Community News
Protect and Nourish Your Skin

Summer has finally arrived! Here are some tips to keep your skin nourished and protected. *Wear a mineral-based, chemical-free sunscreen with at least SPF 15. *Drink extra water and eat hydrating foods. Green tea has a potent antioxidant boost that can help protect and recover from sun damage. *Vitamins C and E, selenium, and grape seed extract help to prevent and reverse sun damage and oxidative stress. *Apply aloe vera and lavender essential oil after sun exposure or sun burns. *Apple cider vinegar or cooler chamomile tea make a good compress to soothe and heal tender skin. Have a wonderful summer!

Where to Keep your Medication

Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.

The Feeling of Gratitude

We have so much to be grateful for! Say ‘thank you’ for the things you enjoy and have; be grateful for every meal and the comfy pillow you lay your head on. Listen to music that makes you want to dance. When our body feels the vibration of true gratitude, it feels lighter and more in balance. Keep your vibration high by smiling and thinking positive thoughts. Visit a practitioner who will work with you to get you to a state of calm and relax. It is important that we remind our body how it feels to be good and free.

A Team of Hearing Care Professionals

At our Amplifon clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service and take the time needed to help you find your ideal solution. We offer an extensive range of leading hearing aid technology at competitive prices. Enjoy peace-of-mind with our 90-days money back guarantee. We value our relationship and strive to offer you a lifetime of better hearing with our free lifetime aftercare program. Request a complimentary hearing test today! Currently, our clinic is open reduced hours. Please contact us by phone to find out the exact opening days and times and to make an appointment.

City Of Nanaimo Park Programs

We may be in the midst of a global pandemic, but Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture is bringing the community many opportunities for recreation throughout the summer! These activities are perfect for all ages. The Water Safety Education Team will be visiting local parks and waterfront areas this summer. Visit our website for all the details on summer camps like our playground program, the “ParkIt Challenge”, as well as many adult programs happening in the parks. Look for our recreation staff for random “pop-ins” at Nanaimo parks throughout the summer. They are giving away swag.

Saliva; Not Just Moisture in Your Mouth

Saliva and its benefit is something we often take for granted. When production of your saliva is less than adequate it can present a number of genuine difficulties and health concerns. The bulk of saliva is derived from three pairs of glands in the mouth. They produce approximately three quarters of a teaspoon of saliva every minute during mastication (chewing) which provides lubrication to aid in chewing and swallowing. Saliva also acts as a protective layer on natural dentition, bathing the teeth with minerals to help prevent cavities. The enzymes in saliva work to limit bacterial, viral and fungal growth which, if left unchecked, can lead to infections and tooth decay.

Moving to a Retirement Commuinity Today

If you are thinking of making a move to a retirement community, it is understandable to be fearful. Here are some questions to ask when making your decision: *Does the facility have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellness of its residents and staff? *Is their staff working at ONLY one location? *Have the cleaning protocols changed? *Have staff hours increased to ensure extra cleaning and care is in place? *If an infection should occur, what procedures are there to ensure the containment? Answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Rhythm from the Inside Out

Digestion, blood pumping through our veins, and breathing are just a few of the functional rhythms inside us that we rely upon to live. When we are unwell, we sometimes say that we are feeling ‘out of sorts’ or ‘out of sync’; it is a bit like losing one’s rhythm. We know when we have found it again because we feel more ‘in the groove’. Music therapy can be helpful in re-discovering that intrinsic rhythm when retrieving it ourselves is a struggle (as with mood and social cognitive disorders; rehabilitation from brain injury, stroke, or heart attack; cerebral palsy; Huntington’s disease; etc.).

Boost Mental Health & Performance at Work

During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.

Dog Care Support for Seniors

Dog Care Support for Seniors
Does a senior in your life need help caring for their dog? Our goal is to enable older adults, who are experiencing challenges with routine care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions. We work to keep the love in the home.
ElderDog volunteers provide a range of support services, including:
• Dog walking
• Minor grooming such as help with brushing
• Transportation to and from a vet or groomer
• Temporary care during illness or hospitalization
• Rehoming when staying together is no longer possible
ElderDog volunteers who work with seniors are required to wear an approved photo ID and complete a police check for work with vulnerable persons. There are no fees for our services.

What’s in Your Smoothie?

Move over, goji berries: there’s a new superfood in town. Meet the Aronia berry! Aronia berries have outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties which have been well documented. They contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown helps in fighting cancer, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce blood glucose in diabetics. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Aronia berries contain five times the antioxidant level of goji berries with no bitter aftertaste.