoy the longer days and added sunlight, there are still many members of our community who are struggling to get by. The cold nights and rising grocery prices can be overwhelming. When times are tough, hope can’t wait! SOS’s Emergency Needs Fund plays a vital role in uplifting residents and providing them with much-needed support. SOS provides vouchers for groceries, medicine, propane, and other basic needs to support residents who are experiencing hardship. Join us in making a meaningful impact. Make a donation on our website, give us a call, or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville. Thank you.
Benefits of Home Care for Seniors
For many seniors, home care is a valuable way to maintain independence and quality of life while aging safely at home. Whether they need assistance with personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, or companionship, professional caregivers provide the support needed to make daily living easier and more enjoyable. Home care offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving compassionate, reliable care. Beyond practical assistance, caregivers bring warmth and companionship—engaging in conversations, activities like puzzles or crafts, and sharing moments of joy through music and storytelling. Talk to your family about the benefits of aging in place with the right support to help you thrive at home.
March is a Great Time to Get Active
James Bay New Horizons Society invites you to join their community. Their goal is to help people maintain, improve, and develop new skills, interests, and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of their members and visitors. Membership benefits include the opportunity to participate in all programs, services, and special events, including games, tours, movies, music, fitness, and many more. Borrow books, CDs, and movies at no cost. Become involved with volunteer work. Meet new friends and more. Contact them today for more information!
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline, and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety, and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled, and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Take Control of Your Legacy
When someone dies, families are often left underprepared and overwhelmed. As a Funeral Director and Death Doula, Karla Kerr has witnessed this firsthand. Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive and Canadian end-of-life planning tools, she partnered with Shelley Essery, an experienced Legal Admin and Certified Executor Advisor—to create The Empowered Estate. This is more than a planner—it’s a powerful, ongoing support system. Empower your executor. Protect your family. Ensure your wishes are honoured. Step into the future with confidence through proactive, uplifting planning.
Route65.ca – Seniors Living & Care Directory
Are you or a loved one looking for senior living or home care options? With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming. Route65.ca is your trusted guide. Developed by the BC Care Providers Association, Route65.ca is a free resource designed to help the public navigate BC’s seniors living, wellness, and care continuum. The platform features a provincial directory of reputable retirement living, assisted living, long-term care, and home care options, along with wayfinding tools and educational resources to support system navigation and accessing services. Visit Route65.ca today to start your search. Need assistance? Call us toll-free at 1-877-955-6565 or by email at [email protected].
Make Self-Care a Priority
Stress is a natural part of everyday life. But are you aware that stress is among the number one causes of all kinds of health concerns, including sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, illness, anxiety, and depression? One of the greatest ways to combat these stress symptoms is to implement a self-care plan that is done regularly in your life. Self-care strategies include doing activities that you enjoy regularly. Like when a flight attendant does the safety brief and asks you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others, it is important to ensure your health and wellness are a priority.
Route65.ca – Seniors Living & Care Directory
Are you or a loved one looking for senior living or home care options? With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming. Route65.ca is your trusted guide. Developed by the BC Care Providers Association, Route65.ca is a free resource designed to help the public navigate BC’s seniors living, wellness, and care continuum. The platform features a provincial directory of reputable retirement living, assisted living, long-term care, and home care options, along with wayfinding tools and educational resources to support system navigation and accessing services. Visit Route65.ca today to start your search. Need assistance? Call us toll-free at 1-877-955-6565 or by email at [email protected].
