When daily life is hectic, it can be difficult to keep in touch with our loved ones. It’s even more challenging if they don’t live in the same city that we do. If an aging parent is having trouble managing at home, it’s important to take action before more problems arise. Start by determining what Mom or Dad needs, perhaps with the help of other family members and your loved one’s physician. Explore the options for senior care in your loved one’s community. Home care services, such as personal care, housekeeping and companionship, can help older adults keep living independently for as long as possible.
Community Spotlight
Offering professional holistic and wellness services – from body work to mental health – Finding North’s team strives to support the whole person through positive change to discover their most optimal self. Each practitioner carries their own wealth of knowledge and specialized therapy, enabling them to meet clients needs with extensive resources and treatment options. Working together through their collaborative team approach, Finding North’s practitioners are able to provide clients with a unique, personalized and well rounded path to betterment, all at one convenient location.
Combining Massage and Movement
Time spent being passive on the massage table feels wonderful, and for those living with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, for example, it’s just the ticket. However, relief is only temporary for those living with a fear or lack of movement due to pain. Another side of treatment needs to happen through movement. Are you ready to take a more effective approach? Would you like to feel more in control of your wellness? Work with a registered massage therapist to explore a combination of movement and massage therapy, and watch your trust in your body’s abilities to heal grow!
Clean Eating: Better Than Mayo
A great spread on crackers or sliced veggies, used as a dip or salad dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cup raw cashews
– 3/4 cup water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 1/2 tsp Italian spices
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
– dash of cayenne
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender. Can blend right away, or soak 1 hour for a smoother texture. Blend until smooth. Store in fridge. Stays fresh for several days, but is so tasty you’ll probably eat it sooner.
Stroke Recovery Tips
Recovery from stroke is hard work. It involves making an honest assessment and a constant reassessment of what needs to be worked on. Make an accurate list of your strengths and weaknesses. Activities that are hard, as opposed to activities that are easy, provide greater potential for improvement and recovery. If you eliminate difficulty, you may not progress toward recovery. Focus recovery on movements that are difficult rather than focusing on abilities that are near perfect. Don’t just recover to do things you enjoy; use what you enjoy to recover. Recovery begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Fun in the Sun
Summer has always been a season for fun, relaxation and new adventure. There is no reason that limitations of age, mobility, or any number of other excuses to change that. At this time of the year we want to bring back the adventurous spirit, we want to day trip to the beach, try a new hobby, dust off those swimming trunks and help you dive into summer fun. Bringing back those favourite activities and trying out some new ones is a great way to engage and connect with friends and family so that the fond summer memories keep on coming!
Chemainus Theater Memberships
Did you know that the Chemainus Theater membership program provides wings to the Chemainus Theatre Festival, supporting each season of programming? Donations to the membership program provides foundational support enabling them to plan confidently, and expand their theatrical & education programing. In return (along with their eternal gratitude) they strive to open up the world of Chemainus Theatre through exclusive member events and have a lot of fun at the same time. In 2019, exclusive events include Fireside Chats, Dress Rehearsals, the ever popular Season Launch Party and Member Day. Contact the theater about the various levels of membership available.
Community Update: New, Enhanced Curriculum
The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) has been Teaching the Medicine of the Future™ since 1994. Their commitment to quality education has made CSNN the largest, leading school in holistic nutrition education. The comprehensive practical foundation program in Natural Nutrition is comprised of 18 holistic nutrition courses, including four science courses. With cutting edge science and new practical tools added, CSNN will offer a new and enhanced curriculum for September 2019 in Nanaimo and Victoria. New courses will include Genetics and Epigenetics, Home Use of Herbs and Hormone Health. Students will earn a culinary certificate from 30 hours of practical, hands-on workshops.
Take It Outside
With the pleasant summer weather, we are all spending more time outdoors. There are many wonderful activities to do outside, including walking, hiking, jogging, biking, gardening, sports, playtime with kids or pets, “forest bathing”, picnics; all are great alternative to electronics! Important benefits of taking it outside include a mental health boost with elevated mood and joy and increased quality of life and personal satisfaction. Being active outside reduces fatigue and can help improve your memory. Other benefits include lower blood pressure and reduced risk of disease. So go outside, be safe, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water!
Help at the Push of a Button
Sometimes it can be very difficult to accept help. Many seniors feel that if they accept help they are losing their independence. They think that admitting that they need help tells the world that they are no longer able to live on their own. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone at home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active; the improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.


