Are you a home owner with low or no mortgage debt but hardly any income beyond basic pensions? The cost of living is increasing, property taxes are going up, and deferring them is costly. Now is a great time to apply for a reverse mortgage to fund extra expenses, travel, or pay for home care. With a reverse mortgage, you can access up to 55% of the value of your home. Legion members receive $500 toward setup fees. I will match that for all new Equity Advantage clients. I will also match offers from other lenders. Contact me today to find out more.
Community News
Summer Travel and Fun
Remember when summer was special? (Alice Cooper, School’s Out, 1972) This summer, my wife and I will be travelling to see grandchildren (and their parents and dogs) as well as attending the 50th anniversary of Denise’s graduation. The other trip will be in July around the 10th-31st to Cold Lake to help with moving my sons’ family. My wife will entertain six kids and three dogs, and I am the official helper and assembler of stuff. I hope you get to have fun this summer and spend time the way you want. Contact us if you need help with your dentures.
How to Prepare for Sugaring
Once you have decided to remove unwanted hair with sugaring, follow these recommendations for a successful outcome: *Hair length should be 4–6 mm to allow the sugar paste to grip the hairs. *On appointment day, shower without creams or oils. This helps the paste stick better to the hair, not the skin. *Do a gentle exfoliation 2–3 days before to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. *Avoid tanning 24 hours before. A fresh tan can make the skin more sensitive. *Wear comfortable clothing. Loose clothes will reduce irritation after the procedure. Smooth skin starts with the right preparation — your comfort matters!
Support for Seniors
Are you a senior in Oceanside needing support? Society of Organized Services (SOS) is here to help you stay healthy and connected. Our Oceanside Better at Home program, supported by United Way BC, offers rides to medical and non-medical appointments, free grocery bus trips, volunteer visits, and light housekeeping. Additionally, we provide counselling, hot meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and free advocacy and emergency assistance. Our Social Prescribing program, supported by United Way BC, connects seniors with community activities to support overall well-being. Volunteering is also a great way to stay active and meet new friends. See more information on our website.
Dry Mouth Is More Than Uncomfortable
Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defence—it buffers acid, remineralizes enamel, and controls bacteria. Many medications (antihypertensives, antihistamines, and antidepressants) reduce salivary flow, dramatically increasing the risk of cavities and bone loss, which can lead to early tooth loss. If you experience dry mouth, tell your dental hygienist. There are targeted strategies—rinses, fluoride, and dietary adjustments—that can significantly offset the damage. Your friendly neighbourhood dental hygienists at Pacific Pearl are always happy to help!
Tips to Refocus Your Mind
Do racing thoughts keep you up at night or make it hard to focus during the day? A simple yet powerful solution only requires a pen and a piece of paper. When your mind fixates on emotionally charged or important thoughts, it’s trying to help, but ends up hijacking your focus. Give your brain space to process by writing down everything swirling in your head: worries, to-do lists, questions—anything. No need to filter. Take one minute or five. Once it’s on paper, your mind can refocus. Regularly writing down your thoughts improves mood, reduces stress, and even supports overall well-being.
Need Care But Can’t See Your Doctor?
Access to medical care is one of the most pressing challenges we face here on Vancouver Island. Through our partnership with Avee Health, we are able to provide: *Same-day virtual access to BC-licensed physicians. *Care For Everyone — with or without a family doctor. *A pharmacist assessment of your condition. *Help with booking. *A connection to a doctor. *And, your prescription filled – all in ONE STOP. Healthcare shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us help you. We offer Accessible care right in your community. Here at the Medicine Shoppe, we care about your health!
Is Your Retirement Plan Complete?
Are pre-arranged funeral arrangements missing from your retirement plan? Here are three reasons to make pre-arranged plans that fit your personality and values, no matter how your lifestyle changes in the years to come: 1. Life insurance does not cover the cost of funerals. Planning helps pay for the full cost before your death. 2. Funeral planning is part of your legacy for your children. With planning, you have peace of mind knowing that your children are protected from certain monetary pressures. 3. Inflation affects lifestyle and funeral plans. We are here to help. Please request our free estate planning kit today.
Dogs and Dental Plaque
Dogs and Dental Plaque
Dogs can develop plaque on their teeth just like people. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms after eating and drinking. If it is not removed, it can harden into tartar, leading to bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Signs of dental disease include yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red gums, difficulty eating, and foul-smelling breath. Regular tooth brushing, dental chews, and professional non-sedation teeth cleanings can help prevent plaque buildup. Good dental care is an important part of keeping dogs healthy and comfortable throughout their lives.
Ask The Expert
Q: A friend of mine scratched her eye really bad and ended up getting a contact lens for that eye to help it heal. Is that really a thing? Wouldn’t an eyepatch be better?
A: A “bandage” contact lens is a fairly standard treatment nowadays. The injury must be assessed by a professional to see if it can be treated this way, and a contact lens can often cover up a wound better than an eyepatch but may require other treatment as well. Contact lenses are also used to aid healing after some specific types of eye surgery. Thanks for asking! We are always glad to help with eye-related questions at Mosaic Optometry.
Microbiome Support
The microbiome is a hot topic these days. The microbiome is the collection of bacteria found in and on our body, for example on our skin or in our gut. Our gut microbiome typically gets most of the focus and is fundamental for all aspects of our health Having a healthy gut microbiome is important with infants and eczema development, for adults with diarrhea or constipation, and for those with depression and anxiety. The benefits from a healthy microbiome extend far beyond just gut health! In my practice, I emphasize a whole-body approach focusing on the microbiome and gut health as part of a successful plan!
