Community News
Blockchain and Online Gambling

Blockchain is a method of tracking transactions using a public, globally-distributed ledger. It is most commonly used for cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Blockchain automatically and securely keeps a historical record, or ledger, of all transactions; working across a network of computers, cryptocurrencies can operate without a central authority. It is already revolutionizing online gambling and is now emerging in video games. For example, an emerging trend in gaming culture is the integration of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs allow blockchain to issue one-of-a-kind digital assets with unique attributes, meaning that players can acquire securely stored in-game assets. (Source: IntentaDigital http://bitly.ws/sLEU)

Time for the Booster Shot

Have you had you COVID-19 Booster Shot? It is strongly recommended that everyone who is eligible should get their third and fourth booster shot as soon as possible. The COVID virus and Omicron variant still pose severe health risks. Immune-compromised individuals and the elderly are the most vulnerable. People who have COVID-19 still need the booster vaccines three months after infection due to the severe health risks and the fact that re-infection is possible. Currently research suggests that natural immunity from COVID-19 lasts for only a short period of time and that the vaccine offers better protection than natural immunity.

Time to Celebrate Women

The Women’s Expo is all about empowerment, wellbeing, pampering, fashion, friends and fun. It is a real celebration of Women complete with wall-to-wall carpets and chandeliers. Lots of great things to explore at the Women’s Expo with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, prizes and fashion shows. The Expo is FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See the Expo website for Exhibitor Opportunities and information.

Caring for Hearing Devices

Taking good care of your hearing aids can significantly prolong their life. *Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids. *Clean them regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. *Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming and store in a dry location away from condensation. *Remove them before applying perfume or hair spray. *Store them in their case or drying cup away from heat sources and direct sunlight. *If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them separately. *Use a hearing aid expert if you need repairs.

Retirement Living

When you hear the words “independent retirement living”, what comes to mind? Do you think of *tasty home-cooked meals, *five-star plated celebrations, *fun-filled activities with friends, *weekly housekeeping and linen service and *24/7 emergency care when needed? This is what retirement living can offer and more. Whether relaxing in the privacy of your individualized senior apartment or indulging the company of others in a main living room, patio side lounge or dining room, you can be sure that your retirement will be a pleasurable one. Retirement is a time to relax and enjoy being with friends. After all, friendships are gifts to be treasured!

Physical Health is Key

There are three key factors when it comes to our physical health; Fitness, Food and Mindset. Fitness or any activity that gets you moving is important but not in the way you might think. Focusing on muscle growth and cardiovascular performance is WAY more important than how many calories you burn. You can’t out-train a bad diet. Therefore, focus on whole foods, eat your veggies and good quality fats and proteins. Lastly, our mindset can be what unconsciously drives our behavior, so unless limiting beliefs are addressed, they can lead you back to old habits that won’t help you reach your goals.

Live a Good Life

Here is some advice on how to live a good life. *Concentrate on what you can do rather than on what you can’t do. *Ask for the senior’s discount. It is always great to save money. *Stay in touch with friends and family. Never complain that they don’t come to see you or call you often enough when they do get in touch. *Keep learning. It will help your brain stay healthy. *Let go of that grudge. It only hurts you. *Make your life bigger than your aches and pains. *Appreciate the little things in life and laugh as often as possible

Impact of Gambling Advertising

According to a recent study* in the National Library of Medicine, people with gambling problems report more exposure to and impact from gambling advertising. The study revealed that problem gambling was associated with increased perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and awareness of gambling. It also revealed that internet advertising was the strongest predictor of perceived advertising impact on gambling involvement and TV advertising was the strongest predictor of advertising impact on knowledge of gambling forms, operators and awareness of gambling. If you need support, we are here. (*Relationships Between Exposure to Different Gambling Advertising Types, Advertising Impact and Problem Gambling)

Natural Pain Relief

Do you know that lack of stability and balance accounts for a large portion of foot, leg and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug-free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology.

A Key to Better Blood Flow

Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial molecule for many processes in the body. It is particularly important for blood vessel and brain health. NO promotes a widening of blood vessels which increases blood flow, lowering blood pressure. Research has also shown NO to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. To naturally increase NO, simply start humming. When we hum on the exhale of a breath, vibrations are generated in the sinuses which dramatically increases NO levels. Other options include eating more leafy greens such as Arugula and beets. Even though supplements are also available; nature provides the best way to get your nitric oxide.

Dealing with Grief & Trauma

Trauma and grief often go hand-in-hand, and learning how to mourn can be a crucial part of healing. Grief is the reactions that we must mourn through to shift to an active, shared response instead of a passive, isolated one. Six ways to help active mourning include: 1) Acknowledging the loss is real. 2) Interacting with the pain instead of avoiding it. 3) Honouring what you loved about who/what you are mourning. 4) Discovering the new you in the context of loss. 5) Finding meaning and purpose beyond what happened. 6) Getting ongoing support and talking with loved ones and/or a professional.