COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls have been closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at [email protected].
Family Member Needs a Hearing Test?
When someone close to you has untreated hearing loss, it’s natural to want to help them. Here are seven ways to urge them to have their hearing checked: 1. Point out that annual hearing tests are recommended for everyone. 2. Explain what they risk by waiting. 3. Prepare for common objections. 4. Let them know they’re not alone. 5. Go with them and have your hearing tested too. 6. Don’t be the only voice that speaks up. 7. Call your local hearing professional and ask for their advice.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Summertime Wellness Tips
With more sunny days and warmer temperatures, it is time to get out there and have fun. Here are some summertime wellness tips: *Protect your skin; wear a mineral-based sunscreen (chemical-free/ocean friendly), and hat and sunglasses for face and eye protection. *Stay hydrated; keep a water bottle with you. *Eat more fresh raw fruits and vegetables and take advantage of local produce. *Get some exercise; outdoors whenever possible. Exercise and getting outside helps you to stay fit, feel energized, and improves your mood. *Do what you love; take up a new or favourite activity. Take care of your mental wellbeing to help you stay positive and happy!
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Effects of Social Isolation
Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.
We Are Here For You
The BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program continues to provide free services to citizens of British Columbia through this period. We are working to provide virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for the delivery of our services, including counselling and outreach support. For more information, please contact the Gambling Support Line at 1.888.795.6111 or email [email protected]. If you need to renew your VSE agreement, please contact BCLC’s Customer Support Centre at 1-866-815-0222. A BCLC Investigator will set new ‘temporary’ agreement renewal and contact you when venues are set to open to obtain your documentation.
Wellness Information in Your Community
At Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living®, we continue to provide health and wellness information to our communities. In addition to our printed newsletters, Wellnessnews.ca has hundreds of searchable health articles written by local experts. Our Meetup group is FREE to join and offers workshops on a variety of health topics. Check it out at Meetup.com/Wellnessnews. Teresa Ostman hosts “Wellness Wednesday” @ 1 PM on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month on CHLY 101.7 FM radio or stream at CHLY.ca. Watch for our new online Wellness Resource Hub that will launch in the near future.
Support for Your Health
The general lockdown has had some good outcomes but also many traumatising ones. Today more than ever, we need to support our Physical, Emotional and Energetic health. Our multidisciplinary medical-therapeutic team at Naturally Healthy Clinic is now back to work. We offer both in-person and distance treatments and consultations. Most services are covered by benefits. Our Wellness team is diligent about upholding the highest standards and ready to support you on all three aspects of your health. Please check our website regularly for our events, specials, workshops and classroom and online courses. We are passionate about your Health and Happiness!
Ingredients are Important!
Healthy-looking skin starts with products that are formulated with clean, effective, organic ingredients that hydrate, refresh & rejuvenate. The ingredients in organic beauty products set them apart from cheaper drugstore counterparts. *High concentrations of quality active ingredients vs inactive cheap fillers or harmful chemicals. *Quality active ingredients are listed first as ingredients are always listed in descending order, starting with the largest amount. *Higher concentration of active ingredients means less product is needed for each use. *Organic, clean products without chemical preservatives have an earlier expiration date. A long shelf life usually indicates fillers and harsh chemical preservatives.
Product Review: WELLNESS TINCTURE
ACTIVE RELEAF aims to encourage active wellness through the use of nature’s most powerful ingredients. Offering a collection of plant-based wellness products, ACTIVE RELEAF’s WELLNESS TINCTURE is their strongest remedy. Used as a natural plant-based alternative for people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and other ailments. The WELLNESS TINCTURE is formulated with a high concentration of broad spectrum cannabinoid-rich hemp plant extract, paired with coconut MCT oil to help deliver cannabinoids and increase bioavailability. Taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into your favourite beverage. With three different concentration options (400mg, 1000mg & 2000mg) and measured droppers, dosing is accurate and flexible for your needs.


