Community News
Plan for a New Season

Envision September, the beginning of a new season, as the perfect time of the year to make plans for your health and mental awareness as you prepare for the months ahead. It is also a great time to set new goals and reset goals. You may need help to get on the right track with so many other things keeping you busy. A Body Code/Emotion Code session with a Certified Practitioner will assist you in releasing any emotions that are in the way of you achieving your goals. Call for an appointment today!

Enter for a Chance to Win

A Soulful Mexican Yoga Retreat. Experience a transformative retreat at Copal House Retreat’s ocean-front villa in the Riviera Maya, featuring panoramic Caribbean views from our rooftop studio. Deepen your yoga practice amidst stunning cenotes and ocean breezes. Included: health and wellness-focused welcoming ceremony, accommodations, meals for any dietary restrictions, 2 daily yoga/meditation sessions, one-hour therapeutic massage, bikes, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, travel assistance, and several excursions. To Enter -> WellnessHubVancouverIsland.ca Explore Copal Retreat ->

Summer Friendships for Seniors

Spending the summer in a senior home offers a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships. Seniors often have fascinating life stories and wisdom to share, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. Participating in group activities like bingo, gardening, and arts and crafts fosters camaraderie and shared joy. Daily walks, exercise classes, and game nights provide regular bonding moments. Holiday celebrations, cultural events, and communal meals further deepen these connections. Seniors support each other emotionally, offering encouragement and understanding. Through mutual interests and new hobbies, friendships blossom, creating a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels valued, safe, and less alone.

Stress-Free Moving

Many people are very anxious about moving; this is especially true for seniors. Moving can be very stressful, so consider hiring a service that offers a start-to-finish service! Service includes *Downsizing services that make the process easy and enjoyable. *Decluttering services that help you decide what to keep, what to sell or give away, and what to dispose of. *Moving services that provide reusable totes and packing materials and then safely transport everything. *Setup services include everything from unpacking to making your bed and hanging pictures. We look forward to making your next move stress-free.

Tough Housing Market Help

SOS and Happipad have teamed up to tackle the housing crisis in the Oceanside area by launching the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Home-Share Program. This initiative aims to match verified hosts with screened renters, creating affordable, safe housing options. In an increasingly competitive housing market, residents are facing heightened rents and mortgages. SOS recognizes that residents with similar interests and lifestyles could benefit greatly from sharing accommodations. And more than just saving money, they may enjoy the company. This program is supported by the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness and the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS). Visit www.happipad.com/pqb to learn more.

Acupuncture for Post Surgery Recovery

After a knee or hip replacement, acupuncture and cupping can significantly aid recovery. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps nerves and muscles by alleviating numbness, aching, and stiffness. Cupping enhances this effect by drawing stagnant blood to the surface, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension around the surgical site. Together, acupuncture and cupping accelerate recovery, enhance mobility, and provide natural pain management, making them excellent complementary therapies for post-surgery healing. Acupuncture and cupping are covered by extended health care plans. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure these treatments are appropriate for you.

Your Personal Pharmacist

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist for a free assessment.

Eat Protein to Improve Muscle Mass

You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.

Fitness for Seniors

Participating in a balanced fitness program contributes to your well-being at every age, and regular exercise is vital for older adults. Regular exercise can help control blood pressure, body weight, and cholesterol levels. It reduces the risk of hardened arteries, heart attack, and stroke. It also strengthens muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones to help fight osteoporosis and lower your risk of falling or other injuries. Keeping your body strong and limber can help you maintain independence as you age.

I Hear You

Ensuring effective communication is crucial for valued relationships. Here are five reasons to prioritize a hearing test: 1. Enhance intimacy and build trust through shared stories. 2. Create lasting memories by actively participating in social gatherings. 3. Improve happiness by avoiding frustration and anger caused by hearing difficulties. 4. Make moments count by eliminating the need for repeated conversations. 5. Demonstrate love by addressing concerns and acknowledging others’ worries. Contact us today for a free consultation and hearing test to strengthen your connections.

Stay Safe During Summer Heat

Summer is here! When the temperature rises above 30 degrees for three consecutive days, it is a ‘heat event’. Older Canadians are at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include *moist, red or pale skin, *nausea, and *dizziness. Symptoms of heat stroke are more severe and require medical assistance: *red, hot, and dry skin; *bizarre or aggressive behaviour; *loss of consciousness; *rapid, irregular pulse; *rapid, shallow breathing; and *seizures. Here are some tips to stay safe: Drink cool liquids, go somewhere with cooler air, apply cold to key points of the body, move less, and wear light, breathable clothing.