As the weather shifts into the cool and damp days of fall, many people with arthritis notice an unwelcome change: more joint pain and stiffness. Tips to minimize discomfort include: *Dress in layers, use heating pads, and keep your home comfortably warm to avoid joint stiffness. *Gentle exercise like walking, yoga or swimming can improve circulation and keep joints flexible. *Dehydration can worsen inflammation, so drink plenty of water. *Eat a diet rich in omega-3s, colourful vegetables and whole grains. *Talk to your doctor about glucosamine, chondroitin or vitamin D. *Manage stress with meditation, deep breathing and restful sleep.

Please join us for our Return to Form Grand Opening Open House on Saturday, October 18 between 11am and 3 pm at #1 – 1970 Island Diesel Way in Nanaimo. Tour our new facility, check out specialized Pilates reformer machines and learn how Pilates and yoga can help you feel stronger and move better without pain. Special Grand Opening pricing and promotions will be offered to all attendees. We look forward to seeing you on October 18.

There is voluntary movement like picking up an item and involuntary movement such as posture. Postural movement is a result of long-term patterns, emotion, and tissue health. It is hard to change your posture just from telling yourself to “stand up straight”. You can do exercises to strengthen weak areas and stretches but you can’t just think “stand up straight” and expect to be able to maintain that “better posture”. Rolfing helps to reset your body’s “neutral”. With Rolfing, finding good posture and efficient movement becomes easier and more natural which allows standing up straight to just happen naturally.

The fascia is the organ that gives your body its shape. Fascia is plastic, which means it has the ability to change. It will take on the forms that you put it in the most. If you spend a large portion of the day seated in front of a computer with your head and shoulders forward, the front line of your body will likely shorten to help hold you in that position. This puts strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. To help keep your tissues limber and adaptive, try to get up from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes.

Thinking about downsizing but not sure where to start? Join us for a FREE seminar from 1 – 3 pm on Tuesday, Sept 23 or Wednesday, Oct 29 at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to make a move, this seminar is for you. Guest speakers include industry professionals: *Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist/Professional Organizer. *Adam Hawryluk, Flawless Financing. Discover mortgage options. *Dale Harvey, Compass Point Financial. How to Make Your Money Last as long as you do. *Colby Althouse, Notary Public, Estate Planning for Seniors. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641.

These tips will help you provide the best care for your loved one while maintaining your well-being: *Educate yourself: Learn about the disease’s progression, symptoms, and treatments to better understand and support your loved one. *Create a Safe Environment: Remove hazards and establish a predictable, organized space. *Effective Communication: Use clear, patient communication, maintain eye contact, and listen actively, even when their words are unclear. * Establish a routine: Consistency provides comfort; set a daily schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. * Seek Support for Yourself: Seek help from support groups, respite care, or other family members or caregivers.

Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Your Personal Pharmacist can review your medications and supplements and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication. With the expanded role of pharmacists to prescribe medications for minor ailments and their ability to book a doctor’s appointment for you, they are a great resource to help you navigate your health care. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo today.

Pilates can be highly beneficial for athletes of all levels. Benefits include: *Core Strength and Stability: Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which are essential for stability, balance, and power generation. *Flexibility and Range of Motion: Pilates exercises help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tightness, which can reduce injury risk and improve performance. *Injury Prevention: By addressing muscle imbalances, improving body awareness, and promoting efficient movement, Pilates helps athletes move with greater precision and stability, reducing the risk of injuries. At Return to Form, we help you feel powerful in your body.