Community News
Talking about Gambling

Talking about any difficult issue such as a problem with gambling, can be challenging. Here are a few strategies that can be helpful: • Try not to judge them or use judgmental language; this will only make the person defensive. Problem gamblers already feel vulnerable. • Offer support, caring and information on help that is available. • Tell the person specifically how their actions are affecting you and your family. • Let them know you will support them in their efforts to regain control. • If your finances are linked, you may need to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family.

Help at the Push of a Button

Sometimes it can be very difficult to accept help. Many seniors feel that if they accept help they are losing their independence. They think that admitting that they need help tells the world that they are no longer able to live on their own. Installing a medical alarm system can actually increase independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone at home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.

Drug-Free Pain Relief

If you have pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill but they come with the risk of side effects. Today, years of research has developed ways to helps the brain maximize its natural pain fighting mechanisms without the need for drugs. The sensation of pain occurs when a pain receptor (nociceptor) detects a painful stimulus on the skin or in an internal organ. A very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet triggers a signal that helps the brainstem reach homeostasis resulting in enhanced pain relief and management.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Since the jaw bones have few nerve endings, the placement of dental implants causes only minor surgical discomfort. Bone grafting may have a little more discomfort associated with it. Many patients are able to work within a day of surgery. Any post-operative discomfort is controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients are placed on a soft diet and antibiotics for a few days and told to use an antiseptic mouth rinse several times daily. If sutures are necessary, they will be removed 7 to 14 days after the implants are placed. New techniques developed are always geared to improving patient comfort.

Chemainus Theater Memberships

Did you know that the Chemainus Theater membership program provides wings to the Chemainus Theatre Festival, supporting each season of programming? Donations to the membership program provides foundational support enabling them to plan confidently, and expand their theatrical & education programing. In return (along with their eternal gratitude) they strive to open up the world of Chemainus Theatre through exclusive member events and have a lot of fun at the same time. In 2019, exclusive events include Fireside Chats, Dress Rehearsals, the ever popular Season Launch Party and Member Day. Contact the theater about the various levels of membership available.

Time to Clear Out the Clutter!

Is your house filled with stuff from too many trips to the thrift store, from storing things for the kids who moved out years ago or from holding on to possessions of a loved one who passed. Too much clutter can affect mental health. It is stressful to be in a cluttered environment because of its excessive visual stimuli. It also signals to our brains that our work is never done and creates guilt, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed! When it is all too much, bring in help to sort things and to take it away to be reused and recycled. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

Community Profile – Amplifon

Amplifon is a global leader in hearing healthcare, helping over 5 million people worldwide. Yet, there’s still a taboo in society surrounding hearing loss. The longer a person delays getting help, the more challenging it is to assist with speech “discrimination” or understanding sounds. Several studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss experience an overload of the brain’s cognitive functions — which may lead to an earlier onset of dementia. Be proactive and schedule a complimentary hearing test with your Amplifon team in Nanaimo and complete the journey to better hearing.

Ozone Treatment for Holistic Health

Ozone is made of three oxygen molecules, providing a natural boost of healing oxygen. Ozone improves cellular metabolism, as well as aids in the regeneration of damaged cells. The extra oxygen introduced to the cells helps repair cellular mitochondria, reducing pain and improving recovery in many different tissues. Ozone therapy can be safe and effective for treating various nerve disorders, tissue inflammation, joint flexibility and regeneration, tissue rejuvenation. Ozone enhances the immune system function by eliminating bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites. Ozone therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers ozone to an injured site via injection or intravenously, stimulating healing from within the body on the cellular level.

Celebrate Aging!

We often hear the negative about seniors in our society, rather than celebrating them. Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, using services (keeping people employed), and paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age groups do. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting and caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.

Health Benefit of Live Performances

Attending a live performance is a positive, communal event that makes you feel connected to other people, which in turn is good for your mental outlook and longevity. Watching a play allows the audience to access different emotions. Whether a tragedy or a musical, there’s likely an element of the storyline that extends beyond personal life experiences. While all types of theater performances have benefits, plays and musicals that make you laugh may be the best choice for your mental and emotional health. Laughter is great for relieving stress and stimulating organs and boosting the brain’s feel-good chemicals, endorphins,

Family Caregiver Symposium

Being responsible for your parent’s wellbeing is hard. Many family caregivers struggle to cope with chores, challenges, life, health and work. The Family Caregiver Symposium is for YOU if *You are overwhelmed with caregiving * Want help but don’t know where to turn, *Face tough decisions *Mourn the relationship you once had. You will learn * How to cope during your caregiving years *Ways to ease your emotional rollercoaster * Ideas to make life better. The Family Caregiver Symposium offers support, educates & empowers caregivers who are responsible for their parents’ wellbeing. Learn from Expert Speakers and Resources, meet our Caregiver Panel and enjoy the Caregiver Appreciation Hour.