Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is thrilled to present the 5th Annual Wellness Expo on March 22 at Beban Park Social Centre in Nanaimo. The Expo is FREE to attend. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Explore, transform, escape, and shop! You will find great fashion and products for your home that all contribute to feeling good. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, presentations, and door prizes.

Are you or a loved one looking for senior living or home care options? With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming. Route65.ca is your trusted guide. Developed by the BC Care Providers Association, Route65.ca is a free resource designed to help the public navigate BC’s seniors living, wellness, and care continuum. The platform features a provincial directory of reputable retirement living, assisted living, long-term care, and home care options, along with wayfinding tools and educational resources to support system navigation and accessing services. Visit Route65.ca today to start your search. Need assistance? Call us toll-free at 1-877-955-6565 or by email at [email protected].

Foot care is essential for supporting overall health and well-being. A trained foot care provider can help prevent infections and skin conditions. Management of chronic conditions for individuals with diabetes, neurological issues, and poor circulation can reduce pain and prevent complications. Regular foot examinations are essential for early detection of health issues, reducing falls, and maintaining mobility. Proper and regular attention to foot care should be a part of everyone’s self-care routine. Supportive and well-fitting footwear will also improve comfort and quality of life. Comfort Keepers can help with foot care. Contact us for an appointment with our registered foot care nurse.

Spring is in the air, with it, a feeling of hopefulness and renewal. Winter tends to see us more in solitude. Once it warms up and the days are longer, we want to spend more time outdoors and with friends. These activities are good for our health. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our physical and mental health, and socializing helps with our mental and emotional health. Once we start, we tend to want to do more healthy things, so get out and walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better about it!

It’s still cold out there, folks! We need to be careful about falling on icy sidewalks. Falls outside in low-temperature conditions pose an increased threat if it happens where you’re isolated—you could be injured and unable to get up quickly. The risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and pneumonia on top of recovering from an injury is a threat. If you fall, turn your head and roll over onto your side. Move slowly, with your head first, then the rest of your body. Steady yourself with something sturdy, like a bench. Finally, raise yourself and sit down to recover before seeking help.

Feeling stressed? Pause and reconnect. Place your hands gently on your heart or belly, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Focus on the warmth of your touch, offering yourself a moment of comfort and calm. This simple practice eases anxiety and helps you feel grounded anytime, anywhere. Reiki also helps with stress. Reiki energy healing is a holistic practice that taps into the universal life force energy to restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit. To experience the transformative power of Reiki healing, book a session with Lily Zunic, a Certified Reiki Therapist, today.

As we enjoy the longer days and added sunlight, there are still many members of our community who are struggling to get by. The cold nights and rising grocery prices can be overwhelming. When times are tough, hope can’t wait! SOS’s Emergency Needs Fund plays a vital role in uplifting residents and providing them with much-needed support. SOS provides vouchers for groceries, medicine, propane, and other basic needs to support residents who are experiencing hardship. Join us in making a meaningful impact. Make a donation on our website, give us a call, or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville. Thank you.

Denture adhesives, yeah THAT gooey stuff. If your lower denture is moving around too much and causing frequent sore spots, it may be time to try a denture adhesive. Years ago, the formula was changed due to problems caused by overuse. Do they work? Most of the time they last until you have a coffee or a meal, not eight hours as advertised. They are not the best solution, but in a pinch, if you are singing a love song to your spouse, maybe. Just remember to use as little as possible; it should not be a ¼ inch cushion.

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!

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.