Community News
From Stuck to Unstoppable

The Emotion Code is a holistic healing method that identifies and releases trapped emotions. These negative energies are stored in the body from unprocessed traumatic or emotional experiences or events. Trauma, stress, grief, or rejection can create energetic blocks or pain and inflammation that disrupts the body’s ability to heal itself. This pain is not imagined; it is real and measurable. The Emotion Code offers a non-invasive, self-empowering approach to alleviating your physical symptoms and restoring emotional balance. This is a complementary treatment to traditional medicine. Come give Emotion Code a try and go from “Stuck to Unstoppable”!

Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

Light therapy can be an effective way to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in seniors, especially during the darker winter months. SAD can cause low mood, fatigue, sleep changes, and loss of interest in daily activities. Light therapy involves sitting near a specially designed light box that mimics natural sunlight, usually for 20 to 30 minutes each morning. This exposure can help regulate sleep cycles and boost mood by supporting healthy circadian rhythms. For seniors, light therapy is noninvasive and easy to use. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting to ensure safe and proper use.

BINGO: Normalize Feelings

After identifying what you feel, the next step is to remind yourself that emotions are part of being human. Feeling sad, angry, anxious, or uncertain does not mean something is wrong with you. It means you are having a natural response to life’s challenges. When we normalize our emotions, we remove shame and make space for compassion. Feelings don’t need to be justified; they just are. In the BINGO model, N stands for Normalize, the reminder that every feeling is valid, and that understanding begins with acceptance.

Be Aware of Scams

Most of us believe that we would never fall victim to a scam. Unfortunately, the scammers are good and so convincing that it happens to many people every year. Here are some tips: *Never give anyone permission to log in to your computer, whether in person or via phone. *If someone calls saying they are a family member in peril, always tell them you will call them right back! *The Canada Revenue Agency will never call you to ask for back taxes. Do not give the caller any information; hang up immediately. *Never pay a fine or penalty with Gift Cards. *If in doubt, call the non-emergency police number and ask for advice.

Heart Health, Hearing Health

Healthy aging starts with caring for both your heart and your hearing. Research indicates a significant correlation between cardiovascular health and hearing health. The inner ear relies on steady blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and reduced circulation can damage delicate hair cells, leading to hearing loss. Supporting heart health through regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stress management and quitting smoking can also help protect hearing. Conditions such as high blood pressure can affect blood flow to the ears, making regular checkups essential. At Beltone, we support healthy aging with free hearing assessments and innovative hearing solutions to help you hear your best at every stage of life.

Love Your Hearing This February

February is the perfect time to show your hearing a little extra love. Healthy hearing keeps you connected, confident, and engaged in the moments that matter most. If you’ve noticed sounds seem muffled, conversations feel harder to follow, or you’re turning up the volume more often, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Early detection can prevent further decline and improve your overall well-being. Modern hearing technology is discreet, comfortable, and designed to support your lifestyle. Make this the month you put your hearing health first, because staying connected starts with listening well.

Medication Review

Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective, and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Book an appointment for a medication review with your pharmacist to go through your prescriptions and check for vaccinations that you may have missed. If laboratory tests are needed, an appointment with a virtual doctor can be booked. This is especially important if you don’t have a family doctor. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville today.

So You Want to Age in Place?

Over 90 percent of Canadians aged 45 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to a recent HomeEquity Bank survey. Unfortunately, most people underestimate the actual cost of doing so. To Age in Place, homes often need to be modified with features such as stair lifts, grab bars, and wider doorways. Caregivers may need to be hired to provide in-home support. The costs can really add up. Fortunately, as a homeowner, you can access the equity in your house to pay for these costs. Contact me for more information, or attend my Wellness Expo presentation on February 28th.

Are your Dentures Moving Around?

Denture adhesives, yeah THAT gooey stuff. If your lower denture is moving around too much and causing frequent sore spots, it may be time to try a denture adhesive. Years ago, the formula was changed due to problems caused by overuse. Do they work? Most of the time they last until you have a coffee or a meal, not eight hours as advertised. They are not the best solution, but in a pinch, if you are singing a love song to your spouse, maybe. Just remember to use as little as possible; it should not be a ¼ inch cushion.

What is Heart Coherence?

Heart Coherence occurs when there is communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain. YES, your heart has a brain. Your heart has intelligence; ~ it doesn’t just “feel”, it “knows”. Information is received by your heart first and then is communicated to your brain. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is heart coherence, and when it occurs, you are supported to become empowered. Call today for a complimentary information session.

“Center Before You Reach” Tip

The most valuable skill that Pilates teaches isn’t what happens on the mat—it’s the pre-activation of your core during daily tasks. Most back strain happens during “mindless” movements: reaching into the backseat of the car, lifting a heavy laundry basket, or even leaning over the sink. The Tip: Before you move your limbs, “zip up” your center. Imagine gently drawing your belly button toward your spine and lifting your pelvic floor—just about 20% effort. By engaging these deep stabilizers before you reach or lift, you create a built-in corset that protects your spine.