A healthy mouth is an important part of overall health. We recommend that you brush your teeth in the morning before eating if the food is acidic. Floss and rinse after every meal to help maintain the enamel (whiteness) of your teeth. Always wait 45 minutes to brush your teeth after drinking or eating to allow the enamel to harden again. Acidic foods soften enamel, and brushing right away can cause thinning it, making the yellow/brown root show through quicker. Visit your dental hygienist regularly to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Community News
Help Support Emergency Needs
As we enjoy the longer days and added sunlight, there are still many members of our community who are struggling to get by. The cold nights and rising grocery prices can be overwhelming. When times are tough, hope can’t wait! SOS’s Emergency Needs Fund plays a vital role in uplifting residents and providing them with much-needed support. SOS provides vouchers for groceries, medicine, propane, and other basic needs to support residents who are experiencing hardship. Join us in making a meaningful impact. Make a donation on our website, give us a call, or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville. Thank you.
Seeking Fun, Exercise and Camaraderie?
Welcome aboard Angels Abreast, a dragon boat team of Breast Cancer survivors and supporters. Research proves exercise reduces health risks for those who beat cancer and those seeking to prevent it. We paddle for fun, sharing emotional and physical support. We enjoy a wonderful waterfront setting in Newcastle Channel, sharing the seas with seals and otters, and the skies with herons and eagles. Join us in celebrating health. Everyone is welcome – experience is not required. PADDLES UP!!
Are you 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.
March is Here; Time to Go Outdoors
Spring is in the air, with it, a feeling of hopefulness and renewal. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health, and socializing helps with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthy things, so get out and walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better about it!
Downsizing Checklist for Seniors
The thought of downsizing can be very frightening. Here is a checklist that can make the task less daunting: *Create a plan—decide on a moving date, hire help, and decide what you can’t live without. *Organize future floor space—measure your future home and your furniture to make sure it will fit. *Tackle smaller areas first. *Get rid of unwanted items—host a yard sale, donate, recycle, or give them away. *Move larger areas—organize kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. *Prepare moving paperwork—contact utility services, update billing address, and notify the post office of the change of address. Visit our website for more information.
Benefits of Home Care for Seniors
For many seniors, home care is a valuable way to maintain independence and quality of life while aging safely at home. Whether they need assistance with personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, or companionship, professional caregivers provide the support needed to make daily living easier and more enjoyable. Home care offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving compassionate, reliable care. Beyond practical assistance, caregivers bring warmth and companionship—engaging in conversations, activities like puzzles or crafts, and sharing moments of joy through music and storytelling. Talk to your family about the benefits of aging in place with the right support to help you thrive at home.
March is a Great Time to Get Active
James Bay New Horizons Society invites you to join their community. Their goal is to help people maintain, improve, and develop new skills, interests, and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of their members and visitors. Membership benefits include the opportunity to participate in all programs, services, and special events, including games, tours, movies, music, fitness, and many more. Borrow books, CDs, and movies at no cost. Become involved with volunteer work. Meet new friends and more. Contact them today for more information!
Community Health Centre in Victoria
Creating Community Wellness Society (CCWS) is a charitable
organization providing health and wellness programs in
Victoria. The Victoria Community Health Centre (VCHC) is
located at 200-1075 Pendergast Street. From this location in
Cook Street Village, we run a nurse led Community Health
Centre. Our full-scope Registered Nurses provide a wide array
of services including health assessments, injections, wound
care, blood pressure monitoring, ear cleaning, and referral and
assistance with virtual Dr. visits. We also provide wellness
sessions with topics selected by the community. Contact us for
more information.
Senior Home Maintenance Tips
Healthy Home, Healthy You! A well-maintained home is key to a healthy and safe lifestyle for seniors. Regularly inspect your home for tripping hazards like loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and uneven flooring. Ensure good lighting in hallways and staircases to prevent falls. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors annually. Keep your HVAC system serviced for clean air quality and monitor for leaks or mold to avoid respiratory issues. If home maintenance becomes overwhelming, consider hiring help or downsizing to a more manageable space. A safe, well-kept home supports independence and well-being for years to come!
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline, and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety, and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled, and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
