Covid 19 has shaken us, disrupted our routines, and as per public health order closures, rendered our favourite casinos and gaming centres inaccessible. As a result, some players may have altered their gambling habits by migrating to online platforms. This shift in play may heighten risk factors such as isolation, unchecked substance use, lack of in-person connections as well as the use of credit to gamble. The Responsible & Problem Gambling Program remains committed to serving the people of BC 24/7. Our support services include outreach, education and counselling services, are FREE of charge, and available by phone, text, web chat, or in person.
Community News
Look After Your Immune System
With the cooler autumn air settling in, now is the time for taking nature walks in the crisp falling leaves, drinking warming teas, and making hot soups and stews! We also want to give our immune system extra support this time of year. Herbs can be a powerful ally for our entire wellbeing, including immunity, mood, energy, and internal balance. Here are some top picks. *Echinacea- helps your immune system combat infections and viruses. *Astragalus- boosts immunity and energy *Elderberry-, helps inflammation *Reishi mushroom- impacts white blood cells * Oregano oil- a natural antibiotic, antiviral, improves gut health. Find what is best for you.
Common Cold vs the Flu
The common cold and the flu both affect the respiratory tract. The common cold is a benign condition that causes symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and cough. To help relieve cold symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and increase humidity levels in the home. The flu, also called influenza, is a serious acute viral infection that affects the entire body. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, body aches and pains, weakness, and headache. Fatigue, chest pain and cough often persist for several weeks. Talk to your pharmacist about getting a flu shot! Support Local, Wear a Mask, Maintain Social Distance and Be Safe.
Natural Product Spotlight:
Research shows some of the main benefits of intermittent fasting include: safe weight loss of 3-5 lbs per week, more energy, improved cardio wellness, relief from aches and pains, normalization of insulin sensitivity, and immune system optimization. Innotech Fasting Days™ is doctor-formulated to help support your goals with a nutrient powder very low in calories, keto-friendly, vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy, and free of sugar, gluten, artificial sweeteners and flavours. It has 42 nutrients balanced for easy and SUCCESSFUL intermittent fasting, and helps with optimized energy, glucose metabolism, hydration and electrolyte balance, bone density and muscle mass, collagen formation, and hunger suppression.
Flossing for Oral Health
It is important to floss every day because your tooth brush can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. *Use about 50cm of dental floss wound around your fingers and gripped tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. *Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. At the gum line, curve it against the tooth, making a “C” shape. *Slide the floss into the space between your gum and tooth. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss as you progress to the rest of your teeth.
Activities Boost Self-Esteem
Adults who have physical or cognitive challenges can be empowered to remain in their community by optimizing physical, spiritual, social and emotional function. Doing as much as they can at their current ability level keeps them active and helps maintain cognitive and physical skills, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Managing everyday tasks as independently as possible, while adding music, themed events and brain workouts, slows cognitive decline and reduces challenging behaviors while feeling more productive. Our Day Program keeps participants engaged and using their energy in a positive way.
Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle
Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!
Community Profile – Amplifon
Amplifon is a global leader in hearing healthcare, helping over 5 million people worldwide. Yet, there’s still a taboo in society surrounding hearing loss. The longer a person delays getting help, the more challenging it is to assist with speech “discrimination” or understanding sounds. Several studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss experience an overload of the brain’s cognitive functions — which may lead to an earlier onset of dementia. Be proactive and schedule a complimentary hearing test with your Amplifon team in Nanaimo and complete the journey to better hearing.
Meet the Practitioner: Parmelia Parham
Do you struggle with your health or are you overwhelmed by your emotions? Permelia can help you with these challenges. She uses The Body Code protocol – an emotional healing technique that identifies and releases unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions which cause imbalances and misalignments in the body. The 45 to 60 minute session finds the emotions that are trapped and need to be released from your subconscious. Releasing these emotions provides better health, increased joy & happiness and greater success in all areas of your life. Call 250.240-2656 for an appointment.
How Much do Hearing Aids Cost?
A common question when thinking about adding hearing aids to your daily life is ‘what will it cost’? The price of a hearing aid depends on level of technology used in the device. As a result, the price will vary, depending on the needs of the individual. During your visit to a hearing health professional, they will discuss the cost of your hearing aid solution and each of your available payment plan options. Don’t let price stop you from reconnecting with your environment. Learn more about the Hearing Aid Leasing program offered by NexGen Hearing, by visiting NexGenHearing.com.
PROJECT RESTART – SOS Grateful Hearts
Parksville Qualicum Beach Region has a higher percentage of low-income families than any other BC region. Compared to the rest of BC, we have higher levels of vulnerability for preschool children and higher levels of children and youth in care. The pandemic has brought greater levels of isolation, anxiety and family hardship. Being socially connected provides a sense of belonging, facilitates access to services and resources, and the opportunity for positive relationships with peers, trusted adults, families and communities. It is important that SOS restarts and rebuilds, in a safe manner, programs that children, youth and families have come to rely on. To learn more visit www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.
