Community News
It’s a New Year! Create a New You!

It is time to remove any negative thoughts that have accumulated during the past year. Let me help you create a successful and fulfilling 2025. 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. Call today for a complimentary information session and discover how to release those negative patterns and trapped emotions that no longer serve you.

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!

Keeping Busy in the Winter

Winter can be chilly and uninviting. As the days grow short and cold, excursions become tricky in the ice and cold. If there is nothing to do, evenings become long. Take this time to explore new things: read a new author and stretch your mind with a brain game; perhaps you prefer a puzzle, or you can learn an instrument! A home-care service can help you or your loved one stay home safely. They will get you to errands, help cook a lovely meal, or engage in some good old conversation—whatever is needed. We are happy to help.

Helping Meet Basic Needs this Winter

More than a fifth of British Columbians are food insecure, according to Food Banks Canada’s Poverty Report Card. Residents who never had to ask for help before find themselves reaching out now. Even 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 or come by our Community Services Centre 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.

Words to Live By

We wish you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! Happy New Year!

Make Fall Prevention a Priority

With colder weather comes slippery sidewalks. Falls prevention is key to maintaining health and longevity. Keep your body active to keep your balance. Take a look at your rugs, flooring, lights, and stairs. If the rug is curling, fix it or get rid of it! If the lighting is poor, install higher-wattage bulbs. If the stairs are not safe, install a railing or look into a stair lift. Monitor blood pressure, stay hydrated, and take medications as directed. When venturing outside, be sure to wear sturdy, well-fitting footwear. Prevention is always better than recovery. Call Comfort Keepers today; we can help!

Happy Holidays from Accura Denture Clinic!

Our offices will be closed Friday, December 20 at 3:00 pm for the Christmas holidays and reopen in early January. We are doing some small renovations to the lab to accommodate added equipment and are unsure how long it will take. To all, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Diwali, Happy Kwanzaa! There are at least eight significant religious and cultural celebrations at this time of year, including a time of rest and renewal practiced by First Nations peoples. Work for peace around the world; the “War to end all wars” didn’t. Contact us here at Accura Denture Clinic for all your denture needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you looking for fulfilling volunteer opportunities? Nanaimo Lifeline has three volunteer positions open! We are part of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, and our volunteers give back to healthcare in Nanaimo and Oceanside. 1) Home Service Representative: You provide hands-on service to our Lifeline clients, performing installations and work orders. 2) Check-In Caller: social phone calls to clients from the comfort of your own home! This program alleviates social isolation in seniors. 3) Office Volunteer: Help us in the office with filing and inventory processing. Please contact Nanaimo Lifeline to find out more or to volunteer.

Give Yourself a Gift

The holidays are a perfect opportunity to nurture yourself while giving and receiving. Amid all the hustle and bustle, give yourself the gift of time to relax and be calm. Is this difficult for you? Gift yourself a Body Code session that can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to make this season easier for you. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can assist you in taking time to relax and enjoy the beauty of this season. Call today for a complimentary information session and discover how to release negative emotions that no longer serve you.