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.

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.

Summer has always been a season for fun, relaxation and new adventure. There is no reason that limitations of age, mobility, or any number of other excuses to change that. At this time of the year we want to bring back the adventurous spirit, we want to day trip to the beach, try a new hobby, dust off those swimming trunks and help you dive into summer fun. Bringing back those favourite activities and trying out some new ones is a great way to engage and connect with friends and family so that the fond summer memories keep on coming!

The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) has been Teaching the Medicine of the Future™ since 1994. Their commitment to quality education has made CSNN the largest, leading school in holistic nutrition education. The comprehensive practical foundation program in Natural Nutrition is comprised of 18 holistic nutrition courses, including four science courses. With cutting edge science and new practical tools added, CSNN will offer a new and enhanced curriculum for September 2019 in Nanaimo and Victoria. New courses will include Genetics and Epigenetics, Home Use of Herbs and Hormone Health. Students will earn a culinary certificate from 30 hours of practical, hands-on workshops.

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,

Think you’d notice if you have impaired hearing? Think again. Those with hearing loss are often the last ones to recognize it. Unless the impairment occurs through sudden physical or medical-related trauma, hearing loss generally occurs slowly over time. This gradual change presents itself as people mumbling, unclear voices, or difficulty hearing through background noise. Friends and family are usually the first to notice when they aren’t being heard, or when they are consistently asked to repeat themselves. You may be tempted to brush it off as selective hearing. But if those close to you have said they suspect you have a hearing loss, it’s time to get your hearing checked.

Gambling “responsibly” means different things to different people. Everyone has their own idea of what “responsible”, “safe” or “fun” looks like. Regardless of what responsible gambling means to you or to someone else, some common themes of Responsible Gambling include: 1) always make informed decisions about gambling 2) only gamble with money that isn’t needed for something else; 3) have an awareness of how gambling works and the common false beliefs that can get people into trouble & 4) be aware of your own feelings to avoid being frustrated, anxious or depressed when gambling.

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.