Community News
Summer Heat Safety Matters

Summer heat can be especially dangerous for seniors. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, making it important to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. For many older adults, moving into a retirement suite with supportive services can provide added peace of mind. Nutritious meals and regular wellness checks help residents stay comfortable and safe during heat waves. Retirement living offers the perfect balance of independence, comfort, and support when it is needed most.

Energetic Wellness and Balance

A Solex AO Scan will help you develop a deeper understanding of your body’s energetic balance. This non-invasive, frequency-based tool is designed to detect imbalances across organs, energetic systems (chakras/meridians), and tissues of the body. By providing real-time insights, this advanced technology helps identify areas of stress or imbalance, supporting more informed health choices. While not diagnosing or treating medical conditions, it does provide valuable insight into overall wellness, which will help guide lifestyle, nutrition and self-care decisions. A Solex AO scan is gentle and safe, offering a unique way to explore holistic wellness for your whole family. Reach out for more information.

Need Care But Can’t See Your Doctor?

Access to medical care is one of the most pressing challenges we face here on Vancouver Island. Through our partnership with Avee Health, we are able to provide: *Same-day virtual access to BC-licensed physicians. *Care For Everyone — with or without a family doctor. *A pharmacist assessment of your condition. *Help with booking. *A connection to a doctor. *And, your prescription filled – all in ONE STOP. Healthcare shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us help you. We offer Accessible care right in your community. Here at the Medicine Shoppe, we care about your health!

EnJOY Summer!

You deserve to relax and enjoy the summer. Take walks in the sunshine—by the beach, in the forest, or just around your neighbourhood. Take time to reconnect with yourself! Summer is a time to celebrate the joy of being alive. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are, and how you are. Are negative emotions stopping you from being joyful? A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more time for relaxation, self-care, and joy! Contact me today for a complimentary information session.

Access Your Home Equity Now

Are you a home owner with low or no mortgage debt but hardly any income beyond basic pensions? The cost of living is increasing, property taxes are going up, and deferring them is costly. Now is a great time to apply for a reverse mortgage to fund extra expenses, travel, or pay for home care. With a reverse mortgage, you can access up to 55% of the value of your home. Legion members receive $500 toward setup fees. I will match that for all new Equity Advantage clients. I will also match offers from other lenders. Contact me today to find out more.

Summer Travel and Fun

Remember when summer was special? (Alice Cooper, School’s Out, 1972) This summer, my wife and I will be travelling to see grandchildren (and their parents and dogs) as well as attending the 50th anniversary of Denise’s graduation. The other trip will be in July around the 10th-31st to Cold Lake to help with moving my sons’ family. My wife will entertain six kids and three dogs, and I am the official helper and assembler of stuff. I hope you get to have fun this summer and spend time the way you want. Contact us if you need help with your dentures.

How to Prepare for Sugaring

Once you have decided to remove unwanted hair with sugaring, follow these recommendations for a successful outcome: *Hair length should be 4–6 mm to allow the sugar paste to grip the hairs. *On appointment day, shower without creams or oils. This helps the paste stick better to the hair, not the skin. *Do a gentle exfoliation 2–3 days before to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. *Avoid tanning 24 hours before. A fresh tan can make the skin more sensitive. *Wear comfortable clothing. Loose clothes will reduce irritation after the procedure. Smooth skin starts with the right preparation — your comfort matters!

Support for Seniors

Are you a senior in Oceanside needing support? Society of Organized Services (SOS) is here to help you stay healthy and connected. Our Oceanside Better at Home program, supported by United Way BC, offers rides to medical and non-medical appointments, free grocery bus trips, volunteer visits, and light housekeeping. Additionally, we provide counselling, hot meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and free advocacy and emergency assistance. Our Social Prescribing program, supported by United Way BC, connects seniors with community activities to support overall well-being. Volunteering is also a great way to stay active and meet new friends. See more information on our website.

Breathing is Important.

Obviously! But how many of us are breathing correctly? Through the nose, feeling the ribs expand, not just the chest or the abdomen. Try this: place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a nice breath in and out through the nose. What hand moves more? Ideally, they should both move about the same amount, and you should feel the majority of the movement in your sides and back. If you don’t, try putting your hands on your lower ribs near the back and then try to bring the breath into your hands. Do 3-5 rounds. How do you feel?

Protect Your Hearing This Summer

Summer is filled with fun but also loud noises! Concerts, fireworks, lawnmowers, and power tools can all contribute to hearing damage over time. Protect your ears by wearing high-quality earplugs in noisy environments, keeping headphone volume below 60%, and taking listening breaks. Remember: hearing loss is often gradual and permanent but preventable. If you notice ringing in your ears, muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding conversations, it may be time for a hearing check. Regular hearing tests can catch issues early and keep you connected to the sounds you love. Prioritize your hearing health all year long!

Celebrate Canada in July

July is a time to celebrate the beauty of Canada, our communities, and the wonderful people who call this country home. Whether you are enjoying a backyard BBQ, sharing meals with family, or attending local festivities, we hope your month is filled with joy and connection. To those who are new to Canada, a warm welcome—we are so grateful you are here. If you are looking to elevate your wellness journey, acupuncture can be a fantastic addition to your self-care routine. Grounded in traditional Chinese medicine, it naturally supports the body in restoring harmony, relieving pain, reducing stress, and improving well-being.