Community News
Living with Tinnitus

Your hearing is vitally important as you navigate your relationships and the world around you. If you have trouble hearing or are dealing with tinnitus, it can make life more difficult. Tinnitus is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Over 360,000 Canadians report suffering from chronic tinnitus, and almost half of those are severely affected. The use of a hearing aid to amplify sounds has proven effective in minimizing the distraction caused by tinnitus. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss or tinnitus, be sure to schedule a hearing test.

Connect with Loved Ones

Relationships are a key source of strength and help build resilience in these strenuous times. This Valentine’s Day, let’s not forget to remember our significant others… lovers… or those who have stood by us in the darkest times of this past year. Take time to reflect on how important your loved ones are to you, remembering to connect in meaningful ways. Reminding those who are special to you this Valentine’s day how much they mean to you with a call, a thank you, or a hug that lasts just a little longer than usual brings more love into the world

Is it Hard to Relax?

Sound healing therapy uses aspects of music or voice to improve physical and emotional health and well-being. It helps restore balance in the body. By releasing fear and grief, it can cleanse unwanted emotions present during stressful times. The healing music frequencies also increase the amount of dopamine that the brain needs such as oxytocin, which is a natural painkiller. You can experience healing sound music while laying on a warm healing mat during a Reiki treatment. An hour of deep relaxation will do wonders for your wellbeing. Call for more information.

Ozone Therapy Increases Oxygen Utilization

What makes us healthy and invulnerable to disease? Discover this for yourself right now. Hold your breath for 60 seconds. What happened? Clearly there is absolutely nothing as critical to our health as oxygen metabolism. Oxygen utilization is the single most important predictor of your risk for degenerative disease and premature aging. As we get older our cells become less able to efficiently use the oxygen we breathe, some as much as 50%! Ozone therapy activates the immune system, prevents free radical damage and helps the body detoxify, the ultimate preventative tool to stay healthy and happy into old age.

Do You Have a Heart Wall?

Have you had heartache in your life? Have you experienced emotional stress? During times of emotional pain or distress, our hearts can be hurt or injured. Your subconscious will put up an invisible wall, called a Heart Wall to protect your heart. Over time, this wall will compromise relationships and success in life. The organs that may be affected are the Heart and the Small Intestine. A Body Code session can find your Heart Wall and release it along with any negative feelings or unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions. Complimentary consultations are available. Contact for details.

It Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s? As a friend, neighbour or extended family member, you are an important sources of support for the family. You can assist caregivers by: *Being there for them with a friendly ear, *Offering assistance such as running errands or complete household tasks, and *Stepping in to help with daily tasks to give them a break. The Alzheimer Society of BC want you to know that people with dementia are just like you and I. They *Need to feel valued, *Need companionship, *Strive to maintain an active and independent life and *Have abilities, skills and aspirations.

Pharmacy at Home Program

Today we are all staying at home as much as possible so it is comforting to know that a pharmacist can come to you. The Pharmacy at Home Program brings a pharmacist to your home at no additional cost. The pharmacist will identify all the prescription and non-prescription medication you take, discuss how they are best taken and will create a medication management plan. This may mean being able to stay in your own home longer, reduced number of hospital visits and improved quality of life for you and your caregiver. Contact us to book a medication review with your pharmacist.

Community Profile – Nanaimo Lifeline

Nanaimo Lifeline offers an easy-to-use personal response service that lets you summon help any time of the day or night – even if you can’t speak. Their service *Enable you to continue living in the comfort of your own home *Provide you with prompt, caring assistance at the touch of a button 24 hours a day, 365 days a year *Give you and your family security and peace of mind *Include an automated fall detection pendant *Are available for those without landline telephone *Are 100% local. The Response Center is based in Nanaimo and is available when you need help.

Cherish the Memories When Downsizing

Downsizing is often a stressful process — both emotionally and physically. When the time comes, give yourself plenty of time for the process to make it seem less overwhelming. As you go through and sort things, recognize and acknowledge the sentimental value of a once-prized stuffed bear and kindergarten Mother’s Day cards. Great Grandma’s 20 piece dinner service will remind you of all the happy family times. It is ok to get lost in nostalgia for a moment or two. Remind yourself that the memories will always be there. Focus on looking forward to the new environment to help ease the process.

Work Towards a Healthier Winter

The winter months can be challenging for many residents, particularly when you’re grappling with poverty and a pandemic. SOS is continuing to assist residents in need with emergency supplies including food and medicine, grocery shopping for seniors, and mental health supports like counselling. Although the pandemic has made it difficult to connect with others and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to engage in self-care, especially if you are caring for others. Once basic needs are met, residents can look forward to healthier and more stable days. Help SOS meet basic needs by donating to our Winter Emergency Fund. Visit our website or contact us today.

It’s COLD out there.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a Covid-safe, family-friendly walk to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over 33.5 million dollars in 144 communities across Canada. In Nanaimo and Oceanside, the walks raise funds for the Island Crisis Care Society. This year it is your own self-organized micro-walk! Register now and gather with your Covid-safe bubble (or on your own) and get walking. Please see their website for more information.