Here in the South Cowichan Area, we have numerous opportunities for our seniors to stay active and engaged. South Cowichan Community Policing has an active role in the well being of our residents and our seniors. We offer programs like Block Watch, Friendly Phones, Speed Watch and many more and we welcome volunteers to be actively involved in them. BE ACTIVE! Bring your best self out and continue doing what you love or explore activities new to you. Let’s keep our amazing community safe and supportive for all.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes have become worldwide pandemics. They are so common, doctors often refer to them as “Diabesity”. The pandemics prove conventional treatment for diabesity is not working, Counting carbohydrates and calories only is not enough to combat insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The more overweight we are, the more fertile the ground is for diabetes to develop. The more processed food we ingest, with its colouring, flavour enhancers and hidden sugars, the more our waistlines increase. The less we exercise, the more lethargic our insides get, the more toxic our bodies become. We can halt or reverse this trend personally and globally. By changing daily eating and exercise habits, diabesity can be undone. Is it time for you to take action and control of your life? All it takes is a conscious decision and determination. There is help available to assist you along the way!

When you have found a well-fitting bra, you want to take good care of it. It should be hand washed in warm water with a detergent made especially for fine lingerie. Do not use bleach, fabric softener or wool wash soap. Soak for about five minutes to let the deodorants, perspiration and oils dissolve, then agitate and rinse. Do not wring. If you must use your washing machine, wash on the delicate cycle and use a washing bag to protect your bra. Bras should never be put into the dryer. Dry by hanging them from the centre front panel or lay flat.

How do you navigate the maze of the hundreds of brands of health and nutrition products available in the marketplace? There are so many products available in different locations that it is difficult to figure out where and what to buy. Your local health food store is a good place to start. It is staffed by knowledgeable experts who keep up with what is new in the industry. They will ask you questions and take the time to find out your needs. Once this discussion has taken place, they will be able to recommend the best products for you.

There will soon be a new location for the SUNDROPS CENTRE for Child Development at 5814 Banks Road in Duncan. The new location will allow us to better assist children with developmental delays and provide support to families and caregivers in the Cowichan region. Our goal is to provide optimal services as we teach, learn and grow with our children, whether in our gym or therapy rooms, in preschool or at the playground . The new location will house a larger child development team, child care resource and referral program. It will also provide space for meetings and group interaction and offer services for healthy infant and child development.

The body has three sources of energy from which it draws to meet its metabolic needs: carbohydrates, muscle and fat. Chronologically the body will first draw on its carbohydrate reserve before turning to muscle and fat. On a ketogenic diet, your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Insulin levels become low and fat burning increases. This is great for weight loss. The fastest way into Ketosis is by fasting but it is not possible to fast forever. A low-carb, or “keto” diet, can be eaten indefinitely as you are accessing your stored fat for fuel. Ketosis has the benefits of fasting – including weight loss – without having to starve yourself!

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 situation. 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.

We all have odors we could do without but masking pet odors with fake scents is not how nature intended us to breathe. Household air is already being inundated with unhealthy chemicals off-gassing from glues and building materials in your home. Fortunately there are healthier alternatives to freshen air. The use of naturally derived charcoals is one solution that will absorb pre-existing chemicals and eliminate odors to leave your space scent-free. The most absorbent charcoals come from sustainable bamboo or coconut shells. After use, they can be mixed into your garden soil to benefit your plant life. Charcoal is the natural choice to free your air of odors.