Community News
SOS – Biz for Good

Research shows that when a company shows its support for local causes, it strengthens customer loyalty and improves employee retention. Being a socially conscious business can also raise your brand profile and reveal your good values and intentions. SOS is excited about a new way that businesses can partner with us to do just that. We call it SOS Biz for Good. This new initiative is an important part of our $1 Million SOS Project Rebuild Campaign focused on reinforcing the safety-net for residents of District 69. For more information on how your business can benefit by doing good, please visit our campaign website.

Do Not Neglect Hydration

Summer is here, heralded by warm days spent in the sun, flowers and farmers markets. With the long days, it is so easy to get caught up in our daily activities that we forget to do the simple things. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is frequently overlooked. Roughly a third of adults in North America suffer from chronic dehydration, which as well as exacerbating and complicating existing medical conditions, causes dry mouth, sluggishness and fatigue, sugar cravings, confusion, dizziness, even fainting and heart palpitations. At Comfort Keepers, we are here to support your health!

Brain Exercises for Seniors

It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!

Medication Review Services

Your pharmacist is a medication expert who can help you better understand your medications. Accessible and convenient, your pharmacist is available to help you with a variety of clinical pharmacy services, such as Medication Review Services and more. If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.

Take Care of the Caregiver

In Canada, over 4.5 million individuals play a role in caring for elderly family members. Caregiver stress and burnout is a real issue. If you find yourself in a caregiving position, be honest about how much care you can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Reach out for help available in the community. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.

Summer Contest

After a long year with many restrictions, we are looking forward to more freedom and a change of scenery. We are thrilled to offer our readers a chance to win a Summer Adventure at Mt. Washington. The prize includes 3 nights of accommodations at Paradise Ridge, a gift basket to enjoy along with mountain adventures. The winner will be able to soak up the mountain vistas and enjoy getting out in nature. Draw date is July 31, 2021. Prize can be redeemed between August 14 and November 1, 2021 or between June 1 and November 1, 2022. Good Luck.

On Line Gambling Support

Did you know that “Online gamblers stand out from gamblers in general on several harm related variables”? According to the newly released British Columbia Online Problem Gambling Prevalence Study (Oct. 2020), “One-third (34%) have had a problem with at least one of their gambling activities in the past 12 months, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (17%)”.
“Two-in-ten (20%) have attempted to cut down, control or stop gambling, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (10%).” At VI Gaming Support, we’re here to help you reset, regroup and restore the balance in your life.

Social Activity & Aging Well

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.

Can I Exercise with Hearing Aids?

Having hearing aids doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Modern hearing aids are designed to suit your life, that means sport and exercise also! Here are some simple things to do to ensure the longevity of your hearing aid. *Use hearing aid sweat bands to protect your device from sweat dripping into its holes, *Using hearing aid clips helps keep your device in place when doing more rigorous routines, *After your workout, immediately clean your hearing aid with antimicrobial products. Don’t forget to remove the battery from your hearing aid to allow it to fully dry up from your workout.

Tips to Prevent Medication Mishaps

As we age, for many of us, medications begins to play an important role in maintaining health and longevity. This often means taking multiple medications. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: *Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, *Shake bottles of liquid medications before use, *Take all medications as prescribed, *Use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, *Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, *Never stop taking a medication suddenly without checking with your doctor. Most importantly, conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mental Health Awareness Challenge

“Ride Don’t Hide” is the largest mental health awareness challenge in Canada raising over $1 million annually. Join thousands of riders, walkers, runners, yogis, spinners and more in communities across Canada as we bring mental health into the open. The Medicine Shoppe plays an important role in providing support to patients and their loved ones struggling with mental health concerns, in and out of the pharmacy. They have proudly sponsored the Ride Don’t Hide challenge for the past three years. The Nanaimo Departure Bay and Parksville Medicine Shoppes, with help from their clients, are donating $1,000 each to the Canadian Mental Health Association.