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.
Community News
Healthy Aging
Having taught a course on aging, I’ve come to realize that in North America, aging is something we fear rather than embrace. In places like Japan, where Super Centurions thrive, the people have a one word philosophy called IKIGAI; Your Passion, Mission, Vocation and Profession. IKIGAI Is thought to be the reason for their longer, healthier life! Aging is a gift that comes with a responsibility to those you love; you have to do your best to look after your health. Are you living your Ikigai? Are you taking responsibility for your own health as you age? Attend my free webinars to find out more.
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes.
Product Review: A Time to Remember
Your loved one was unique. How you choose to celebrate that special life must be equally unique. That’s why Arbor Memorial has developed “Time to Remember”. This exclusive new resource will help you create a personal send off to honour your loved one while comforting family and friends in a meaningful way. With this option, you can: *Choose a convenient package system that celebrates specific interests *Compose your event by the elements that celebrate a personality *Discover new possibilities through your own creativity *Work within a budget that’s comfortable for you. Talk to us about creating that unique send off.
Importance of Saliva
Saliva provides critical moisture in the oral cavity that allows us to speak clearly; imagine trying to whistle with a completely dry mouth. For denture wearers, saliva provides lubrication between the denture and oral tissue, reducing friction that may otherwise cause irritation. Patients with dry mouths may have difficulties with denture retention, as the deficiency in moisture creates fewer capillaries to hold and seal the denture into place. If you suspect you may be suffering a dry mouth issue, consult your dental provider. They may be able to provide you some options for therapy. There are many products available today to help combat dry mouth problems.
Communicating with Elderly Loved Ones
Being able to communicate effectively with your elderly loved ones is essential. Here are some tips: *Minimize visual and auditory distractions in the room. *Listen without interrupting. *When communicating with people with hearing issues, speak slowly, clearly and loudly. *Think before responding and do not speak when you are angry or upset. Often, it is not what you say, but how you say it that determines how your message is received. *If you have to have a potentially difficult conversation, rehearse what you want to say. *Set your boundaries. It is ok to refuse a request without rejecting your loved one.
Many Rec Centres Are Open
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre, Oliver Woods Community Centre and Bowen Complex are now open for a variety of programs and for pre-registered drop-in activities. This includes swimming, skating, badminton and pickle ball. You can register for these activities 72 hours prior to the start of the session. Register online at recreation.nanaimo.ca, by calling 250-756-5200 or by vising one of our recreation offices. We are happy to be open and look forward to seeing you again. Please note that Beban Park is still closed until further notice.
Gambling During Covid 19
Covid19 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.
Regenerate Your Knees
When your knees chronically hurt you are told they are a sign of aging and degeneration, which is very true … but did you know there is a method of treatment to regenerate your knees? Prolozone therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that are especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization and aging. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins & minerals and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal. And as they heal, the circulation to the knees is re-established.
Tricky Treats
Our natural evolutionary response when we get stressed, or as seasons change is to ensure we have adequate energy for the next challenge. During this time, we often crave sugary treats, from pumpkin spiced lattes, to our kids hallowe’en stash. However, because sweets helps to provide us raw energy, and is a natural pain response to stress; it’s very easy to get hooked on it! As kids young and old alike are excited for treats this month, it may help to be aware of this craving, to check-in with our stress levels before we consume those tricky treats.
Try a Spacer with Your Asthma Inhaler
You probably don’t have to look very far in your circle to find someone with a breathing difficulty that has to use metered dose inhalers (like Ventolin or Flovent) If you are one of those people, you can get improved effect from your inhalers using a simple spacer device on the inhaler. The technique for using a spacer device is a little different, but when used properly it can increase the amount of medication that gets to the lungs by up to 70% and help to decrease side effects.
