Community News
Profile: Beautiful Smiles Denture Clinic

Stephanie Yeats joined the Beautiful Smiles Denture Clinic team in 2010 and acquired the business a couple of years ago, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the dental field. She is joined by skilled denturist Hannah Craig. To better serve patients, the clinic has locations in Duncan and Chemainus. At Beautiful Smiles, we are dedicated to building dentures that look natural, fit well, and stand the test of time. Our passion for our patients is what drives us, and we’re proud to have helped over 16,000 people rediscover their smiles.

Hear Life More Fully

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook the early warning signs. If you frequently ask others to repeat themselves, struggle to follow conversations in noisy places, turn the television up louder than everyone else, or notice ringing in your ears, it may be time for a hearing assessment. Many people assume others are mumbling when the real issue is reduced hearing. Early detection can make a significant difference in communication, relationships, and overall quality of life. If these signs sound familiar, book a professional hearing evaluation and discover solutions that can help you reconnect with the sounds that matter most.

Summer Heat Safety Matters

Summer heat can be especially dangerous for seniors. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, making it important to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. For many older adults, moving into a retirement suite with supportive services can provide added peace of mind. Nutritious meals and regular wellness checks help residents stay comfortable and safe during heat waves. Retirement living offers the perfect balance of independence, comfort, and support when it is needed most.

Self-Care Starts with Hearing

July 24 is Self-Care Day, a reminder to invest in your health and well-being. While many people focus on exercise, nutrition, and stress management, hearing health may be overlooked. Yet good hearing plays an important role in staying connected, maintaining relationships, supporting brain health, and enjoying everyday life. This month, make yourself a priority by booking a free hearing test. A simple hearing assessment can help identify changes early and give you peace of mind. Taking care of your hearing is an investment in your overall health, confidence, and quality of life. You deserve it.

Wellness Tips for Summer

*Adjust Workout Times: Beat the heat and prevent heat-related exhaustion by doing cardio or strength sessions indoors at an air-conditioned facility. Take advantage of the long, beautiful days by trying new, low-impact summer hobbies like cycling, outdoor yoga, or brisk walks along local trails. *Eat the Rainbow & Hydrate: July is the perfect time to visit local farmer’s markets for seasonal fruits and veggies. Incorporate water-dense, electrolyte-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and berries to keep your body fueled and hydrated. *Prioritize Mental & Social Wellness: Combine fitness with community by joining local group fitness classes, sports leagues, hiking groups, or walking with neighbours to foster social connections.

Prevent Trips and Falls

When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but summer can be just as risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should still take caution. Outdoor rugs, pool decks, sandy shores, and even uneven patio flooring can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for summer safety for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape.

Rethink How We Check In

“How are you?” is a common question we ask, yet for someone navigating grief, illness, caregiving, or another difficult life challenge, it can be surprisingly hard to answer. While asked with good intentions, it can create pressure to respond with “I’m fine,” even when the reality is much more complicated. Sometimes, simple statements such as “It’s good to see you,” “I’ve been thinking of you,” or “I’m glad we could connect today” can feel more supportive. These offer care without requiring someone to explain or justify how they are feeling. Small shifts in language can create space for greater compassion, authenticity, and meaningful human connection.

From Stuck to Unstoppable

The Emotion Code is a holistic healing method that identifies and releases trapped emotions. These negative energies are stored in the body from unprocessed traumatic or emotional experiences or events. Trauma, stress, grief, or rejection can create energetic blocks or pain and inflammation that disrupts the body’s ability to heal itself. This pain is not imagined; it is real and measurable. The Emotion Code offers a non-invasive, self-empowering approach to alleviating your physical symptoms and restoring emotional balance. This is a complementary treatment to traditional medicine. Come give Emotion Code a try and go from “Stuck to Unstoppable”!

Profile: Trevor Beals, Healing Rhythm Reiki

Reiki helped me restore balance, grounding, and clarity as I navigated my own energetic sensitivity. As a retired educator and school counsellor, teaching is at the heart of my work. I offer one-on-one Reiki sessions and training (Level 1 to Master), supporting men and women who are attuned to subtle energy and seek guidance. This gentle practice reduces stress, improves sleep, and restores a natural sense of balance to your daily life. Whether you seek a restorative session or wish to become a Reiki practitioner, visit my website to explore your path to vibrant health and empowerment.

Hear Every Precious Moment

This Father’s Day, give Dad something that truly improves the quality of life: better hearing. Many men ignore the early signs of hearing loss, from turning up the television to struggling in conversations, but untreated hearing issues can affect relationships, mental health, balance, and overall well-being. A professional hearing check is quick, painless, and an important part of men’s health care, just like regular eye exams or blood pressure checks. Modern hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and designed to keep fathers connected to family moments that matter most. Encourage Dad to hear every story, laugh, and memory clearly this Father’s Day.

Belief Re-Patterning for Teens

Your teen feels stuck; overthinking exams, relationships, or self-worth. They spiral before tests, freeze up in class or trash-talk themselves after small mistakes. Belief Re-patterning breaks all those cycles quickly and easily. It’s not therapy or positive fluff. It is a brain hack: replacing self-doubt with confidence, and vulnerability with resilience. One step at a time. Before you know it, they have gone from Stuck to Unstoppable – less freaking out to more “I’ve got this”. A lasting mental shift. NO jargon, real results. Ideal for teens tired of negative thoughts who don’t want couch talk – but are truly ready to finally feel in control.