“If life was always predictable there would be no room for new adventures and surprises. Be open to all possibilities today, knowing that no matter what road life presents to you, it has always got your back.” – Keith Macpherson
Community News
Thankful Every Day!
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that bring joy to our lives. It is also an opportunity to gather with family, friends, and neighbours to share good food, laughter, and gratitude. At our independent seniors home, we celebrate the season by fostering meaningful connections and creating a warm, welcoming community where everyone belongs. Whether you are enjoying a festive meal, participating in seasonal activities, or simply spending time with others, Thanksgiving reminds us that togetherness is one of life’s greatest gifts. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and memorable Thanksgiving filled with gratitude.
Stress, Neck Tension, and Migraines
Stress often causes the shoulders to rise and the muscles around the neck, jaw, and upper back to tighten. Poor posture, prolonged screen time, and restricted movement can add further strain, potentially triggering tension headaches or worsening migraine symptoms. Helpful prevention strategies include taking movement breaks, adjusting workstation ergonomics, staying hydrated, practising relaxation breathing, and gently stretching the neck and shoulders. An assessment can identify posture, muscle tension, joint movement, and individual headache patterns to recommend appropriate care. Cranial Suture Therapy is a gentle, specialized treatment offered by Dr. Priscilla that may help release tension and support greater comfort, balance, mobility, and overall relaxation.
Move Well This Autumn
October’s cooler days can make it tempting to become less active, but regular movement supports both physical and mental well-being. Yoga, Pilates, strength training, and low-impact fitness can help improve flexibility, balance, mobility, and mood as routines shift indoors. Exercising in a warm, welcoming environment may also help ease seasonal stiffness and encourage consistency. The key is choosing movement that feels enjoyable and appropriate for your body. Listen to your limits, stay hydrated, and celebrate gradual progress. This October, make time to stretch, strengthen, breathe deeply, and create a healthy routine that carries you confidently into winter with renewed energy.
Small Problem, Big Discomfort
Foot corns are small, hardened areas of skin that develop when the feet experience repeated pressure or rubbing. They often appear on the tops or sides of the toes or on the soles of the feet. While corns may seem minor, they can become quite painful and make walking uncomfortable. Wearing properly fitting shoes with plenty of toe room is one of the best ways to prevent them. Keep your feet clean, moisturized, and inspect them regularly for any changes. Never try to cut or remove a corn yourself, as this can lead to infection. If a corn becomes painful or persists, seek advice from a qualified foot care professional.
Bunion Pain and Arthritis
A bunion is a bony prominence that forms on the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe. This occurs when the bones of the forefoot are out of alignment and the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, resulting in a bump. Swelling, soreness, and redness can occur at the big toe joint causing discomfort with pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Causes include poor fitting shoes, hereditary, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. If you have concerns about your feet, come see your local podiatrist at Island Foot Clinics for evaluation today!
Managing Arthritis Naturally
Living with arthritis can make everyday activities more challenging due to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. While arthritis management varies from person to person, gentle movement and supportive care can play an important role in maintaining function and quality of life. Chiropractic care may help some individuals improve mobility, address muscle tension, and support better movement patterns through gentle techniques and soft tissue therapies. Combined with regular activity, stretching, and healthy lifestyle habits, these approaches may contribute to greater comfort and confidence in daily routines. Working with a qualified healthcare professional can help create a personalized plan to support joint health and overall wellbeing.
Living Well
Arthritis Awareness Month, reminds us that staying active and connected can help support joint health and overall well being. At Arbourside Court, residents enjoy opportunities to stay moving through walks, gentle fitness classes, and social activities that encourage mobility and confidence. Healthy meals, supportive neighbours, and an active lifestyle can make everyday living more enjoyable. If arthritis affects your comfort or mobility, speak with your healthcare provider about strategies to manage symptoms safely. Together, we can support independence, comfort, and quality of life every day with encouragement, friendship, and practical choices that help you thrive longer.
Fall Into Wellness
September is an ideal time to reset healthy habits after a busy summer. One way to reduce screen time and recharge is through mindful movement. Hot yoga and Far Infrared fitness combine yoga, fitness, and Pilates in a heated environment designed to encourage flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Taking time away from phones and daily distractions can help improve posture, reduce stress, boost energy, and support better sleep. As routines return this fall, making space for regular movement and self care can benefit both physical and mental wellbeing, helping you feel healthier, more focused, and ready for the season ahead.
Living Well With Arthritis
September is Arthritis Awareness Month, a reminder that everyday tasks can become challenging when joints are painful or stiff. Simple activities like preparing meals, getting dressed, carrying groceries, or keeping up with housework may require more time and energy. Small adjustments can help. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, choose supportive footwear, use lightweight kitchen tools, and build gentle movement into daily routines. For older adults, assistance with household tasks, personal care, transportation, or meal preparation can also help conserve energy for the things they enjoy. The goal is not doing less, but making daily life more manageable.
How Brella Helps
For nearly 50 years, Brella Community Services Society has supported older adults, caregivers, and families throughout Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities. Its mission is to help people age with dignity, remain connected, and continue living meaningful lives.
Many older adults face challenges such as social isolation, caregiver stress, health concerns, and difficulty accessing services. Brella responds with practical programs that help people remain independent while staying connected to their community.
Programs including Better at Home, Social Prescribing, Digital Inclusion, transportation assistance, volunteer services, community meals, wellness activities, and educational workshops help seniors continue living safely in their own homes while maintaining important social connections.
Brella is also a recognized leader in dementia support. Through caregiver support groups, respite services, education, one-on-one guidance, family conferences, and initiatives such as the I’m Still Me project, individuals living with dementia and their families receive compassionate support and practical resources.
Creating opportunities for social connection is central to Brella’s work. Recreational activities, arts programs, support groups, volunteer opportunities, and community events reduce loneliness while encouraging friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Brella also advocates for age-friendly communities by working alongside governments, health authorities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to improve accessibility and ensure older adults remain visible, valued, and included.
Its affiliation with Crescent Housing Society reflects a holistic approach that recognizes affordable housing and community support go hand in hand. Behind every program are dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners working together with one simple belief: growing older should never mean becoming invisible. Brella helps people not only age, but live well.
