After all those years of independence it can be devastating to be without wheels. Time to make a new plan. Many experts agree, it is best to sell the car and put that money into an account marked “My RIDE”. Then make arrangements to have a service be your driver. Check your calendar and pick your dates. A standing appointment allows you to plan ahead and to know Your Ride is available when you want it. Having YOUR RIDE means you can still have your independence. Take control; life can still be better than good! It can be meaningful and fun!

Dorothy Spencer, Oceanside Area, DrivingMissDaisy.ca

Life takes courage. To be more courageous, simply gaining new information is not enough. We learn by doing. This is core for David Osborn, the facilitator of the SOS Men’s Personal Growth program. Some of the outcomes of the program include helping men to gain understanding of their anger and conflict style, improving their communication skills, and helping them develop a deeper sense of purpose. David provides new and practical experience while establishing an environment for men to become more assertive and compassionate with themselves and with others. Working as a school counsellor and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.) for over 25 years, David is passionate about restorative justice, energy psychology, and current brain research.

Lissa Alexander, Marketing Coordinator, SOS, SOSD69.com

The Pioneer Wellness Centre at #1, 534 Pioneer Crescent in Parksville opens September 1st, 2017. The centre’s holistic practices include energy healing & balancing; individuals, couples, families & youth counselling; counselling services for grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and many other counselling areas.

The Pioneer Wellness Centre is made up of three enthusiastic women and their businesses:

Permelia Parham, Vibrational Healing

Sharon Thomas, Ocean Sky Counselling

Meghan Robertson, Cornerstone Counselling Services

GRAND OPENING is on Friday, September 8; 2pm to 7pm and Saturday, September 9; 2pm to 5pm.

RSVP: 250.240-2656. A great opportunity to check it out.

Pioneer Wellness Centre
CornerstoneCounsellingServices.com
VibrationalHealing.ca
OceanskyCounselling.com

Having a home that you are happy in is extremely important to your overall well-being. There are several factors that you should consider when purchasing a home. The main ones are budget, size and location. Other considerations are also important. Are you purchasing a home where you are going to live into your 80s or 90s? If so, consider a rancher with no stairs. Also consider if the hallways and doorways are wide enough for a walker or a wheelchair. Is the house in an area accessible by public transportation or close to amenities such as a grocery store, drug store or activity centre? This becomes vital if driving becomes difficult in the future. One of the most important things when purchasing a home is to hire a real estate professional. She will work with you and help you find the perfect house for you.

Rita Callan, Realtor, REMAX First Realty, RitaCallan.ca

Refined carbohydrates are plant based products, mostly grains like wheat, corn and rice that have been stripped of their fiber, vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, they are referred to as “empty calories”. Because they digest quickly and easily, they release a large amount of sugar.  This results in a rapid rise in blood sugar level that is harmful to the body and can result in high cholesterol or chronic inflammation. Eating a healthy diet of whole foods, lean meats, fruits and vegetables is the best way to avoid refined carbohydrates. Unfortunately, for many of us, this is not realistic. Help is available. Emulin+ is the world’s first carbohydrate manager. It contains a patented botanical mix called Emulin^® that helps our body better manage the large number of refined carbohydrates; starch and sugar that we consume in our diets.

Irene Booth, Global Leader and Distributor, iGalenLife.ca

Education, open and shame-free discussions are key to moving through any issue, problem gambling included. The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program is committed to raising awareness about potential problem gambling issues by offering workshops and educational opportunities to all British Columbians. Our prevention services are tailored to meet you and your organisation’s needs including school  presentations, training for student leadership programs and peer helpers as well as on campus initiatives. We work in and with community, offering information sessions for parent/community groups, seniors, supportive recovery and treatment programs. Training for community professionals including culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian among other populations is also offered. Call the BC Problem Gambling Help Line at 1.888.795.6111 or email us at [email protected] for a referral to a prevention Service provider in your area.

bcresponsiblegambling.ca

A friend went to visit her elderly aunt and described the scene at the breakfast table; “There were at least 10 bottles of vitamins and supplements by her plate. She opened each one, and after reading the directions, counted out the number of pills. She then explained that they had to be taken in a certain order, some with juice, others with water. I cannot imagine how she could keep up that regime.”  Like my friend’s aunt, we need balanced nutrition for good health, proper energy levels and successful weight management. In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to ensure consistent, ongoing nourishment for our bodies; choosing the right supplement makes a big difference. Look for an all-in-one formula that is easy to consume and combines core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Cheryle Cook, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange