July 24 is International Self-Care Day – a reminder that caring for yourself includes paying attention to your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and emotional strain. Regular hearing checkups are just as important as eye exams or dental visits. Whether it’s turning down the volume, using protective gear in noisy environments, or exploring hearing aid options, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritize your hearing as part of your self-care routine and enjoy staying connected to the people and sounds that matter most. Your ears will thank you!

The SOS bus must be retired and replaced, and we are reaching out for community support. For 57 years, SOS has helped ease isolation and build community by connecting people of all ages to programs that support their well-being. The SOS Connecting Community Campaign aims to raise $200,000 for the new bus. The bus supports essential programs, including taking seniors grocery shopping, children to our after-school programs, and exciting outings for families and youth. Please support this campaign by donating through our website or by calling us.

Let’s talk about my favourite subject, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and implants. We have recently received clarification about implants, and they are NOT covered. This includes unused and inactive or failed implants. If you have an implant in any arch, used or not, functional or not, or visible or not, CDCP will not cover any work done on that arch. This means that if you are getting a new denture over an inactive, failed, or covered implant, it is not covered by CDCP. Write to your MP to complain. Call Accura Denture Clinic for all your denture needs. Have a great summer.

We can book one for you! Our staff can connect you with Avee Health, a Vancouver-based company that specializes in providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients through businesses like The Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road and in Parksville. With a mission to improve the patient experience, Avee Health works closely with businesses to establish walk-in clinics within their premises, offering a range of primary care services. They provide same-day doctor appointments 24/7 and comprehensive care from prescription refills to addressing minor ailments. Patients enjoy a smooth and efficient experience with easy access to healthcare consultations. Contact us today.

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.

Summer is here, and we are ready! It is a time to celebrate the joy of being alive and the pleasure of gathering with friends. Is there something holding you back from really celebrating? Are you ready to release a few pounds? When you release trapped emotions around food, the result is a lower number on your scale. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release those negative emotions that cause you to eat unhealthy foods. Call today for an appointment and make it your best summer yet.

Ready to quit smoking? Acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free way to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and support emotional balance. By targeting key body and ear points—such as Shenmen, Neiguan, and lung-related auricular points—acupuncture calms the nervous system, helps detoxify the body, and restores internal balance. Most patients benefit from 2–3 sessions per week in the beginning, followed by maintenance care. Whether you’ve tried it before or are just starting, acupuncture can strengthen your resolve and make the process smoother. Contact us to begin your smoke-free journey today!

Summer is filled with fun, but also loud noises! Concerts, fireworks, lawnmowers, and power tools can all contribute to hearing damage over time. Protect your ears by wearing high-quality earplugs in noisy environments, keeping headphone volume below 60%, and taking listening breaks. Remember: hearing loss is often gradual and permanent, but preventable. If you notice ringing in your ears, muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding conversations, it may be time for a hearing check. Regular hearing tests can catch issues early and connect you to the sounds you love. Prioritize your hearing health all year long!

Research shows that social connections can decrease anxiety and depression, enhance self-esteem, and improve overall health. That’s why SOS’s campaign to replace our aging bus is so important. For 57 years, SOS has helped ease isolation and build community by connecting people of all ages to programs that support their well-being. The SOS Connecting Community Campaign aims to raise $200,000 to help purchase a new bus. The bus facilitates essential programs, including transportation for seniors to grocery shopping, children to our afterschool programs, and exciting outings for families and youth. Please consider contributing to this campaign by making a donation through our website or by phone.