December on Vancouver Island often brings cold and wet weather. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the outside. Wear warm clothing to stay comfortable and to help prevent frost bite and achy muscles. Proper warm insulated boots with good grips will keep your feet warm so you can still be outside to do what you love to do! Add a good pair of Walking Poles to your outdoor adventures. They keep your balance inline, provide extra stability and give you a light workout! Our physiotherapists can show you proper poling technique and help you with all your poling needs.
Community News
A Phone Call Brightens Their Day
Seniors are among the most vulnerable during this pandemic. They are restricted and even those with family near, feel isolated and alone. A phone call can cheer them up and make them feel “noticed” and cared for. The daughter of a parent living in a Senior Residence stated; “I fear seeing mom in person as she has many pre-existing medical challenges making her medically vulnerable to Covid-19. My mom has shared with me that her phone calls with the family are all she needs to feel loved and cared for on a daily basis. The connection by voice brings her some peace.”
Say Goodbye to Tiny Hearing Aid Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids allow you the freedom to experience high quality sound without the worry of carrying spare batteries. Traditional hearing aid technology did not allow for this freedom; hearing aids required spares and replacement batteries. Utilising Li-ion battery, rechargeable aids allow you to carry on with your active life with simple and reliable charging. Li-ion is the battery technology utilising the power of lithium ions, this means you can reuse the same battery simply by recharging the hearing aids with the supplied charger.
Invest in Your Health
I often hear that organic veggies are too expensive or that paying for preventative health care costs way too much! Yet most of us look after the engine in our cars correctly and do maintenance on our house to prevent a huge expensive job in the future. Why not look after and invest in our health? As we age, our bodies tend to absorb less nutrients and may carry many toxins. Products such as Black Oxygen Fulvic/Humic minerals have been shown to be a chelator and offer powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Ask me how you can get these minerals into your hands.
Do You Have a Feeling of Overwhelm?
Giving and Gratitude are important elements that should be included in our everyday life. Having a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world and a concern for others, helps us be grateful for what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. Gratitude is consistently connected with greater happiness, it helps people feel more positive emotions and improves health. Expressing gratitude every day assists in releasing the feeling of Overwhelm. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release the unprocessed negative (trapped) emotion of Overwhelm which will allow you to live a more joyful life.
Support Locals in Need this Christmas
For over 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas. The program provides a gift for children and youth so there is something special for them under the tree on Christmas morning. Adults receive local grocery store gift cards so they may choose food that is important to them. To support the program donate online, call 250.248.2093, find an SOS Angel Tree in a local business, or attend a local event that benefits the program. Drop off a new, unwrapped gift or monetary donation to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. Visit the website for drop-off times.
Are You at Risk for Shingles?
If you have had chickenpox, you can contract shingles. Shingles cause a painful rash with fluid filled blisters that lasts a few weeks. However the pain sometimes persists for months or even years. The virus that causes chickenpox stays in your body and can reactivate at any time during your life. If you think you have shingles, consult a doctor immediately. Rapid treatment, especially within the first three days of getting the rash, can reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, age 50 and over. Speak to your pharmacist for SHINGRIX vaccine today.
Combatting Isolation
Our lives have changed drastically over the past eight months and it is affecting our mental and physical health. Social distancing and social isolation go hand in hand. Make sure that you take the time every day to reach out to loved ones, friends and neighbours. Pick a book to share and start a book club. Send mail the old-fashioned way, go for a socially distanced stroll. If you are feeling isolated please call us, we can help!
Does Your Spouse Need a Hearing Test?
If your loved one is repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves, it is an indicator that they may be experiencing some form of hearing loss. Lovingly explain to your spouse that it is becoming increasingly frustrating having to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Propose that for one-week, you will track the number of times you need to repeat yourself. Discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. Call today to arrange for a hearing test.
Benefits of Independent Living
Independent senior living, bridging the gap between aging in place and assisted living, is a retirement haven for seniors who want flexibility and peace of mind. Independent living communities have blossomed, allowing creative cuisine, independent schedules, private parking, and flexible service programs. Say goodbye to the hassle of hydro bills, dishes, vacuuming, or grocery shopping. Independent living communities have in-house maintenance workers, and landscapers to take care of it all for you. Time to start enjoying retirement and living the good life! If you are an active senior looking to get the most out of your retirement, we encourages you to learn more about independent living.
Winter Programs to Help You Stay Active
Studies continually show the benefits of being active and socializing as an important part of being healthy – both physically and emotionally even during a pandemic. The City of Nanaimo is excited to be offering winter programs that take place from January to March. Registration for these program starts on Wednesday, December 2. Join us this season for swimming, skating, fitness, yoga, art, language courses and more! Parks & Recreation offers classes that have safety protocols in place to keep you safe from COVID-19. See our website for a listing of all our upcoming winter programs.
