Arthritis affects many seniors, causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While it can be challenging, proper management helps maintain an active lifestyle. Low-impact exercises like swimming or tai chi improve flexibility and reduce pain. Custom orthotics and assistive devices can protect joints. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods—like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s—may also ease symptoms. Staying socially engaged and physically active supports both joint and mental health. With the right approach, seniors can manage arthritis and continue doing the things they love.
Community News
Everyone Has One
Everyone has one… a shadow that is! The darker more hidden side of oneself which is not yet conscious, that we try our best to hide and not show to others in fear of not being liked or accepted. We do our very best to push it down and hold it at bay as it exposes our vulnerabilities and imperfections. Eventually, over time, for better or for worse, it raises itself and seeps out into our longer-term relationships. Dr Carl Jung, wisely said” if we don’t embrace our shadow, our shadow embraces us”. The more we can recognize and take ownership of our shadow parts…the healthier and less defensive our relationships both with ourselves and others become.
Understanding Histamine Intolerance
Frequent headaches, flushing, digestive upset, or allergy-like symptoms without a clear cause may point to histamine intolerance. Histamine is a natural compound involved in immunity, digestion, and nerve signaling. It’s found in certain foods and produced by the body, then broken down by enzymes like DAO and HNMT. When histamine builds up faster than it’s cleared, symptoms occur. Common signs include headaches, rashes, nasal congestion, bloating, diarrhea, and anxiety. Causes may include low DAO activity, gut imbalances (like SIBO), mold exposure, or high-histamine foods such as aged cheeses, fermented products, alcohol, and processed meats. Identifying triggers and supporting healthy histamine metabolism—often with diet and gut support—can bring significant relief.
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Your Personal Pharmacist can review your medications and supplements and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication. With the expanded role of pharmacists to prescribe medications for minor ailments and their ability to book a doctor’s appointment for you, they are a great resource to help you navigate your health care. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville today.
Plan for a New Season
Envision September, the beginning of a new season, as the perfect time of the year to make plans for your health and mental awareness as you prepare for the months ahead. It is also a great time to set new goals and reset goals. You may need help to get on the right track with so many other things keeping you busy. A Body Code/Emotion Code session with a Certified Practitioner will assist you in releasing any emotions that are in the way of you achieving your goals. Call for an appointment today!
Plan Ahead for Big Events
I always caution people not to get new dentures just before a big social event. More than one client has left on a cruise with new teeth and no backup and had a miserable time eating, although they don’t seem to mind the weight loss. Christmas, anniversaries and birthdays fall into this category as well. Plan to have your new dentures inserted at least a month before your big event. When denture acrylic is processed, it always shrinks 3-10% so there will always be adjustments. Please plan and enjoy your celebrations with your new smile!
Take Steps to Protect Your Hearing
Hearing is something we rely on every day—for conversations, connection, and the sounds that make life enjoyable. But many people don’t realize that hearing loss can often be prevented. Exposure to loud noise, untreated ear infections, and certain medications can all impact your hearing over time. The good news is that simple steps—like using ear protection, lowering volume, and getting regular checkups—can help preserve it. A hearing professional can assess your hearing health and guide you in keeping it strong. With a free hearing test and expert care, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Is a Reverse Mortgage for You?
If you are house-rich and cash flow poor, a Reverse Mortgage may be right for you. The amount you can qualify for is based on the age of the youngest spouse, minimum 55. You can get up to 55% of the value of your home that you can take all at once, in periodic lump sums or by monthly/annual draws. Payments are not required until the death of the owner(s) or the sale of the property. Current rates are 6.59% for a five-year fixed term. Contact me for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine if a Reverse Mortgage is right for you.
Put Your Logo on the New SOS Bus
SOS urgently needs the community’s help to replace its aging bus. For 57 years, SOS has helped ease isolation and build community by connecting people of all ages to programs that support their well-being. The SOS Connecting Community Campaign aims to raise $200,000 for the new bus. The bus supports essential programs, including taking seniors grocery shopping, children to our after-school programs, and exciting outings for families and youth. Businesses can get their logo on the new bus by making a qualifying donation. Contact SOS for more information or donate on our website.
Neuromovement® for Pain Relief
Neuromovement® group lessons are also known as Transformational Movement Lessons. Participants are asked to move gently and slowly, and to pay attention to what they feel as they move. It is not about the number of repetitions or effort given, but about feeling connected to your body and moving with ease. These lessons can help relieve muscle tension and pain as well as improve balance, posture, flexibility, and coordination. Lessons are designed to help the brain learn new movement patterns and make new neural connections. Online group lessons start September 18th. It’s not too late to sign up.
Can You Benefit from a Fitness Coach?
Hiring a fitness coach can be a smart move depending on your goals, personality, and current fitness level. Here are a few factors to consider: *Are you new to fitness? *Do you need accountability? *Do you want efficiency? *Is it important that you learn proper technique? *Do you like structure or need variety? *Do you have medical or physical concerns? A mobility fitness coach can help you maintain or regain mobility, strength, range of motion and balance/stability. If you’d like help figuring out if a fitness coach makes sense for your goals specifically, contact Lara for a free consultation.
