What is your definition of health? It can be different depending on your goals, ability, current health status, and other aspects of your life. Health incorporates mental, physical, and social health, just to name a few areas that impact our overall health and what we consider health to be, look like and feel like. Before you make your next health goal, define what health means to you. Research, reflection, and coaching can all help set goals, formulate plans, and the all-important maintenance phase of all changes that come with goal setting. I can help.
The Perfect Lift Chair for You
There are countless makes and models of lift chairs, (aka power recliners). Here are tips to decide which one is right for you! *Chair Size. How much space do you have? Do you prefer a smaller chair or a larger one that envelops you in a big hug? *Material & Coverings. Leather-type material is easier to clean while plush materials can be more comfortable. *Padding. If you have a bad back or sit for long periods you may want more padding. *Single vs. Double Motor. Double motors offer extra lumbar support. Come into our store and try out the different models.
Resolutions for 2022
With the start of the new year, we are all hoping that this one will be different than last year and the year before that. 2021 is now officially over and as we embark on 2022, it is time to move forward. Let’s work on making resolutions that will help us through. Focus on that all-important Self-care (and Community-care)! Find the things in life that are enjoyable (and able to do within the constrictions of the pandemic), and resolve to commit to them regularly. Be specific yet flexible, and most importantly, make them enjoyable (not just healthy)!
Community Profile: Cowichan Valley Lifeline
The Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit organization, has been providing an easy-to-use personal emergency response system to the Cowichan Valley since 1988. The Society was established because the membership believed that people deserved the dignity to live on their own and have access to immediate help in an emergency. If you experience a fall or other emergency in your home, every second counts. Delays can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. Lifeline quickly connects you to a trained Response Associate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the push of a button. You are never alone and help is always there when you need it.
Happy & Healthy in 2022
Many of us made a New Year’s Resolution to take better care of ourselves in 2022. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource for great information on doing just that. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest. The draw date is January 31, 2022.
Support is Available
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and easily become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can temp us to use gambling as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. Gambling when we’re vulnerable can cost us everything, not only our money but our mental and physical health. There are lots of free and confidential supports and tools available. This includes Voluntary Self-Exclusions from casinos, gaming centers and BCLC’s PlayNow available 24/7 toll-free at 1-888-795-6111 or connects with us at VIGamingSupport.ca. There are also excellent credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts, and/or trusted friends. Support is a game-changer: Do it!
DECEMBER LOCAL WELLNESS BOX PRIZE PACKAGE
Over $500.00 worth of prizes including; $210.00 Therapeutic Yoga-Based Movement Gift Card – BodyWell Remedial Exercise & Registered Massage Therapy www.getbodywell.com
$115.00 Initial evaluation and treatment Gift Card – Red Sage Wellness – Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine www.redsagewellness.com
2 Tickets to the Vancouver Island Symphony – Mozart’s Serenade March 19, 2022 in Nanaimo www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
Voxxlife Socks from Great Socks for All – www.greatsocksforall.voxxlife.com
Cactus Club – Gift Card www.cactusclubcafe.com/location/victoria
No Longer Gambling Just for Fun?
December can be a challenging month at the best of times. The pandemic has taken its toll on us emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, and financially. Online gambling has increased in popularity while land-based venues have reopened where players have renewed their patronage. If gambling used to be a light-hearted and fun activity but has changed to become an outlet or longshot for financial and/or emotional stress relief, connect with us at VI Gaming Support. You can reach us by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram), or online on our website at VIGamingSupport.ca. Provincial toll-free support line 1-888-795-6111 is open 24/7.
Focus on the Good Moments
As 2021 comes to an end, and we reflect on all that has happened, it is important to take note and remember the good moments along the way. With the challenges of the global pandemic still evolving, and other external stressors that occurred through the year, it can be easy to forget those moments of joy and connection that were experienced. With the holiday season approaching, take a moment to remember those good moments, and reach out to share those memories with those you were with. Choose to focus on the good moments and share that with others.
Life Stages and Hearing Loss
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, here’s a list of signs in each stage of life that may indicate a hearing loss.
- Lack of attention to sound and sound localization
- Delayed speech development
- Unable to monitor their own voice or follow verbal instructions
- Behavioural changes and hyperactivity
- Poor school performance
- Struggles with verbal cues and instructions
- Often ask people to repeat themselves
- Lack of participation in school activities, poor school performance
- Isolated from social situations
- Behavioural changes – may act out or do nothing at all
- Regularly ask people to repeat themselves
- Talk very loud or quiet
- Difficulties understanding verbal communication
- Isolate themselves in noisy environments and don’t participate
- May present with depression or anxiety
- Complaints of dizziness, ringing in ears and exhaustion
If you’re concerned about hearing loss affecting you or a loved one, NexGen Hearing provides free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, sales and fittings. NexGen Hearing’s team is dedicated to helping you find solutions and discussing your hearing needs, goals and options to find the best outcome and support you every step of the way.
Happy Holiday Wishes
As another year draws to a close, we give thanks for the many blessings that we have received. We continue to publish this newsletter, along with four additional local ones here on the island, with help from our communities. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers and newsletter distributors for helping us to continue to spread the wellness message. A big thank you to Isabella Ostman who is retiring at the end of the year. She worked with Teresa for five years to establish and grow our newsletters and the WellnessHub. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.


