Your pharmacist has the knowledge, training, and authority to assess and prescribe for minor ailments and contraception. Minor ailments are health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment. If you have a skin rash, fungal infection, heartburn, seasonal allergies, shingles, UTIs or a vaginal yeast infection, visit your pharmacist for a free assessment. After the assessment, your pharmacist may prescribe medication or refer you to another healthcare provider. If a prescription is issued, a prescription fee applies, just like prescriptions issued by a physician. Your primary care provider will be notified to support continuity of care and treatment outcomes.

A great way to get some low-impact exercise is through swimming! This non-weight-bearing exercise is perfect for those who want to stay fit but have a creaky joint or two. Here at Lifeline, you know we’re always trying to educate about how to prevent falls, and guess what? Swimming helps with that too! Because it allows for increased flexibility through a full range of motion and engages all muscle groups, swimming helps you be overall stronger. Swimming tires you out, so it helps improve sleep as well. It also helps towards the goal of 30 minutes of exercise three times per week.

It is important to wear sunscreen on exposed skin every month of the year. The UVB, or sunburn rays, are less intense in the fall and winter but can still damage your skin and cause skin thinning, skin cancer, wrinkles, and brown spots. A sunscreen of SPF 50 is recommended when you are outdoors, and it should be reapplied every two hours. If you are inside and away from windows, a reapplication may not be necessary. Be sure to use a generous amount! If you have never used sunscreen, it is not too late to start. It can make a big difference at any age.

Onset hearing loss is usually gradual, so it can take a long time for people with hearing impairments to realize there is a problem. While starting a conversation with a loved one experiencing hearing loss may be difficult, it’s a key step towards a solution. Strategies for having productive conversations include: *Aim to have serious discussions early in the day before navigating daily activities. *Ask helpful questions to create an open dialogue and make everyday communication easier. For example, “Should we have this conversation in a quieter location?” * Focus on facts and specific symptoms and encourage them to get a professional evaluation.

Do you miss the joy of singing? Sing Again Community Choir is a fun way to FREE your voice and connect with others in an encouraging, informal group. Sing a mix of uplifting songs from around the world incorporating movement, and learn to harmonize by ear. Singing releases natural hormones that can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being. It also increases cardiovascular health, social cohesion and feelings of belonging. Drop in to Sing Again in Nanaimo, Parksville, or Nanoose. No experience necessary. First visit is FREE.

Accelerate healing and reduce muscle tension after an injury or surgery with cupping therapy. Cupping increases blood circulation to the affected area, bringing oxygen and nutrients essential for recovery. The suction created by the cups helps to loosen tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This therapy also supports lymphatic drainage, which aids in detoxification and reduces swelling. By promoting relaxation and improving tissue flexibility, cupping can enhance your body’s natural healing process. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or healing an injury, incorporating cupping into your treatment plan can be a powerful tool for a faster, more comfortable recovery.

Foot care is essential for supporting overall health and well-being. A trained foot care provider can help prevent infections and skin conditions. Management of chronic conditions for individuals with diabetes, neurological issues, and poor circulation can reduce pain and prevent complications. Regular foot examinations are essential for early detection of health issues, reducing falls, and maintaining mobility. Proper and regular attention to foot care should be a part of everyone’s self-care routine. Supportive and well-fitting footwear will also improve comfort and quality of life. Comfort Keepers can help with foot care. Contact us for an appointment with our registered foot care nurse.