Community News
Community Fundraising Event

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2025 takes place on February 22nd, 2025, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.

Take Time to Breathe

Feeling overwhelmed? Pause for just 5 minutes of mindful breathing. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four. Hold for four, then exhale slowly through your mouth for four. Repeat this cycle to calm your mind, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself. This simple, powerful practice fits into any busy day, offering balance and peace wherever you are. Start today—your well-being is worth it! To experience the transformative power of Reiki healing, book a session today.

Happiness is Great for your Skin

Your skin can glow from the inside out when experiencing happy feelings or being in love. Positive emotions trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, often called “feel-good” hormones, which reduce stress and promote better blood circulation. This boost in circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, enhancing its natural radiance. Happiness also lowers cortisol levels, reducing inflammation and the likelihood of breakouts while promoting a healthier skin barrier. In short, your joy and love shine through your skin, giving it that sought-after, healthy glow!

Boost your Immune System

We all know about the importance of flu shots and hand washing; it is also important to boost our immune system. Here are some tips to keep your body healthy during the winter months and all year long: *Make sure to get enough sleep—at least 7 hrs. *Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. *Get regular exercise. *Add a boost of Vitamin C to your day with oranges, peppers, and strawberries. Comfort Keepers can help keep you active and make healthy meals in your home. Call today to book a consultation.

Take Care of Your Heart

Every year, more than 60,000 Canadians suffer a heart attack. A healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk. If you have cardiovascular disease, follow your treatment carefully and take medicine as prescribed. Common signs of a heart attack include *chest pain; *discomfort or pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm; *shortness of breath; and *dizziness. If you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately, follow operator instructions, stop all activity, stay calm, and rest in a comfortable position while waiting for help. Ask our pharmacist for more information about heart health.

What is Heart Coherence?

Heart Coherence occurs when there is communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain. YES, your heart has a brain. Your heart has intelligence; ~ it doesn’t just “feel”, it “knows”. Information is received by your heart first and then is communicated to your brain. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is heart coherence, and when it occurs, you are supported to become empowered. Are you searching for wellness talk topics? Let’s chat!

Meet the Practitioner: Laura Friesen

Laura Friesen is a Neuromovement® Practitioner (retired physiotherapist) working with children and adults in Qualicum Beach. Neuromovement® lessons use slow, gentle, pain-free movement to connect the brain and body and rely on the 9 Essentials (principles used to help your brain learn). Movement speaks directly to the brain and introduces new possibilities for learning, development, and rehab. This may include easier movement, less pain, emotional stability/awareness, and better coordination—the possibilities are endless! We are never too old or too young for our brains to make new connections and improve the quality of our lives—book your lesson today.

January Trivia

1) What city is home to the world’s largest New Year’s Eve party? a. New York. b. London. c. Rio de Janeiro
2) In what decade was the first snowmobile built? 3) What is the term for partially melted and refrozen snow?

Interesting Ear Facts

Ears, beyond hearing, are remarkable for several reasons: *They aid balance, *get bigger throughout life due to natural aging and gravity, *are self-cleaning, *remain alert even during sleep, and *house delicate non-regenerating hair cells crucial for hearing. The ears also regulate pressure changes via the Eustachian tube and are connected to the nose and throat as part of an intricate system. Having two ears helps us figure out which direction sounds are coming from. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, book a free consultation today.

Exercise & Alzheimer’s

Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.

Is it Time to Downsize?

There comes a point when many of us have to move to a smaller home, but it doesn’t have to be sad or stressful. When downsizing, ask yourself if a possession brings you joy; if yes, keep it. If it is great Aunt Bertha’s lamp that you kept because you felt an obligation to do so, give it away to a relative or a thrift shop. When deciding what to give away or keep, it is helpful to have an objective third party help with the decision process. Services are available to guide you and make the process easy and enjoyable.