Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, often resulting in lasting mobility challenges. Maintaining and strengthening balance is essential for independence and confidence. The SuperPatch uses innovative vibrotactile technology to enhance body awareness and stability, helping to prevent falls naturally. Complementing this, acupuncture and cupping support balance by improving circulation, reducing pain, and calming the nervous system. Together, SuperPatch, acupuncture and cupping create a powerful, drug-free approach to help seniors stay grounded, steady, strong and active. They reduce fall risk while improving overall well-being and quality of life. Doreen offers FREE 15-minute consultations and balance testing.
Community News
Caring for Community at Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, some residents are looking forward to the festivities, while others are anxious about how they will manage. Many are concerned about where their meals will come from and how they will provide gifts for their children and grandchildren. Since 1968, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has ensured that local children and youth receive something special under the Christmas tree. It also allows families and individuals to choose holiday food that is meaningful to them. Registration for the SOS Christmas program begins on November 18. To access or support the program, visit our website or call our office.
Resilience at Any Age
Resilience is the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, adapting physically and mentally to whatever challenge is presented. One way to build resilience is to participate in Neuromovement lessons to make new brain connections. Resilience helps your body move more easily and enables you to find new ways of thinking, perceiving the world, and problem-solving. Your ability to adapt becomes hindered when you encounter the same moving or thought patterns. It is never too late to build resilience and new brain connections.
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 pharmacist for a free assessment.
Reduced Reverse Mortgage Fees
Are you a homeowner with low or no mortgage debt but hardly any income beyond basic pensions to pay for living expenses? With a Reverse Mortgage, you can get up to 55% of the value of your home, and use the funds to enjoy hobbies, travel or assist family. This is a great time to apply. Until the end of the year, I am sharing my commission with you. Receive 50% off the setup fees for successful new applications over $250,000. Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine if a reverse mortgage suits you.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is a special month. It is a time to honour and remember those touched and to support all who are facing this journey. Healing often calls for many hands—and many approaches. Most often, there is a Healing Team involved. In Chinese medicine, several acupuncture points help ease nausea and discomfort, while channels that travel up to the breast area offer support via energy flow and healing. When combined with Western medicine, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can bring comfort, balance, and hope. They are standing together—body, mind, and spirit. Doreen offers free 15-minute consultations.
Prioritize Your Hearing Health This Fall
As cooler weather arrives and social gatherings move indoors, it’s the perfect time to check your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can affect communication, confidence, and even cognitive wellness. Regular hearing assessments help detect changes early, ensuring you stay connected to the moments that matter most. At Amplifon Hearing Care Experts, our professionals provide personalized solutions, from comprehensive hearing tests to advanced hearing aids designed for comfort and clarity. This season, take a proactive step—book your free hearing test and experience the difference better hearing can make in your everyday life.
Embracing Autumn Wellness
Fall is a wonderful season for seniors to focus on wellness while enjoying the beauty of autumn. Taking walks among colourful leaves offers fresh air and light exercise, while seasonal recipes like hearty soups and roasted vegetables provide warmth and nourishment. As days grow cooler, gentle indoor activities such as stretching, yoga, or crafting can keep the body and mind active. Seniors can also embrace social opportunities by attending local harvest festivals, joining clubs, or volunteering in the community. Preparing the home for colder months and supporting immune health ensures a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable autumn season.
Recognize Hearing Loss Signs
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, and Thanksgiving is a perfect time to recognize signs of hearing loss. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the TV or radio volume, or experiencing persistent ringing in your ears. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, missing everyday sounds, or having trouble hearing when your back is turned to someone are also key indicators. Speaking too loudly or finding phone conversations challenging may also signal hearing issues. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, so prioritize your hearing health this month and schedule a free assessment with your local Beltone clinic.
Are Your Vaccines Up to Date?
Fall boosters for COVID-19 will be available in October. This is also a great time to update vaccination schedules for travel, pneumonia, shingles, and more. Your pharmacist can help provide information and answer many of the questions that you may have regarding vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent disease and save lives. Individuals most at risk are: * people over 65 or under 5; * pregnant women; * residents of long-term care facilities; and * people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Please book online to choose the day and time that will work for you to come in for your COVID-19 and additional important vaccines.
Profile: Counselling and Healing Collective
The CHC is a group of professionally trained practitioners whose mission is to assist you as you travel on your healing journey. Our offices are at Knox United Church in Parksville, and online services are also available. We take a non-religious approach to our service; we can refer you to spiritual counselling if that is what you request. We are here to help if you or your family are experiencing: Depression, Substance abuse, Trauma, Abuse, Grief and bereavement or Relationship issues. Please see our website for practitioners’ bios and contact them directly. *If finances are a barrier, limited subsidies may be available.
