It is a good time to go outside and stand barefoot in the grass; connect with the earth and ground. Where do you notice your weight? Then bring your awareness up through your legs to your knees—do you feel any tension there? Then up to your hips, back, shoulders, neck, face, and head. Notice how you feel and allow any tension to flow out of you into the ground. This exercise is a great way to destress and increase body awareness. If you find it difficult to notice the tension areas or to release them, Rolfing can help get you on track.
Navigating Grief with Compassionate Support
Grief can arise from many experiences—losing a loved one, a relationship ending, changes in health, or life transitions. It’s not always linear, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect. At Sandstone Counselling in Nanaimo, our registered clinical counsellors provide a safe, supportive space to explore all forms of grief—whether it’s recent, long-held, traumatic, or anticipatory. Through compassionate, trauma-informed therapy, we help you process pain, find meaning, and move forward with care and clarity. You don’t have to face it alone.
Prevent Trips and Falls
When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but summer can be just as risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should still take caution. Outdoor rugs, pool decks, sandy shores, and uneven patio flooring can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for summer safety for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape
Stay Safe in the Heat
During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible, and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight-fitting clothing. A symptom of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behaviour, dry, flushed skin, and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 and apply cold, wet cloths to the armpits, neck, and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
The Link Between Nutrition & Aging
Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.
Did You Know?
Deep breathing, like the 4-4-8 technique, reduces stress, calms the nervous system, improves focus, and supports better sleep. It may help with pain management, lower blood pressure, and boost oxygen levels. Practice by inhaling, holding, and exhaling slowly in a relaxed position to feel more centered and at ease. Closing your eyes can deepen relaxation and reduce distractions. Just a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in your overall well-being, helping you feel more balanced and refreshed.
Be Safe in the Sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50 every two to four hours outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke, so make sure to keep hydrated!
Fire Safety Tips
Here are tips for detecting a fire in your home and what to do so that everyone gets out safely: *Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. *Test smoke alarms monthly. If they aren’t working, replace the batteries immediately. *Discuss a fire escape plan with your entire family and practice it at least twice a year to ensure everyone knows what to do. *In the event of a fire in your home, remember: GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP. Never re-enter a burning building for any reason.
Product Profile: Methylene Blue
Aqua Miraculorum with Methylene Blue: Serious Help for Aging Skin. It is today’s science-based miracle for defying the signs of aging and fragile skin. Aqua Miraculorum contains an optimal concentration of Methylene Blue in a convenient bath application. Benefits include: *Increased elasticity and resiliency. *Skin feels and appears firmed and more lifted. *Improves the tone and texture of skin. *Paraben, Phthalate and Fragrance free. Methylene Blue is easy to use 1) Fill the bath tub with water. 2) Drop the dissolvable paper sachet into a standard bath tub. 3) Enjoy! Proudly made on Vancouver Island. Don’t forget to enter this month’s contest for a chance to win a spa basket including Aqua Miraculorum.
Seasonal Allergies?
It’s June! Your neighbours are cutting their grass, everything is blooming, and you are struggling with seasonal allergies! Allergies can be miserable, so here are some preventative measures: Avoid outdoor activities early in the morning. Don’t hang laundry out to dry. Check the weather forecast for pollen counts before heading out. When you come in from outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes. Ask for help with lawn care and flower beds, or wear a mask. If you have questions or think you may need medication for your allergy symptoms, please speak with your pharmacist today!
Importance of Lower Body Health
Let’s shed some light on an area of the body that is often neglected – your lower legs or feet! If you have pain in your feet, swollen legs, dry skin, or fungal nails, then it’s time to start looking down more often. These are conditions that put you at a higher risk of falls, wounds, decreased mobility, and infection and can indicate bigger systemic problems. Your legs are the canary in the cave, so keep looking down to prevent a collapse! Contact Comfort Keepers with the idea of getting out and about using those legs. We can help with footcare as well.


