Did you know that “Online gamblers stand out from gamblers in general on several harm related variables”? According to the newly released British Columbia Online Problem Gambling Prevalence Study (Oct. 2020), “One-third (34%) have had a problem with at least one of their gambling activities in the past 12 months, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (17%)”.
“Two-in-ten (20%) have attempted to cut down, control or stop gambling, which is twice the rate of gamblers in general (10%).” At VI Gaming Support, we’re here to help you reset, regroup and restore the balance in your life.
Community News
Social Activity & Aging Well
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
Can I Exercise with Hearing Aids?
Having hearing aids doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Modern hearing aids are designed to suit your life, that means sport and exercise also! Here are some simple things to do to ensure the longevity of your hearing aid. *Use hearing aid sweat bands to protect your device from sweat dripping into its holes, *Using hearing aid clips helps keep your device in place when doing more rigorous routines, *After your workout, immediately clean your hearing aid with antimicrobial products. Don’t forget to remove the battery from your hearing aid to allow it to fully dry up from your workout.
Tips to Prevent Medication Mishaps
As we age, for many of us, medications begins to play an important role in maintaining health and longevity. This often means taking multiple medications. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: *Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, *Shake bottles of liquid medications before use, *Take all medications as prescribed, *Use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, *Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, *Never stop taking a medication suddenly without checking with your doctor. Most importantly, conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.
Gaming Disorder Support
Gaming disorder can be a significant barrier to living a fulfilling life. Yes, there are friends and a deep sense of community in the virtual world but nothing replaces a hug, or the feeling that your friend genuinely cares about your wellbeing. At VI Gaming Support, we care about people’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, efficacy, and desire to be part of a loving caring community. That’s why we are dedicated in supporting people to restore their sense of health and wellbeing. We believe that by providing rejuvenating services, we can support people to reset, regroup, and restore their lives.
Sounds to Help You Relax
Sound and soothing music can help you relax even during these trying times. Try this simple exercise: sit quietly for a few moments and then think of a very loving experience. As you think of this loving experience, begin to sound a very gentle “ah” sound. Make this sound as a long, extended sound: “Aaaaaahhhhh” and think about love, peace and calm. Feel your heart chakra resonate with this sound. Feel your heart center opening, balancing and aligning with this energy. The “ah” sound is excellent for working with the energy of the heart center and triggering relaxation.
Allow Time for You
When did you last take the time to just BE? We are often too busy DOing instead of BEing. As Mac Davis sang in 1974, “Stop and Smell the Roses”. Take time to relax; take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life. If you’ve stopped to smell the roses, it means you’ve taken time out of your day to notice them. Taking time for yourself is not selfish. It is very important to take care of yourself. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow YOU to take time for YOU.
Have a Happy Retirement
As retirement age draws near, most of us develop a vision of what those years will look like. Active senior living communities give older adults the support they need to live their best life. Research shows that older adults who have purpose often live longer, healthier lives. Moving to an active senior living community will provide you with access to life-enrichment programs, volunteer opportunities, the companionship of peers, and a variety of activities and programs to participate in. Each of these can aid in finding purpose once you are no longer raising a family or pursuing a career.
Drug Free Pain Relief
If you have pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill but there are other options. The sensation of pain occurs when a pain receptor (nociceptor) detects a painful stimulus somewhere on the body. VOXXLife has developed a technology (VOXX HPT) that triggers a neuro response that helps the brain maximize its natural pain fighting mechanisms. This HPT technology, which works with the neuroreceptor on the bottom of the feet, is incorporated into VOXXLife socks and insoles. Benefits include enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain, enhanced postural stability and balance, improved mobility and higher energy levels.
Visits to a Care Home
Now that Covid restrictions have been loosened in retirement homes, loved ones are being reunited…some after many long months. It’s heartwarming to see that the vaccines are helping people be able to reconnect and catch up. As wonderful as Zoom and other social medias have been in helping seniors keep in touch, it simply does not compare to being face to face and able to hug or hold hands. Please continue to do your part to stay safe for yourselves and your loved ones and please respect the policies that are in place in the retirement communities, such as wearing masks where required, so we can continue to protect the ones closest to us.
Social Isolation
Our lifestyles continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stay-at-Home recommendations have increased social Isolation, especially among seniors. This is a problem as it is associated with a number of health risks. Technology can help us stay connected through social media platforms but not everyone has access or ability to use them. The Nanaimo Lifeline Check-In Service offers a daily phone call to those who might not be connected. We provide a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. Now is a good time to sign up.
