Most everyone on the West Coast knows, November brings with it more rain and overcast skies. Many people experience an effect on their mood during this time, which can certainly make things more difficult. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a known phenomenon, where the winter weather affects moods and outlook on life. A couple strategies to help overcome these “winter blues” is to continue with those all-important self-care strategies of enjoyable activities, and the regular use of a full-spectrum light of some sort throughout your day! Fight back against the dreary with light!
Community News
Are You Prepared for Flu Season?
Your pharmacist is the best person to help you be prepared for flu season. Here are three reasons to discuss the flu with your pharmacist. 1)They can answer all your questions about the flu shot and administer it in the pharmacy. 2)They know the flu virus can hit hard and they are equipped with the advice you need to feel better as soon as possible. 3)They can recommend over-the-counter remedies for your symptoms and ensure they don’t interact with your other medications. Book your flu shot today!
Caregiver Support Groups
Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.
Sleep Changes & The Elderly
Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
In Your Community
For 38 years, La Baia Italian Restaurant has a popular place for lovers of Italian cuisine. Accomplished Italian-born executive Head Chef, Jose Alberto Mata Alfonzo, has created a NEW Winter Dinner Menu and a NEW Classic Italian Style Brunch Menu – with inspired creations from Northern Italy and delicious in-house fresh pasta, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. La Baia offers weekly specials, an amazing English High Tea, promotional events, and custom menus for your special occasions. Check out LaBaiaRestaurant.ca for daily updates. Call to reserve a table today (604) 531-6261 or order online and they deliver!
Meet Dr. Robert Hogarth
Dr. Hogarth has been helping patients feel better since 2014. He is a graduate of the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. Dr. Hogarth is a member of various professional organizations such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Holistic Dental Association, and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. His interests include metal-free dentistry, zirconia implants, TMJ dysfunction/myofascial pain treatment and sleep therapy. Fontana and Red Light Laser therapy, Oxone and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are some common tools he uses in his treatments.
Book Club
Burnout – The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – By Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA. This ground-breaking book explains why women experience burnout differently than men—and provides a simple, practical plan to help women minimize stress, manage emotions, and live a more joyful life. With the help of eye-opening science, prescriptive advice, and helpful worksheets and exercises, all women will find something transformative in these pages—and will be empowered to create positive change.
Profile: Revitalize Laser Clinic
At Revitalize Laser Clinic, we are passionate about education and knowledge! It doesn’t matter what age you are: investing in yourself is a vital part of your life journey! All our treatments are provided by trained and certified professionals who can create a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. Our Nanaimo location offers skincare treatments for face and body including treatments for men; we’ve got everything you need in one place. Great skin doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by appointment. Be sure to enter this month’s Wellnessnews contest for a chance to win an AFA Facial.
Online Health and Wellness Resource
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the Wellness Hub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to subscribe to receive a monthly email letting you know about events and the monthly contest. You can also read the digital version of our five island editons of the newsletter.
Health Benefits of Knitting
Did you know that knitting has mental health benefits? Knitting involves the movement of the hands and fingers. This active finger and wrist movement, dexterity and fine motor coordination can facilitate improvements in other functional skills. Recent studies show that knitting can help with: ▪Lowering blood pressure, ▪Reducing depression and anxiety, ▪Slowing onset of dementia, ▪Distracting from chronic pain, ▪Increasing sense of wellbeing, ▪Reducing loneliness and isolation. Knitting is one of many activities offered and encouraged at Sherwood House.
Sleep Influences Food Choices
When we are tired, drained and recovering from a poor night’s sleep, we are more likely to reach for foods that are quick, premade and packed with sodium and unhealthy fats. We are much more likely to give in to our cravings. Think of the last time you had an awful night’s sleep. If you’re like participants in a Cleveland Clinic study, you probably gravitated toward high-fat and simple carbohydrate-rich foods. Sleep influences our food choices during waking hours. Pay attention to the foods you crave and gravitate towards when you’re tired and what it’s like after a good night’s sleep.
