Feel tired all the time? Have no energy? Dehydration may be the cause. Our bodies are over 55% water, so even a small deficit can result in health issues. To ensure that you stay hydrated, it is important to drink at least two litres of water a day. Health benefits of water include: *more energy, *potential weight loss, *flush out toxins and *helps the body regulate temperature. Start your day with a glass of water and drink a glass every couple of hours; more often if you are outside or exercising. Raw fruits and vegetables are a great way to increase water consumption.
Community News
Invest in Children and Youth
How do we improve the physical, social, and emotional health of our community’s kids? By giving them better access to recreation. Research shows that when kids engage in activities that foster healthy play, they are more likely to build a lifetime habit of fitness. Extra-curricular activities also give non-academically focused kids a chance to shine. We believe that all kids should have the chance to play. That’s why the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program (RACY) is so important to low-income families. To learn more about RACY, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Spring Nutrition for Seniors
Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
Try Something New
Spring is a new beginning and a great time to start new and healthy habits. Moving out of our comfort zone can result in new and exciting experiences. Spring is a perfect time to go outside and spend time in green spaces. The possibilities are endless. Things to try include birdwatching, rock hounding, searching for sea glass on the beach or an outdoor fitness class. The beginning of a new exercise routine is great for your overall well-being. If you prefer to stay inside, an online course, a painting class or dance lessons may be the perfect new experience to celebrate spring.
Take Time to BE!
How often do you take time to just BE? This is what the phrase ‘stop and smell the flowers’ means. It is taking time out of your busy, complicated life to sit, relax, connect with nature and do nothing. Remember you are a human BEing! It is time to stop thinking that taking time for yourself is selfish. Taking time for yourself will make you happier, more productive and better able to support your loved ones. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow YOU to take time for YOU.
Supercharge Your Immune System
Scientist John Stuart Reid made an amazing discovery. He took two test tubes of red blood cells and placed one in a chamber in complete silence and the other was exposed to music. He then measured the number of cells in each tube. The tube exposed to music multiplied so much that they overloaded the cell counter. The cells were brilliant red and robust. The experiment was done with white blood cells with similar results. He concluded that when immersed in music one is supercharging their immune system. Bathe yourself in the sound of music for an immune boost extraordinaire.
Tips for Spring Cleaning
The green season is upon us and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Many people dread this yearly task; the best way to tackle it is to go low and slow. Go through one drawer or cupboard a day, to get the ball rolling in the right direction without taxing yourself. In the bathroom, look for expired medications. Collect these and take them to the Pharmacy for proper disposal. Ask for help. Decluttering with the help of a friend can make the task much easier. Or call us to help you! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind and home.
Are You Getting the Right Vitamins & Minerals?
Aging gracefully can come with its challenges. One of the most important things you can do for your health is to ensure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals. We all know about calcium, so here are some supplement suggestions that are equally important but less common. Always check with your healthcare provider before introducing new supplements into your diet. *Folic Acid – Helps with memory loss and depression. *Vitamin D – Works with calcium to help prevent osteoporosis. * Vitamin B12 – For red blood cell production and nerve health, and is especially important for strict vegetarians. Stay strong, and stay healthy for life!
Remember 1-4-2
Have you heard of Canada’s Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines (#LRGG)? Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out to VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you.
Ask Your Pharmacist
Do you have questions about vaccinations, how to quit smoking or other health issues? Your Pharmacist can help provide information and answer many of the questions that you may have. Vaccines can help prevent disease and save lives. Ask what vaccines might be right for you. Is 2023 your year to QUIT SMOKING? The B.C. Pharmacare’s Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible B.C. residents of any age stop using tobacco products by covering the full cost of nicotine gum, lozenges and patches. Ask your Pharmacist for more information about this program and vaccinations today.
Music and Dementia
The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.
