Now that the holidays are over, many of us go back to our busy lives, so there is less time to spend with family. We have a compassionate challenge for you to keep an element of the “Holiday Quality Time” going throughout January and the rest of the year. We encourage you to see someone close to you with a bit more frequency than you did in 2024. A previous director of the Harvard Grant Study, a 75-year comprehensive study of adult development and happiness, said, “The only thing that matters in life is your relationship to other people.” (George Vaillant)
Community News
Start the New Year with Better Hearing
January is the perfect time to focus on wellness, starting with your hearing. Clear, confident communication supports your relationships, boosts independence, and enhances overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed muffled conversations, increased volume on the TV, or difficulty hearing in noisy places, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Beltone Hearing offers comprehensive hearing assessments, advanced hearing technology, and personalized support to help you hear your best in 2025. Prioritizing your hearing now can prevent further decline and keep you connected to the moments that matter most. Step into the new year with clarity and confidence.
Smoking Cessation Action Plan
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking? Your pharmacist can provide advice and guide you through this journey. Here’s an action plan: *Choose a starting point—pick a date, tell your friends and family, and ask them for support. *Meet your pharmacist to help determine how dependent you are on nicotine. *Follow a personalized treatment plan; your pharmacist can prescribe a tailored solution, including nicotine replacement products. *Reward yourself as you progress. Many benefits of a smoke-free life can be felt in the long term, and some benefits are almost instant, so keep on going!
Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk with Exercise
Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.
In with the New!
As one year comes to a close, another one begins! Could this be the year that you decide to travel? Try new things? Or perhaps make a move? If you’ve been considering a move into a retirement community, you could be doing all of the above. Retirement communities offer many exciting opportunities. Say hello to trying new exercise classes, do some local island travelling, try new foods, new crafts and hobbies, learn about other cultures, educate yourself on new topics, and forge new friendships. Book your tours today and see what new and exciting opportunities await you! Happy 2026!
Lift Winter Blues with Biofield Tuning
January brings a fresh start, yet the winter blues can still linger beneath the surface. Biofield Tuning offers a gentle sound-based reset — helping you clear emotional heaviness, lift stagnant energy, and reconnect with your inner spark. As you step into a new year, this work can be a grounding companion, restoring clarity, balance, and a brighter sense of momentum. Start 2026 with more ease, flow, and energetic vitality. Packages of 3 and 6 sessions are available, as well as in person and online experiences.
Setting New Year’s Goals.
Feeling excited about a new beginning? Before rushing into big plans, take a moment to reflect on what got in the way last time you set similar goals—losing weight, improving relationships, or finding a new job. Instead of judging yourself as lazy or unmotivated, acknowledge: “Something in me is holding back, and I want to understand why.” Then, with curiosity, ask that part: What feels misaligned? What makes this goal uncomfortable? What do you need to feel ready? Listening without judgment helps you create goals that truly align with your whole self, making success more natural and sustainable.
Start the Year Strong with Pilates
A new year brings new energy—and the perfect time to recommit to yourself. Pilates builds more than strength; it enhances posture, balance, and mindful movement, helping you move through life with confidence and ease. Whether your goal is to reduce pain, improve performance, or simply feel better in your body, adding Pilates to your self-care routine is a powerful way to begin. At Return to Form, our expert instructors guide you through safe, effective sessions designed for every body. Start strong, stay consistent, and feel your best all year long. Visit our website to book your first class.
Community Fundraising Walk
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2026 takes place on February 28th, 2026, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them
Awaken to a Deeper Understanding of Life
As a new year begins, many people focus on improving their physical health, yet true wellness also includes nourishing the mind and spirit. The Grail Message offers timeless guidance for those seeking clarity, purpose, and inner balance. Its teachings illuminate the natural, spiritual laws that shape our lives and encourage personal responsibility, conscious decision-making, and deeper self-awareness. By exploring these insights, readers gain a clearer understanding of the forces at work in everyday experiences and discover a path toward lasting peace and fulfillment. Start the year with inspiration – open your mind to a teaching that offers an inexhaustible well of knowledge and invaluable aids for understanding life.
Downsize During the Winter Months
The long, dark days of winter are a good time to think about downsizing. Sorting through your possessions is a great indoor activity. Are there Christmas decorations that were not used last month or even in 2024? It might be time for them to find another home. Are your cupboards overstuffed with items that you don’t use anymore? If the thought of downsizing is overwhelming, go to our website and download a free e-book that offers you five practical tips for downsizing. If you are a child helping your parents downsize, we have an e-book for you as well.
