What are you doing this summer? With things beginning to open up, there are so many things that we have not been able to do for many months. Do you need some ideas on how to make it a relaxing summer? Make sure to take time for YOU! You deserve to relax and enjoy the summer. Enjoy the summer sunshine; enjoy the many beaches in our area; reconnect with nature. A certified Body/Emotion Code practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more time for relaxation.

Research shows that when a company shows its support for local causes, it strengthens customer loyalty and improves employee retention. Being a socially conscious business can also raise your brand profile and reveal your good values and intentions. SOS is excited about a new way that businesses can partner with us to do just that. We call it SOS Biz for Good. This new initiative is an important part of our $1 Million SOS Project Rebuild Campaign focused on reinforcing the safety-net for residents of District 69. For more information on how your business can benefit by doing good, please visit our campaign website.

Summer is here, heralded by warm days spent in the sun, flowers and farmers markets. With the long days, it is so easy to get caught up in our daily activities that we forget to do the simple things. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is frequently overlooked. Roughly a third of adults in North America suffer from chronic dehydration, which as well as exacerbating and complicating existing medical conditions, causes dry mouth, sluggishness and fatigue, sugar cravings, confusion, dizziness, even fainting and heart palpitations. At Comfort Keepers, we are here to support your health!

It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!

Your pharmacist is a medication expert who can help you better understand your medications. Accessible and convenient, your pharmacist is available to help you with a variety of clinical pharmacy services, such as Medication Review Services and more. If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.

With all of the fears about Covid-19, people are struggling to make a decision about moving into a retirement community. It is reassuring to know about the extra cleaning, extra staff, adherence to wearing masks and social distancing rules. Yet it is the fear of the unknown that makes it hard to make a decision. What will happen when I move in? Can I leave? Can I see loved ones? May I have visitors? How are concerns handled? Reach out to the communities, ask your questions so that you can rest assured that you have all the facts to able to make an informed decision.

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.