July 24 is International Self-Care Day – a reminder that caring for yourself includes paying attention to your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and emotional strain. Regular hearing checkups are just as important as eye exams or dental visits. Whether it’s turning down the volume, using protective gear in noisy environments, or exploring hearing aid options, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritize your hearing as part of your self-care routine and enjoy staying connected to the people and sounds that matter most. Your ears will thank you!

The SOS bus must be retired and replaced, and we are reaching out for community support. For 57 years, SOS has helped ease isolation and build community by connecting people of all ages to programs that support their well-being. The SOS Connecting Community Campaign aims to raise $200,000 for the new bus. The bus supports essential programs, including taking seniors grocery shopping, children to our after-school programs, and exciting outings for families and youth. Please support this campaign by donating through our website or by calling us.

Let’s talk about my favourite subject, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and implants. We have recently received clarification about implants, and they are NOT covered. This includes unused and inactive or failed implants. If you have an implant in any arch, used or not, functional or not, or visible or not, CDCP will not cover any work done on that arch. This means that if you are getting a new denture over an inactive, failed, or covered implant, it is not covered by CDCP. Write to your MP to complain. Call Accura Denture Clinic for all your denture needs. Have a great summer.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness; when it becomes chronic, it can negatively impact health. Neuromovement® lessons offer a gentle, effective way to help reduce inflammation by calming the nervous system and relieving both physical and mental stress. These lessons also teach the brain new, more efficient movement patterns, which can ease strain on the body, reduce inflammation, and support healing. If you’re living with chronic inflammation or stress-related discomfort, Neuromovement® may help restore balance and well-being. Contact me to learn how these gentle lessons could support your healing journey.

We can book one for you! Our staff can connect you with Avee Health, a Vancouver-based company that specializes in providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients through businesses like The Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road and in Parksville. With a mission to improve the patient experience, Avee Health works closely with businesses to establish walk-in clinics within their premises, offering a range of primary care services. They provide same-day doctor appointments 24/7 and comprehensive care from prescription refills to addressing minor ailments. Patients enjoy a smooth and efficient experience with easy access to healthcare consultations. Contact us today.

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.

It takes only 26 seconds for chemicals in personal care products to enter your bloodstream! Many everyday chemicals, found in household products, processed foods, and environmental pollutants, can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. These chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance, burden the liver, and contribute to the buildup of toxic substances in the bloodstream and on the skin. By minimizing contact with these chemicals—such as choosing safe personal care and cleaning products, eating organic foods, and avoiding processed items—you reduce the inflammatory burden on your body, allowing it to function more efficiently and promoting better health.

Do you know how important brain mapping is during rehab after injuries or surgery? Your brain creates a map of your entire body; when you are injured, that body map changes. The connection between your brain and the injured area loses clarity, and everyday living can remain difficult even after the injury itself is healed. Neuromovement® lessons can help your brain renew its map and add new, healthier brain connections. Don’t merely focus on strengthening or stretching muscles; recover with the power of your brain! Contact me to learn how Neuromovement® lessons can help you regain vitality.