Community News
Don’t Lose Track of the Race

With an ever growing number of individuals receiving the vaccine, we are on the way to being able to breathe easy again. It is important that we remember that caution is still necessary until everyone has received the vaccine and the variants are reported as in check. This pandemic has taken so many of our loved ones. With the finish line in sight, let’s not lose track of the race. If you need help getting to and from your vaccination appointment or with any of your daily tasks, call Comfort Keepers. We are here to support you.

Are your Hormones Out of Balance?

Hormones affect many areas of your health, including your mood, your metabolism, and your sexual and reproductive function. Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body. Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Compounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. With your healthcare provider’s prescription, your compounding pharmacist can help start and maintain a hormone replacement regimen that brings your hormones back into balance and closely mimics what your body has been doing naturally for years.

Maintaining Oral Health

Here are some tips from Dental Hygiene Canada to improve your dental health: * Brush your teeth two times per day with fluoridated toothpaste, * Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily to rinse germs down the drain, * Floss Daily to remove food particles that get caught in your teeth, * You are what you eat! Eat a balanced diet and avoid in-between meal snacks, * Rethink your drink. Drinking sweetened beverages increases you risk of getting cavities. * See your dentist regularly. Your oral health is important. When you take care of your oral health, you take care of your overall health

New Challenges Bring New Opportunities

The pandemic has highlighted needs that will become even more urgent in the coming months and years. To support our community now and in the future, SOS must move beyond just addressing immediate needs. We have to rebuild our capacity. Our Thrift Shop has historically provided us with the majority of the funds needed to run our programs and services, but COVID-19 has changed that. To reach more and do more for the residents of District 69, we have launched SOS Project Rebuild with a goal of raising $1 Million over the next 12 months. Visit www.projectrebuild.com to learn more and support our community’s needs.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often occurs with age when the inner ear structures degenerate. While some gradual hearing impairment is inevitable, certain factors increases the risk of developing hearing problems. These include: *Loud noise or occupational hazards: One-time or continuous exposure to high decibel sounds such as gunshots, concerts or lawnmowers, * Heredity: Your genetic makeup or family history, *Head injuries: Traumatic head injuries can also harm parts of the ear. *Ear diseases: Otosclerosis, Ménière’s disease can contribute to hearing loss, *Other illnesses: The ear can be damaged by high fever, and some medications can damage the inner ear. If a loved one is struggling with hearing loss suggest they come in for a hearing test.

Joys of Family Vacations

We may not be able to travel far this summer; thankfully, we live on Vancouver Island which offers everything we could want for a nature vacation. Family vacation time is important for the family unit. Researchers have found that family vacations can improve family communication and bonding. Most families spend their days dealing with work, school, extracurricular activities, or household duties. Breaking away from the stress of daily routine provides relief. Taking time together to share experiences and activities creates memories that will last a lifetime. We still reminisce about a three week family vacation that happened almost 50 years ago.

Prevent Teeth from Fracturing

Dentists across Canada continue to see an increase in dental issues such as decay during the Covid-19 pandemic. They are also seeing an increase in teeth fracturing. It is believed that the fracturing is caused by the increase in stress levels across all populations. It is especially apparent in people who tend clench and grind their teeth. Your dentist has proactive treatments to help protect your teeth and help prevent fracturing your teeth.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

The green season is upon us and with Spring comes Spring Cleaning! The best way to tackle this yearly task is to go low and slow. Try one drawer or cupboard a day, this can get the ball rolling in the right direction. Try starting in the bathroom by looking for expired medications, collect these up and take them to the Pharmacy during your next trip for proper disposal. Declutter with the help of a friend or call us to help you with even more! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind and home.

Limiting Beliefs ~ What are They?

Limiting beliefs are beliefs that hold you back from being the best you can be. These beliefs become unprocessed (trapped) emotions. Take the time to examine your beliefs to determine whether or not they still serve you. As an adult, you may have outgrown a belief you were raised with. Using the Body/Emotion Code process, you can release the limiting beliefs and create new positive ones that will assist you on your life’s journey. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you create a life that is unlimited.

Reiki – Release Stress and Tension

Reiki offers deep relaxation and helps the body release stress and tension. A reiki treatment gives you time to yourself where you are ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’. Clients report feeling more clear, peaceful, relaxed, and lighter in themselves. Reiki provides a space where you can be more aware of what is going on inside your body and mind. You can learn to listen to your own body and make wise decisions about your wellbeing. Being more present in your body helps you to access the inner knowing and wisdom that we all have!

Wanted! Check-in Volunteers

Are you a cheerful person with good communication skills? Do you have 2 hours per week available to chat and connect with a senior in your community? Check‐In Services Volunteers are an essential part of the Nanaimo Lifeline team. They support seniors in the community by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within the community. This role is a great fit for individuals who are comfortable speaking on the phone and want to help people in their community stay connected and engaged. Training is provided by Lifeline staff and volunteers.