Keeping our hearts healthy and happy doesn’t have to mean rigorous exercise. Dancing to your favorite song, stretching gently in the morning, or even practicing chair yoga can improve flexibility, balance, and mood. It’s about finding what feels good for you and making it part of your routine.
• For more activities and recreation Check out the Comox Valley Recreation Guide, available at the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, Comox Recreation Centre, and Lewis Centre.
• Or maybe you want to get moving with something like, carpet bowling Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00pm, at d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre.
Community News
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Seniors & Heart Health
Maintaining heart health is crucial for seniors, as aging increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart health in older adults. Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, strengthens the heart and lowers cholesterol. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps manage weight and blood pressure. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing stress are essential. Seniors should monitor heart health through routine check-ups, addressing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure promptly. Early detection and healthy habits promote longevity and overall well-being.
Women and Heart Disease: Unique Challenges
Women experience heart disease differently than men, often in smaller blood vessels (microvascular disease) rather than major arteries. Symptoms like chest discomfort, fatigue, nausea, or back pain can be missed as they differ from “textbook” signs. Diagnostic tools like angiograms and stress tests are less effective for women, and they are less likely to receive necessary medications or attend cardiac rehab, which is crucial for recovery. Factors like pregnancy, menopause, hormonal changes, and systemic inequities also impact heart health. Indigenous and racialized women face higher risks due to systemic barriers. Empowerment, education, and equitable care are essential to improve outcomes.
Start the New Year Connected and Engaged!
The New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, meaningful conversations, and creating new memories. Don’t let hearing challenges hold you back! At Ears To You, our fully equipped mobile hearing clinic offers free at-home hearing assessments to evaluate your hearing health and provide personalized solutions. With advanced hearing technology and complimentary follow-up care, we’re here to help you stay connected and fully present for every moment this year. Make 2025 your best year yet. Call today to schedule your free at-home hearing test!
Igniting Your Passion
Awakening your tender heart opens your passion and life force, welcoming the juices that frees your soul to ~Pass-I-on ~ wherever you go & in whatever you do. Embodying and knowing that each breath matters; where we put our focus and attention, what we value and how we choose to spend our time is who we become. Take nothing for granted as you taste the many flavors of desire that energize your joy and pleasure. Swim in that pool each day, bathing yourself and igniting your fire that fuels your heart to thrive. Choose to become curious and impassioned with and by life.
2025 Seniors Resource Guides
The 2025 Seniors Resource Guides are now out. Please contact the office at C1-450 8th Street in Courtenay to get your copy. From our heart to yours, Happy February!
Seniors Tax Prep
February is also the month to start thinking about taxes.
Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) will once again be providing simple income tax return preparation for seniors 55+. Income thresholds apply ($40,000 for a single person, $50,000 for a couple). This service will begin at the beginning of March and run through the end of April. Returns are typically completed with seven calendar days. Currently, this service is only offered to SSNVI clients in the Comox Valley. Though drop ins are welcome, we do suggest calling before coming by the office. 250-871-5940.
Heart Health Matters
February is Heart Month in Canada! But February can also often bring chilly days and sometimes more than a little rain. Small, intentional steps can make a big difference in keeping our hearts warm, happy, and healthy. Here are some simple and uplifting ways to nurture your wellness, find some fun things to do, and stay warm and dry while doing it.
February is a perfect time to show your heart some love. Heart health doesn’t require drastic measures—small changes can have a big impact. Try adding heart-healthy foods to your meals, like oats, salmon, nuts, and leafy greens.
• Get a copy of the Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook, available in English, French, Chinese, and Punjabi, as well as in audiobook version. To order a copy of Healthy Eating for Seniors: Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
Or visit the Resource Order Form at www.HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/resource-order-form.
Introducing RESET 2025
Our innovative program dedicated to healing your heart, overcoming obstacles, and enhanc-ing your awareness and presence in the world. According to the HeartMath Institute, heart coherence is “a physiologi-cal state where the body’s systems, including breathing, heart rhythms, brain rhythms, and hormonal responses, are in sync.” Research indicates that heart coherence naturally occurs when we engage in inner work, resulting in reduced mental and emotional stress, and fostering greater inner security and stability. Join our small group sessions for a unique journey toward deeper self-love, which in turn enables deeper connections with others.
Enhancing Home Accessibility
Motion™ helps individuals with mobility limitations to navigate their homes with safety and comfort. These innovative solutions create barrier-free environments, preserving independence and improving quality of life. From ramps and stairlifts to grab bars and accessible bathrooms, these solutions are meticulously designed to cater to individual needs and ensure effortless movement throughout the home. With customizable options and contemporary designs, home accessibility solutions seamlessly combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, empowering individuals to age in place and fully enjoy their homes without constraints. Embrace independence and elevate your home with personalized accessibility solutions.
