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The Central Island Wellness HUB is an online health and wellness resource with local businesses and local information. The Wellness HUB features hundreds of business and practitioners offering services and products in the central Island area. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. Do you have a health and wellness business? You can become a member with a free basic listing. See the website for more details.

Relief for Sore Feet and Legs

Do you spend a lot of your day standing or walking? Being on your feet for long periods of time can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, and other health problems. VoxxLife socks with HPT technology provide enhanced pain relief and management, better stability and balance, improved mobility and more energy. The Athletic Knee highs with gentle compression reduce swelling, keep muscles warm, increase blood flow in the legs and are comfortable for all wearers. Wool work socks with HPT are ideal for working outdoors and for activities like skating and hiking. Socks make great gifts.

Preparing for a Job Interview

Job interviews can be stressful and difficult for people looking for work, especially in this new and changing world. It is best to be prepared and ready. •Prepare: Take time to think about answers to key questions for the job before the interview. •Set-up: “Set the stage” – Find a quiet location that you can de-clutter (the focus should be on you not the stuff behind you). •Practice: Find a friend to practice using your online platform so that you will know how to operate the program. Make sure your WiFi speed is adequate and that your camera and microphone work.

Tips for Fall Prevention

November is Falls Prevention month. Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. There are many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways. In the event that a fall happens, getting help quickly is important. Lifeline’s Auto Alert button provides help 24/7 and automatically detects falls.

Essential Oils for Wellness

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to your wellness arsenal. They help clean the air and make a space more enjoyable, aid in calming or energizing (depending on the oil and your disposition) and improve your mood. They can be used topically for pain or other ailments and for many other health applications. A great way to diffuse oil into the air in any room is with a plug-in essential oil diffuser. Just pick your favourite essential oil or combination scent; it is easy to mix it up. Diffusers make great gifts. Have fun and be well.

Let’s Celebrate Aging!

We often hear the negative about seniors in our society, rather than celebrating them. Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, using services (keeping people employed), and paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age groups do. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting and caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.

Local Health and Wellness Resource

The internet is full of information. Did you know that there are two billion websites online? No wonder it can be difficult to find what you are looking for. We can help. The Wellness Hub powered by WellnessNews Choices for Healthy Living® is the go-to source for local health and wellness information on Central Vancouver Island. Find local business and health care practitioners, read health tips and find out what is happening in the community. Check us out online at www.CentralislandWellnessHub.ca.

Why Wear Compression Socks?

How much do you move during the day? If you spend a lot of time sitting, your calf muscles that usually help pump blood through your veins do very little. This can cause swelling and blood to pool in the lower legs. Standing all day can have the same effect. Walking is a great exercise to help the calf muscles do their job. Socks with compression squeeze your legs to move blood up your leg whether you are sitting or standing. Voxx Knee Highs offer gentle compression, are comfortable to wear and have HPT to help with pain, balance and stability.

Flossing for Oral Health

It is important to floss every day because your tooth brush can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. *Use about 50cm of dental floss wound around your fingers and gripped tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. *Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. At the gum line, curve it against the tooth, making a “C” shape. *Slide the floss into the space between your gum and tooth. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss as you progress to the rest of your teeth.

Activities Boost Self-Esteem

Adults who have physical or cognitive challenges can be empowered to remain in their community by optimizing physical, spiritual, social and emotional function. Doing as much as they can at their current ability level keeps them active and helps maintain cognitive and physical skills, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Managing everyday tasks as independently as possible, while adding music, themed events and brain workouts, slows cognitive decline and reduces challenging behaviors while feeling more productive. Our Day Program keeps participants engaged and using their energy in a positive way.

Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!