2024 Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can tempt us to use gambling as a quick fix. Gambling can cost us everything—not only our money but our mental and physical health, especially when we are seeking financial or emotional relief. Free tools and confidential supports are available, including voluntary self-exclusions, gambling-blocking apps (GamBan, GamBlock), a 24/7 toll-free phone line, credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts (Fold ’Em), or connect with us. Support is a game-changer!
Community News
Danger of Negative Thoughts
Do you find yourself having negative thoughts? Negative thinking can be very harmful to our mental and physical health and make us weak. If we think, “I can’t do this” or “I am worthless,” we start to believe that it’s true. It is up to us to dismiss them. Thoughts are like clouds floating in the sky. We have the choice to latch onto them or to let them float by. What we latch onto most, whether positive or negative, becomes the trend. Positive thoughts make us strong. Make 2024 the year to be strong in mind and body.
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice, offers holistic wellness benefits. By stimulating specific points in the body, it promotes energy flow, aiding in pain relief, stress reduction and improved circulation. This technique, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, can alleviate migraines and back pain, and even aid in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Acupuncture also supports mental health by reducing anxiety and enhancing relaxation. Incorporating acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside modern medicine fosters a balanced approach to health. Boost the effectiveness of an acupuncture session by being well-hydrated. Acupuncture is covered by Extended Health Care Plans.
Enriched Living in 2024
In retirement homes, seniors are redefining their golden years with purposeful goals. Far from idle, residents are embracing hobbies, exercises and wellness programs they never had time for before. The pursuit of mental and physical wellness remains a priority, fostering a sense of vitality. Amidst the serene setting of retirement homes, seniors are crafting a narrative of fulfillment, proving that age doesn’t diminish the zest for life; instead, it enriches it. Dynamic hubs where the pursuit of personal goals is complemented by the joy of shared moments, proving that a fulfilling and vibrant life is possible.
It’s a New Year! Create a New You!
It is time to remove any negative thoughts that have accumulated during the past year. Negative attitudes and thoughts can be harmful to your health and well-being. They can create chronic stress, which may damage your immune system, upset your hormone balance and cause other health issues. Let me help you create a successful 2024 by helping you remove negative thoughts. Call today for a complimentary information session and discover how to release those negative patterns that no longer serve you. Are you searching for wellness talk topics? Let’s chat!
Supporting Our Communities
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2024 takes place on February 24th, 2024, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 180 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.
Smoking Cessation Action Plan
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking? Your pharmacist can provide advice and guide you through this journey. Here’s an action plan: *Choose a starting point—pick a date, tell your friends and family, and ask them for support. *Meet your pharmacist to help determine how dependent you are on nicotine. *Follow a personalized treatment plan; your pharmacist can prescribe a tailored solution, including nicotine replacement products. *Reward yourself when you’re progressing. Many benefits of a smoke-free life can be felt in the long term, and some benefits are almost instant, so keep on going!
Giving Hope When the Cupboards Are Bare
What is expected to be the worst winter for food insecurity in Canadian history is now upon us. Residents who never had to ask for help before find themselves reaching out, including families with two working adults. Seniors are also having to make tough choices between buying groceries or paying for medications. That’s why SOS’s Winter Emergency Fund is such a lifesaver, providing vouchers for groceries, propane and other basic needs to support residents who are experiencing hardship. To make a difference this winter, donate on our website, call us or come by our Community Services Center in Parksville. Thank you.
Time to Reflect
Happy New Year! Another year has come, and, as always, the start of a new year brings about some reflection. Do you need some changes? Are you contemplating a move? Maybe you’re tired of the day-to-day chores of meal prep, cleaning and yard maintenance or you’re feeling somewhat lonely. If so, there are great options available. For independent living and assisted living, many retirement communities can cater to your interests, wants and needs. Book your tours to see what is available as far as retirement lifestyles go; it is never too soon to start exploring.
Winter Weather Tips
Baby, it’s cold outside! Be sure to protect yourself against the weather and slippery conditions during these chilly months. Older adults tend to be more susceptible to the cold because of reductions in body fat, so please make sure you dress warmly if you’re venturing out. Also, wear waterproof shoes or boots with good soles that will keep you from slipping on icy surfaces. Be mindful of space heaters in your home, as they can be a fire hazard. Better wear that fetching sweater you’ve been saving! We’ve just had fall prevention month, so let’s keep that going all winter long!
Remove ‘Unwanteds’ from Your Skin
Do you suffer from ‘unwanteds’ on your skin that keep you from enjoying life to the fullest? Covering them up can be time consuming and often does not provide satisfactory results. Laser Skin Rejuvenation helps take away the need to cover up those pesky veins on your nose, chin or cheeks and can remove/fade spots that come with the privilege of growing older. Laser Skin Rejuvenation can help remove: *Age & Sun Spots, *Dull Skin, *Pigmentation, *Rosacea, *Broken Capillaries/Veins, *Fine Lines & Wrinkles and *Freckles. Removing ‘unwanteds’ from your skin allows your true beauty to shine through and increases your emotional & mental well-being.
