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. For more information, please visit:
Community News
Dementia-Friendly Technology
Dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for language, learning, and memory. Those living with dementia can find it scary and overwhelming, but there are some devices that can help make them feel safe and secure. An easy-to-read clock placed in clear view can help with daily routines and reduce anxiety. A wearable GPS tracker device can help locate someone with dementia in cases of emergency. Automated pill dispensers open automatically with an alert sound when it’s time to take medication. Finally, a wearable monitoring device can detect falls and alert medical responders to ensure those with dementia are safe.
Clean Eating: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk or milk substitute, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups quick oats, 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt. Direction: Bring the milk and water to a boil in a saucepan that’s large enough to prevent boil-overs. Reduce the heat to low. Add the oats and then stir in all other ingredients. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until oats are done and oatmeal is thickened to your liking. Enjoy!
Local Health and Wellness Resource
The internet is full of information. Did you know that there are two billion websites online? No wonder it can be difficult to find what you are looking for. We can help. The Wellness Hub powered by WellnessNews Choices for Healthy Living® is the go-to source for local health and wellness information on Central Vancouver Island. Find local business and health care practitioners, read health tips and find out what is happening in the community. Check us out online at www.CentralislandWellnessHub.ca.
Why Wear Compression Socks?
How much do you move during the day? If you spend a lot of time sitting, your calf muscles that usually help pump blood through your veins do very little. This can cause swelling and blood to pool in the lower legs. Standing all day can have the same effect. Walking is a great exercise to help the calf muscles do their job. Socks with compression squeeze your legs to move blood up your leg whether you are sitting or standing. Voxx Knee Highs offer gentle compression, are comfortable to wear and have HPT to help with pain, balance and stability.
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!
Gambling During Covid 19
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.
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.
