It’s been over a year since Covid 19 overtook our lives. For most, it has been a challenging time. For many, it has been a difficult time emotionally and financially. Pushed to the limit, some of our friends and family have sought financially relief through online gambling. Rarely has it been the silver bullet many had hoped for. Here at VIGamingSupport.ca, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Support groups, outreach support services, counselling, and webinars are available to support you and your loved one’s redress gambling related harms. VI Gaming Support is contracted by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program.

This month, many of us will be celebrating Easter in our own way by decorating our homes and working in the garden. Others still find themselves alone and/or fearful to reach out. Use this new moon to find a way to make new connections. Hide some painted eggs in a neighbour’s yard for their kids to find, spend some time volunteering, or give someone a basket filled with thoughtful trinkets. It doesn’t just have to be about a rabbit leaving chocolate gifts, hot cross buns, or a feast of ham with family. This spring, embrace the time for sharing and starting new friendships and experiences at a safe distance.

Communicating effectively with someone experiencing hearing loss can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help: *Find a quiet place – create the best conditions for them to understand you, *Understand level of loss – understand the unique set of challenges they face, *Say it a different way – choose uncomplicated words so it’s easier for them to understand, *Make eye contact – eye contact allows someone to read your expression for context, *Get their attention – make sure they know you’re speaking. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, be sure to schedule a hearing test today!

Vaccines are products that produce immunity to a specific disease like COVID-19. When you are immune to COVID-19 that means you can be exposed to it without becoming sick or if you do become infected, it prevents more severe illness. Vaccines save lives. Vaccines don’t just protect the people getting vaccinated; they protect everyone around them too. The more people in a community who are vaccinated and therefore protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for it to spread. (Source: Provincial Health Services Authority). Vaccines will soon be available at the pharmacy. Please check our website for updates.

Steer yourself from the winter doldrums to warmer days and healthier, happier selves! *Get up with the sun and create a morning routine with meditation, stretches and exercise. *Increase your fruit and veggies intake; eat fruit in the morning and add more green vegetables at dinner. *Get a good pair of runners and do what you enjoy, just get outside and move! *For longevity, stress, weight management, mental health and overall wellbeing, establish a bedtime routine; shut off screens, wind-down, and get 7-8 hours of Zzzs. Stock up on your daily or specialty wellness supplements to help you achieve your health goals and keep you feeling your best!

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

What is the NEW NORM? Is everyone in my bubble being safe? Can we shop in our COVID-19 bubble beside other bubbles and be safe? There is so much information out there, helpful and unhelpful, that may drive ourselves headfirst into further stress and seclusion. It’s time to go outside and let your bubble breath, that’s right, take off that mask and breathe in some fresh island air this month. We may find clarity in heading back to the outdoors. Ground yourself in the outdoors and find some quiescence in your mind.