Many of us make resolutions for changes we want to make in the New Year. If one of the things you wanted to do was volunteer, we want you! Comox Valley Senior Support is looking for volunteers for all our programs, as well as the Board of Directors. Would you like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior? Or assist someone with accessing services in the community? If so, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. We offer training monthly so there are minimal delays to getting started. Volunteers are provided with monthly support meetings and regular education sessions. Contact us today to get started!

About 71% of seniors are online every day. Of those who are online, their main reason is to stay connected with family and friends. Whether it’s joining forums or sharing photos and stories with loved ones, social media and email allow seniors with limited mobility the opportunity to interact with others. If you’re interested in getting online but don’t know where to start, community centres and local senior groups often have programs to teach seniors about the internet and how to participate in online communities. It is important as we age to continue to stay socially connected to friends and loved ones.

Regular screening for oral cancer is an important step in detecting the disease and starting treatment as soon as possible if there is evidence of cancer. During the oral exam, your dentist will check various parts of your mouth, as well as your face and neck, for any indications of potential oral cancer. You can also report any concerning symptoms to your dentist at any time, including bleeding, a sore throat that won’t go away, swelling, lumps or lesions, unexplained loose teeth, ear pain, difficulty swallowing or chewing, burning or numbness, or difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.

If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.

As we head into winter the possibility of extreme weather must be considered. Snow and/or significant rainfall with high winds are common occurrences here in the eat coast of Vancouver Island. In the event of extreme weather please be sure to check on your senior neighbours to ensure that they are safe and warm.

Taking care of your mental health is essential for overall well-being. Here are some ways to prioritize and maintain good mental health:
Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with friends and family. Social support is crucial for mental well-being, and talking to loved ones about your feelings can be therapeutic. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that make you feel good physically and emotionally. This might include exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. Accomplishing these goals can boost your self-esteem and sense of purpose. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, yoga, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Learning to cope with stress is essential for good mental health.
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact mental health. Set boundaries for screen use and make time for face-to-face interactions. Stay Active: Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your perspective towards positivity. Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization to manage anxiety and stress. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. They can provide you with guidance, therapy, and, if necessary, medication.

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable seniors? Comox Valley Senior Support Services is on the lookout for people like you to join our dynamic team as a Board Member. Why Join Us as a Board Member?
• Drive meaningful change within our organization and community.
• Hone your leadership and organizational skills to make a lasting impact.

We Are Looking For:
• Diverse perspectives – we value diversity in thought, background, and experience.
• Commitment – A willingness to commit time and energy to our mission.
• Passion – A genuine passion for our cause and a desire to see change. For more info and how to apply: Check out our website: https://comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca/volunteer/ Or call: 250-871-5940