Can you imagine being a parent dreading Christmas morning because there are no gifts under the tree for your child? Since 1982, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive has been making sure that every child in Nanaimo has a new toy to unwrap on Christmas morning. It is the people, groups and businesses of Nanaimo, with the help of many volunteers, that make this happen. You can help by purchasing a toy or gift for a child aged newborn to 16 and dropping it off at one of the many drop off locations. Financial donations can be made through Canada Helps. You can make a child’s Christmas!

Chronic stress attacks our weaknesses and, like a bucket slowly filling with water one drop at a time, it will eventually overflow. When it does, it can have physical effects like high blood pressure or heart disease, or emotional ones like depression and anxiety. A counsellor can help you identify your stressors and determine how to manage them. This can include developing daily habits known for combatting stress like meditation, exercise, becoming more assertive and letting go. Look for a counsellor with a caring, non-judgemental approach combined with a compassionate ear and a kind heart. You can add health and longevity to your life.

We hear a lot about concussions and professional sports, but concussions can also happen in minor sport and rec leagues. Today scientists are actively trying to determine the optimal way to recover from concussions. We tend to associate concussions with head trauma, like in hockey or football but don’t realize that concussions can occur without head trauma. If you are playing any sport and experience ear ringing, headaches, light sensitivity, blurred vision, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, or difficulty focusing attention or concentrating, you may have a concussion. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, get assessed by a doctor.

Are you or is your partner 60 years or older? Do you want to take up an existing hobby or try something new? Do you want to meet and socialize with a great group of people? If so, check out the many benefits of a membership with Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors. Annual membership is only $41.45 and includes access to many programs and services provided by Parks and Recreation. Participate in programs in arts, crafts, cards, games, dance, fitness, yoga, tai chi, language, music, sports and more! For more information, contact 250.755.7501, pick up our bi-monthly newsletter at City of Nanaimo recreation facilities or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

We often hear the negative about seniors in our society rather than celebrating them! Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, usage of services (keep people employed) and by paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age group. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting, caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Please take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.

Tammy has been practicing massage therapy, holistic health and coaching for over 20 years. She entered this field after experiencing her own loss and burn-out. Tammy recognizes stress and life events can significantly affect health and well-being and that much can be done with a natural approach to restore health and harmony to life. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to help you evaluate what will best meet your needs and achieve your objectives. Her services include personalized programs, massage, therapeutic nutrition, meditation and various health programs to improve sleep, regain energy and more.