Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? At Nanaimo Lifeline, we have two wonderful opportunities for you to give back. Our Check-In Service offers a daily friendly phone call to our clients, providing reassurance to those who might be isolated. Best of all, you can make these calls from home! Are you techy? Another volunteer opportunity is to also install our plug-and-play equipment in new clients’ homes in your area. We will provide the training and accompany you until you’re ready. For more information about our volunteer opportunities, please go to the About Us section of our website.
Community News
Laughter is the Best Medicine
I feel as if my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. By the time I got my pants on, the class was over!
Retirement Lifestyle
When is the best time to start thinking about downsizing and moving to a smaller house or a retirement community? The answer is … well before you need to do so. Downsizing is often a stressful process. Start slowly and give yourself plenty of time to make it seem less overwhelming. Take photos of cherished items to remember them by. Research and look at the various options for retirement living before you need to make a move. It will take the fear and stress away knowing that you have done your homework and have started the downsizing process.
Do You Drink Filtered Water?
Many people believe that the water coming out of our taps is safe. This may not be true. Whether it’s contaminants from the reservoir or the pipes or the addition of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) used by the local governments, most tap water contains things that are bad for the biology of our cells. DBPs can be endocrine disruptors. An additional concern is the concentration of fluoride in tap water, which is of particular concern to the thyroid hormone system. Too much fluoride can be toxic to the body and its cells. There is a huge benefit to drinking some form of filtered water.
Nutritional Insecurity
“I always find that as the weather changes, I move from eating lots of soups and winter roots to lighter fruit and vegetables. However, sometimes it is hard to get my hands on my favourite healthy foods and I wind up eating the stuff that is easier at hand and faster to prepare.” Does this sound familiar? For approximately one-third of seniors in Canada, factors including ease of access, cooking time, mobility, loneliness and more, contribute to nutritional insecurity. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help you shop, prepare and enjoy healthy home-cooked meals! Contact us.
Aronia Berries and the Liver
The liver is vital for digestion and detoxification. It can suffer from inflammation, scarring or fibrosis due to various stressors. Scientists working to address liver problems recently made three exciting discoveries involving Aronia melanocarpa, a super-berry now growing in BC: 1) Certain components of Aronia berries may inhibit the secretion of inflammatory compounds in the liver; 2) Extracts from Aronia improved liver function in mice that were fed a high-fat diet; and 3) Aronia berry components significantly reduced signs of liver injury, and helped to restore a balanced microbial ecosystem in the gut. See our website for more information.
FIT Fitness into Your Life
Fitting regular exercise into your routine can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, it can become a manageable part of your lifestyle. One key strategy is to start small – aim for just 10-15 minutes of exercise each day at first and gradually build up to longer workouts. You can also try: *incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, * scheduling your workouts into your calendar, *finding an exercise buddy or *joining a fitness class. Remember, any amount of physical activity is better than none – prioritize your health and well-being by making exercise a consistent part of your routine.
Every Child Needs the Chance to Play
Studies show that when children participate in recreational activities, they benefit from more than just physical development. Play teaches important life-skills such as cooperation, leadership and how to handle adversity. It builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Many parents are finding it challenging to afford these activities. That’s why SOS Child, Youth & Family programs and the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program are so important. To learn more about these free programs and how to access or support them, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Are You Doing A Spring Detox?
Spring is the season of cleansing and renewal. Before starting a detox, consider the following? 1) Are you under stress? If yes, your body may not be able to get rid of toxins. Your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulates voluntary and involuntary physiological processes in the body – including detoxification. An ANS that is out of balance is inefficient. 2) Are you drinking enough good quality water and replenishing electrolytes to stay hydrated? 3) Are your emunctories (pathways of elimination such as liver, intestines, and kidneys) ready and well to eliminate the toxins from your body? Detox safely!
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? 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 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
Smart Eating Tips
Eating right plays a major part in a senior’s quality of life. Some important dietary factors that should be considered include: Sodium – OK in moderation, as long as the foods are high-quality. Fats – Monitor saturated and trans fatty acids, and lean more towards monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (like omega-3s). Carbohydrates – Spread carbohydrates throughout the day to manage blood sugar. Protein – Increase protein intake to maintain muscle mass. Fibre – Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of water. Sugar – Consume in moderation. Vitamin D – Consider taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement if sun exposure and dairy intake are limited.
