The COVID-19 pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the mental health of Canadians, and the federal government has taken some good initial steps towards addressing this with an economic recovery plan and the free Wellness Together Canada portal. However, about 1.6 million Canadians were living with unmet mental health needs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is working to expand and adapt its virtual services and supports countrywide, and is also calling on the federal government to take further action to support Canadians’ mental health needs.
Community News
Gambling Support – Fold Em Podcast
Do you gamble from time to time? Has the pandemic increased your feelings of loneliness and isolation? Do you listen to podcasts? Are you concerned about someone’s gambling behaviour, or possibly your own? You are not alone. Connect with others by tuning into the Fold Em podcast on your favourite app or check out www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca and click “listen now”. You can listen in on how others have sought help to overcome problematic gambling behaviour. On the island, reach out Tracy Tsui for FREE, confidential support.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Doctor, can you give me something for my sleep walking?” she asked. “No, you need the exercise,” the doctor replied.
Words To Live By
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it: the tree is the real thing.” – Abraham Lincoln
Words To Live By
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
The Miracle of Everyday Loving
Try shutting your eyes after reading this editorial and think of a person in your life who loved you with their whole heart and made an impact and difference in your life. Now keep that warm feeling alive inside your heart and let it radiate through your whole body creating a chamber of compassion and love. Allow any doubt, worry or negativity to melt and dissolve in that chamber. When we start each morning bathing ourselves knowing I am loved, desired and worthy, it increases our energy vibration out into the world. When we choose to love ourselves and others it transforms our world one person at a time.
Are You Activating Your Best?
You have everything inside of you to make your life work. But parts of you are buried beneath years of distress, distraction, and dysfunction. Your soul has the scar tissue to prove it!
A perfect way to get started is with a life inventory. You need clarity. Know what to keep, and what to release. When you align your clarity – with your purpose – you activate your best.
I co-created the Life Mapping Process. It precisely maps your next actions to fulfilling purpose. Start with the life inventory assessment – the world is waiting for you.
Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.
Shovelling Snow? Injury Prevention
In our area, winters usually mean rain, but there are days when we need to do some snow shovelling. With that comes an increased risk of sprains and strains. Prevent injuries by employing a few tips: *Do a 5 minute full body warm up before shovelling. *Scoop and push small amounts of snow. *Lift and move weight with your legs. *Engage core muscles to assist in stability, balance and limb movement. *Check your posture. As we tire our posture tends to fail. Take a break, sip hot cocoa and reset yourself. For instruction on effective posture and core awareness, ask your Physiotherapist!
Let’s Drive Our Brain
Driving is a privilege. RoadSafetyBC mandates every person at age 80, and every two years following, undergo a Driver Medical Examination Report. The report is the primary tool to assess conditions such as mental ability to drive. Anyone (19+) who needs their license reinstated due to a stroke, brain injury or other situation also requires this report. Cowichan Brain Injury Society offers a program, ‘Let’s Drive Our Brain’, for cognitive training. It has a brain workout to prepare for this test. Testing and training include verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract, deductive, and inductive reasoning to evaluate logic skills. To learn more contact Tracey Nyhan.
Diabetes Foot Care
Foot care is an important part of managing your diabetes. High blood sugar levels associated with Diabetes causes potential damage to the nervous and circulatory systems. Wearing well-fitting shoes and quality socks are a key part of foot care. Use socks that will keep your feet warm and dry, as well as provide protection from foot injuries. Keeping your feet warm can help improve blood circulation and is beneficial to the health of the nerves in the feet. Look for socks that provide extra cushioning in the heel and bottom of the foot and are non-binding at the top.
