There are things you can do for proper sleep hygiene: Avoid long naps; consider going for a short walk instead. Maintain a regular sleep routine; go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom quiet and comfy; lower body temperature generally equals better sleep. No electronic devices in bed; blue light emitted from these devices interferes with sleep. Invest in a body pillow to avoid waking up with body pain. If you sleep on your side, an organic body pillow will make hip and shoulder pain a thing of the past.
Community News
Maintaining Balance
How does maintaining a balanced life work in today’s fast-paced and increasingly stress-riddled world? From a gambling literacy perspective, it starts by being aware of risk factors and knowing when we are vulnerable. This includes when we are suffering from emotional and/or financial stress, having suffered the loss of a loved one, the end of a job or relationship, or even experiencing a big win at a younger age. Living a balanced life has its challenges with or without gambling, but is not impossible. Reach out to friends, family, our helpline and counselling team! That’s what we’re here for!
Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest recorded medical systems. Diagnosis comes through detailed questioning of an individual’s history and symptoms, feeling their pulses, observing their tongue and complexion, and palpating their abdomen. Treatment is based on this individualized diagnosis. Acupuncture treatment regulates and balances the flow of Qi, blood and fluids within the network of energetic pathways, called meridians, that connect the surface of the body to the organs and circulatory systems. In health, this flow is abundant and smooth, and we experience wellbeing and health in our body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Activities for the Whole Family
Bring the whole family to enjoy some summer activities. *Family Fun Nights – Thursday, June 28 at Departure Bay, July 26 at Mansfield Park, August 30 at Harewood Park. *Concerts in the Park – July and August. Wednesday evening concerts July 4th to August 29th, 6:00 -7:30 pm. Concerts in July are held at the Bowen Park Amphitheatre and August concerts are in Maffeo Sutton Park. On Tuesdays, enjoy lunch time concerts, 12:30-1:30 pm from July 3 to August 28. July concerts are in Maffeo Sutton and Bowen Park in August. For details, visit www.nanaimo.ca.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Summer is baseball season; in Canada, that means cheering for the Blue Jays. Scientists have found that being a sports fan is good for your emotional, psychological and social health. Benefits range from social connection to measurable increases in muscle nerve activity. In August, the Toronto Blue Jays are playing the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, WA. Why not join a group of Vancouver Island fans to support our Canadian baseball team? Skip the hassle of ferry line-ups and border crossing by taking a tour to the August games in Seattle.
Discreet Hearing Aid Options
There are a variety of discreet hearing aid styles. The Lyric device is the only hearing aid that is 100% invisible. It is placed into the ear canal by a trained hearing care professional, provides 24 hour hearing, and is replaced a few times a year. There is also the invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) custom hearing aid styles that offer minimal visibility. The receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) is the most common style and is worn behind the ear with a small clear tubing that lays flush with the cheek. This style is very discrete from the front and the behind-the-ear component is easily hidden with a person’s hair. Contact your local Hearing Care Professional for more information on different hearing aid styles to fit every lifestyle and budget.
Low or No Cost Activities
Recreation experiences enrich our lives. Here are a few free or low cost activities.
• The Lions Club of Nanaimo’s free “Everyone Welcome Swim” Sundays from 2-3:30 pm until June 24. • Coast Capital Savings’ free swim on June 29, 7-8 pm, at Beban Park and a free skate on June 22, 4:15-5:45 pm, at Nanaimo Ice Centre. • $3 Swim admission Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm until June 27 at Beban Pool. Starting July 2, $3 Swim Admission daily at 9-10pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and 4-5 pm, Monday to Friday.• Visit one of Nanaimo’s parks. These are always free!
Healthy Individuality
The concept of Healthy-Individuality is based on the fact that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison. That is why, in the long run, fad diets tend to fail. Health practitioners working on the principle of Healthy-Individuality, will support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences and ancestral background. A personalized, holistic approach ensures that you will have great success!
A Romp Back in Time
Grease was first performed in 1971 in the original Kingston Mines nightclub in Chicago. Playwrights Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey created that original play as a raunchy, raw, aggressive, and vulgar show, intended to shake things up with its shock value.
The Broadway version was much less aggressive, becoming the musical we know and love. The language and action are toned down, but the underlying themes are there; love, friendship, peer pressure, rebellion, and class conflict all couched in rollicking 50’s rock, energetic dancing, fight stunts, biting one-liners, and comedic gags. Grease is a romp back in time that you won’t want to miss!
Know the Risk Factors
In today’s stress-riddled world, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is quite challenging, including staving off addictive behaviours like gambling. Be aware of the risk factors, including having experienced a big win early in our gambling history, and/or recent loss or change, and/or financial difficulties. Gambling behaviour is concerning when used as an escapist activity, anxiety-relief and/or distracting us from our families and health. You have more control over your life than you realize. In fact, recognizing a problem is powerful and is the first step in healing. Reach out for help!
Ease the Pain of Downsizing
Moving into a retirement home often involves downsizing and making tricky decisions. When assisting others it is important to realize the sentimental attachment individuals have to things. So, be patient and understanding. Remind the individuals that the memories are always there no matter what. When reviewing items, always ask what is of low to high importance and organize accordingly. Sometimes it helps with decisions if an alternate home can take the item where it can continue to be utilized or gives others the happiness that it brought the current owner. Other downsizing methods include advertising items for sale or having a yard sale.
