With the arrival of fall and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaching, we can feel overwhelmed with all the extra ‘stuff’ we all need to get done. The added baking, cooking, cleaning, shopping and visiting. As the demands start to add up, having a little help makes the season more enjoyable. By delegating some of the tasks to in-home service and personal care providers, you are allowing more time to enjoy the season with friends and family. We all need help managing the holiday season. There is comfort in knowing you and your loved one are supported.

Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.

When your knees chronically hurt, you are told they are a sign of aging and degeneration, which is very true… but did you know there is a method of treatment to regenerate your knees? Prolozone therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that contain ligaments or cartilage, which typically have only 1/10th the circulation that is seen in other connective tissues. This makes them especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization/aging, which further compromises circulation. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins and minerals, and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s accounts for 70% of all dementias; usually in people over 65 years of age. Each disease affects particular parts of the brain at different stages and presents differently in each individual. Symptoms to watch for with your loved ones include; memory loss, communication and language difficulties, inability to focus and pay attention, poor reasoning and judgment and changes in visual perception. Quality of life for people affected is greatly increased by having access to specialized services and programs.

Are you having trouble making ends meet and beginning to feel the stress of Christmas approaching? The SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has, for over 50 years, been making sure local children and youth receive a special gift, and adults and seniors have food in the cupboards over the holidays. Registration for the program begins November 14th. Local residents must apply in person at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville during business hours. There will also be registration opportunities in Qualicum Beach and Bowser as well. Please visit www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093 ext. 229 for more information.

The holiday season is upon us! This year, remember to take care of yourself as you take care of others. Adora Medical Esthetics provides a variety of services such as Botox, Filler, Skin Rejuvenation, medical grade chemical peels, hair removal and much more. Our services are long term, result driven & professional. With the hectic time ahead, take some time out for yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, hydrating anti-aging facial or a manicure/pedicure- or all of the above. Start the holiday season fresh and relaxed!

Did you know that although hearing loss can be hereditary and a natural result of aging, there are proactive steps you can take to keep your hearing sharp and healthy? Your ears receive sounds, but your brain processes all the wonderful, (and maybe not so wonderful) sounds that you hear. So, keeping your brain healthy can help to keep your hearing healthy too. Puzzles like Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches help to maintain healthy brain tissue and the neural connections necessary for processing sensory information. However, if you suspect that you are suffering from hearing loss, be sure to speak to a hearing professional.

Life is full of challenges and local seniors are facing an increasing number of them. That is why last year’s Seniors Seminars had record breaking numbers, as our older population gathered to listen to information shared by a Service Canada Representative. The seminars educate on available government benefits and how to apply for them. If you are a senior who could
benefit from this information, join us on Oct. 16 at SOS at Qualicum Commons (9:30 – 11:30 am) or at the Parksville SOS Community Services Centre (1:30 – 3:30 pm). Registration is required.

There are plenty of healthy reasons to choose organic food. * Greater emphasis on soil health and traditional farming methods makes organic food higher in nutrients and antioxidants than standard produce.* Foods without harmful chemicals, pesticides and artificial fertilizers taste better* Food has energy! Enjoying a wide variety of chemical free meals will raise your vitality and leave you feeling vibrant.* Knowing that you are supporting sustainable practices that also work to help the planet leaves you feeling mentally healthy. A Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ or Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant™ can show you how to incorporate organic foods into your healthy lifestyle plan.

Normally we do not look for information on a subject until we need it or notice how other people are managing until we are in the same boat. Being informed before we have a need is beneficial to ourselves and to our families and friends. Nanaimo offers many opportunities to educate yourself about what aids and services are available for your health needs. Attending health fairs such as NSSN Seniors Health and Wellness Fair on November 8, is educational and can be a lot of fun. Consider attending events where dozens of health service providers are on hand to give you information and answer your questions.