Have the icy roads and snowy conditions kept you from enjoying your daily walks? We know the importance of daily exercise and fresh air to our health. Luckily, February on the coast usually comes with more favourable walking conditions. Outside our door is the beautiful nature of Vancouver Island. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our wellbeing. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Community News
Coldest Night of the Year
The Coldest Night of the Year is Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness. Since 2011, it has raised more than $43 million. The Coldest Night of the year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Team up, walk, and fundraise! It’s cold out there… but there’s no place like home. The event takes place on February 26th in 168 locations in Canada. The event features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks and Covid-friendly virtual options. See the website for more details on how you can get involved with your local event.
Health is a Precious Asset
The last two years have brought home the realization that health is a precious asset that we need to preserve and protect. In the upcoming year, a number of us will adopt healthier habits that include revamping our diets and exercise. Reducing risk factors are another way to improve our health. We participate in risk reduction by wearing masks and physical distancing. For seniors, one of the biggest risk factors is not being able to quickly access help in an emergency. Whether fall or an emergency, quick access to help is directly correlated to improved outcomes.
Have You Considered Senior Living?
Are you tired of cooking and cleaning? Do you find the responsibility of home ownership overwhelming? Are you lonely or often find yourself feeling sad? Today’s seniors have the option to live in beautiful surroundings where their independence is respected but assistance is available if required. Say goodbye to the responsibilities of grocery shopping, preparing meals, cleaning and maintenance and say hello to chef prepared meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, 24 hour emergency response, access to wonderful amenities and lots of recreation and activities. It is recommend that you start looking for options BEFORE you have to do so.
Project Rebuild Fundraising Campaign
Over the past ten months, SOS has been working hard to reach more and do more for residents in our community. Project Rebuild fundraising campaign addresses more than just immediate needs. The campaign is focused on reducing poverty, ensuring our kids can grow into successful adults, and assisting our seniors to age in place comfortably. Our goal is $1 million dollars; we are three-quarters of the way there. To learn more about the plan and how you can help us reach our target and take care of our residents, please visit SOSProjectRebuild.com.
New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The new year is always a good time to consider some positive changes you’d like to make to set you on the path to a happier, healthier you! These New Year’s resolutions for older adults are a great place to start. 1) Give your brain a boost – keeping mentally fit can be done by joining clubs or even doing a crossword puzzle each day. 2) Eat more veggies – sticking to a healthier diet is important as we age. 3) Move more – sign up for exercise classes or work out with a friend. 4) Spend more time with loved ones!
Community Profile: The Healing Nest
At The Healing Nest Harmonics, we are all about nurturing your body, mind and soul through our Harmonic Egg. The Egg is a unique bio-resonance chamber that works on a cellular level to create positive change. Homeostasis is achieved which brings the body and mind into harmony making it easier for you to cope with stress, increasing productivity and improving your mood. Whether you choose an in-person or distance experience, the Egg’s vibrational energies help with sleep disorders, anxiety, pain, emotional trauma, chronic illness and pet health. Enter the Hub contest for a chance to win two free sessions.
Support is Available
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and easily become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can temp us to use gambling as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. Gambling when we’re vulnerable can cost us everything, not only our money but our mental and physical health. There are lots of free and confidential supports and tools available. This includes Voluntary Self-Exclusions from casinos, gaming centers and BCLC’s PlayNow available 24/7 toll-free at 1-888-795-6111 or connects with us at VIGamingSupport.ca. There are also excellent credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts, and/or trusted friends. Support is a game-changer: Do it!
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services (change!))
“There are a million different ways that we can help somebody increase their capability at work,” says Nate Toevs, Marketing Manager for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program. Offered across BC, the program “helps people who have a barrier to their employment-related activities,” explains Nate. “The focus is on people with disabilities, but it’s also people who have an old injury or chronic pain, anything that prevents them from giving one hundred percent of themselves in the workplace.” The program provides funding for assistive technology, ergonomics, restorative supports including canes and crutches, hearing aids, vehicle modifications, and more.
Smoking Affects Your Hearing
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you are a smoker, you can now add an increased risk of hearing loss to the list of reasons to quit. The chemicals found in cigarettes may affect the way your ear processes sound. Smokers are 15% more likely to have hearing loss than non-smokers. Hearing loss isn’t fatal, but it can lead to several health-related issues down the line. Dementia & depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss, so be sure to have your ears checked regularly. Get started by scheduling a hearing test today.
Importance of Vitamin D
With the darker winter months upon us, the suns rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. Plus, it also helps maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. A number of studies have suggested that it may also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers. Talk to one of our pharmacists about recommended doses.
