A common ritual around New Year is to make resolutions for the up-coming year. For many, these resolutions are typically broken within the first couple weeks. The greatest challenges with these resolutions is that they are focused on what we ‘think we should do’ as opposed to what would be really helpful to us. Common resolutions are: exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking, and so on. Now, all of those ideas are healthy, however they are not always a good plan for self-care. Make your New Year’s Resolutions about increasing Self-care, which is about finding activities you enjoy doing, and doing them regularly!

Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2

‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls. Falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and bringing winter risks indoors is among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly – try layering your clothes, talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles you’ve tracked inside your home.

Here are some ideas to give a gift of wellbeing to your loved ones. *Diffusers and essential oils humidify and purify the air you breathe. Depending on the essential oils used, can provide a variety of health benefits including detoxification, respiratory, calming/sleep, and mood-boosting. Also a great way to scent a room. *Local Beeswax Candles, non-toxic to burn, provide wonderful scent, light, and ambiance. *Himalayan bath salts: relaxing lavender, stimulating grapefruit, or relieving eucalyptus *Handmade soaps:natural ingredients, nourishing oils/butters, essential oils and plants *Himalayan salt lamps: beautiful light, air cleansing, with many health benefits for whole family

Our mind is our most important asset – more important than our house, bank account or stock portfolio. We insure our house and work hard to pad our bank account. To enhance our brainpower we need a brain workout. A vigorous and diverse mental life with mental challenges stimulates growth of new neurons and new connections between them. The brain is a complex organ with different parts in charge of different mental functions. Functions such as memory, attention, perception, decision making, or problem solving requires a whole network of brain regions rather than a single region.

As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, many people start to feel the effects of the lack of light. Out on the West Coast of Canada, we also get a lot of overcast skies. These realities of our environment can sap our energy and bring about feelings of general moodiness. This is a normal experience for many people, and there are things you can do about it. Self-care at this time of year is important. One of the recommendations is to find a full spectrum light and get some quality time in front of it. Use it while reading, working at the computer, or even when watching television!

Your dentures are an investment that require care and attention. The fit and function of your dentures and oral tissues are an integral part of your well-being. An annual examination by your denturist will help maintain your denture(s) and oral tissues so they stay at their optimal performance. Your exam includes *Updating your medical and dental history chart *Examination of oral cavity as well as head and neck region *Tissue and bone assessment *Assessment of denture stability, structural integrity of denture and bite *Clean and polish denture if requested *Review oral hygiene care *Counsel on present or future procedures.

The ear trumpet, considered the first hearing aid, was invented in the 17th century. Then came the collapsible ear trumpet in the late 18th century, followed by the first commercial device in 1800. In 1898, the first electric hearing aid was created, and by the late 20th century, the digital hearing aid was commercially available. The invention of the carbon microphone, transistors, digital signal processing chip, and the development of computer technology has helped transform the hearing aid to its present form. Learn more about the products available today by visiting a Hearing Care Professional at a Hearing Clinic.