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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

With almost 30 years in the care industry, including 18 years as an LPN and 6 years providing foot care, your feet are in good hands with Christine. After completing the Nursing Foot Care Course at VIU, she found her passion treating Diabetics and feet at risk. A typical foot care treatment includes but is not limited to: Foot inspection and discussion of any identified foot issues, nail trimming/thinning including extremely thick or fungal nails, corn and callus removal and/or reduction. If desired, it can also include a foot wrap and/or application of moisturizer. She is offering specials this month.

Naturally Healthy Clinic, NaturallyHealthyClinic.ca

Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.

Studies show that having a sense of belonging, being part of a community, and making a meaningful contribution to a cause that you believe in, are beneficial to your health. In fact, it greatly enhances your chances of living longer and feeling happier. If you are a woman in the Ladysmith area and would like to be part of a newly formed support group, please put these dates in your diary: 30th Nov and 28th Dec. 6.30-8.30pm. By donation (Suggested $10-20), all proceeds to reforestation projects. Help heal yourself AND save the planet! Contact [email protected] for information.

“Close the door, you are letting in the cold air”. Our homes are built to be energy efficient and we diligently seal any cracks that may be allowing cold drafts into the house. Unfortunately, this also seals off our home from fresh air. In turn, this increases the concentration of VOCs from the use of cleaning products, traditional air fresheners and scented personal products. To keep your air healthy, try unscented products, add certain indoor plants and open windows when seasonally possible. There are also a growing number of natural, scent-free air fresheners that absorb both odours and chemicals.