As we settle into the cooler months, here are some tips to stay cozy and warm throughout the night. *Snuggle up with a pet or loved one *Drink an herbal tea or hot water with lemon, ginger and honey before bedtime *Take a bath or hot shower before bedtime to promote sleepiness *Block drafts in the bedroom with thermal insulating window coverings * Toss a hot water bottle under the covers 20 minutes before climbing in *Switch to warmer yet breathable bed linens. Your temperature regulation this winter will improve with breathable wool and organic linens and cottons. Snuggle in and stay cozy for the whole night.
Community News
Holiday Wishes
This past year, there were times when we needed to remind ourselves to be grateful. Grateful that our family is supportive and near. Grateful that when we needed community resources we knew who to call. Grateful for friends who would pour the wine and listen to our tales of woes. Grateful for our readers who tell us how much they enjoy our newsletters. Grateful that when there was “one more thing” in a busy day, it meant that we were connected with our community. It is from this place of gratefulness that we wish our many readers, advertisers and friends, Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Drug Free Pain Relief
Today many of us are searching for safe, natural and drug free solutions for our everyday aches and pains. VOXXLIFE is a technology company devoted to drug-free wellness, optimal health and improved human performance. They have done extensive research to develop a technology that triggers a very precise neuro response in the bottom of the feet that helps the brain maximize its natural pain fighting mechanisms. The documented results and benefits from using products with the VOXX HPT pattern include enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain, enhanced stability and balance, and improved mobility.
Haven’t Had a Hearing Tested in Years
What does a hearing evaluation look like? To begin, your Hearing Care Professional will take a thorough medical history and inspect your ear canals and middle ears to confirm good ear health. Then sitting in a sound treated booth, while wearing headphones, you will be asked to respond to tones. The tones tested are specific and range from the low to high frequencies that are important for hearing speech. There is also word testing to measure communication abilities and your ability to hear speech in quiet and in noisy situations. If you are over the age of 50 or suspects hearing loss, a hearing evaluation is recommended.
Changing Traditions
The first holiday season after losing a loved one can be a very difficult time. Family traditions and rituals are sacred events that can be adapted to the changing dynamics in the family. By planning for the change, whether it be starting new family traditions or updating old ones, you can help create realistic expectations around the significant events. It is important to acknowledge that things are going to be different. Adjusting to a family member passing is a big transition; be open to the change and accept it for what it is – a new opportunity to create stronger family bonds and traditions.
New Community Support Rep
The GAM Info Rep is a new service offered by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. GAM Info Reps are part of your Gaming & Gambling support services. Like any advisor, the GAM Info Rep is there to support you with your distinct needs every step of the way. Whether you need to inquire about counselling services, legal services, housing, community health, debt management or any other support service, the GAM Info Rep is there to help. Your GAM Info Rep on Central Vancouver island is Tracy Tsui. 778-386-9955 or toll free 1-888-558-2857.
Take Time for Yourself
December is always a month that people look forward to but also dread. We look forward to seeing family and getting a few extra days off work, while we dread the traffic and trying to find the right gift for our loved ones. It is important for us to take a little time for ourselves to relax so we don’t become overwhelmed. Curling up with a good book for 20 minutes, going for a walk, or taking a relaxing bath is all it takes to help us relax. Schedule down time and you will find the holidays a little easier to manage.
A Toy for Every Child at Christmas
Can you imagine how a parent would feel if on Christmas morning there were no gifts under the tree for their child? Since 1982, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive has been making sure that every child in Nanaimo has a new toy to unwrap on Christmas morning. Every year, individuals, families, groups and businesses in Nanaimo, with the help of over 100 volunteers, come together to make this happen. You can help by purchasing a toy or gift for a child aged newborn to 16 and dropping it at one of the many drop off locations. Financial donations can be made through Canada Helps.
Events for the Whole Family
The month of December can be overwhelming . We often forget to stop and enjoy moments with our friends and family. Here are some holiday-themed events that the whole family can enjoy:
· SKATES with SANTA: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8 pm at Frank Crane Arena and Friday, Dec. 31, 3:45-5:15 pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre. · DUNK with SANTA: Saturday, Dec. 22, 3-5 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
· WINTER WONDERLAND – $2 Skating Sessions: Dec. 26 to 30 at Frank Crane Arena.
· FINALE 2018 – Family New Year’s Eve Party: December 31, 5-10 pm at Beban Park.
Safe Winter Walking
With winter coming and soon to be snowy days, walking in the snow and ice can have its ups and downs. When walking outdoors, wear shoes or boots with traction because there is nothing worse than having footwear without grip. Make sure that your footwear also provides support for your ankles as that can help you avoid a slip. Using Walking poles is a great way to avoid slips and to get steady balance. Sign up for a free Walking pole seminar and get yourself weather ready!
Health Benefits of Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to health relating to the whole body of the patient. Skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics guide the osteopath to assess and restore balance within and between all the systems of the body. This includes the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial and visceral systems. In health, the body seeks to maintain a balance within and between these systems. An osteopath uses a wide array of manual approaches to reduce and resolve strains, stress and dysfunction in all areas of the body. The goal is to remove restrictions to vascular, neural and biomechanical mechanisms and ultimately support the natural healing mechanism.
