Community News
Talking About Hearing Loss

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.

Singing Promotes Health and Belonging

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.

Experience Healing and Stress Relief

Feeling stressed or tired? The Energy Enhancement System (EESystemTM) can help. It generates life-enhancing energy fields that can promote healing. The possible health benefits include improved immune function, pain and stress relief, detoxification of the body, elevated moods and increased energy levels. It combines body, mind, spirit and science to help you achieve peak performance and reach higher states of health, consciousness and self-actualization. The future is here. Experience the EESystemTM while relaxing in a recliner, where your body will reach a meditative state.

Enter for a Chance to Win

A Soulful Mexican Yoga Retreat. Experience a transformative retreat at Copal House Retreat’s ocean-front villa in the Riviera Maya, featuring panoramic Caribbean views from our rooftop studio. Deepen your yoga practice amidst stunning cenotes and ocean breezes. Included: health and wellness-focused welcoming ceremony, accommodations, meals for any dietary restrictions, 2 daily yoga/meditation sessions, one-hour therapeutic massage, bikes, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, travel assistance, and several excursions. To Enter -> WellnessHubVancouverIsland.ca Explore Copal Retreat ->

August Brain Teasers

.1 A sundial has the fewest moving parts of any timepiece. Which has the most? 2. What kind of running means walking? 3. What is made of water but if you put it into water it will die?

Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors

Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D, which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful, so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round, especially in these sunny summer months! * See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you reapply a minimum of SPF 30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum,” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!

Acupuncture for Post Surgery Recovery

After a knee or hip replacement, acupuncture and cupping can significantly aid recovery. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps nerves and muscles by alleviating numbness, aching, and stiffness. Cupping enhances this effect by drawing stagnant blood to the surface, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension around the surgical site. Together, acupuncture and cupping accelerate recovery, enhance mobility, and provide natural pain management, making them excellent complementary therapies for post-surgery healing. Acupuncture and cupping are covered by extended health care plans. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure these treatments are appropriate for you.

Stay Safe During Summer Heat

Summer is here! When the temperature rises above 30 degrees for three consecutive days, it is a ‘heat event’. Older Canadians are at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include *moist, red or pale skin, *nausea, and *dizziness. Symptoms of heat stroke are more severe and require medical assistance: *red, hot, and dry skin; *bizarre or aggressive behaviour; *loss of consciousness; *rapid, irregular pulse; *rapid, shallow breathing; and *seizures. Here are some tips to stay safe: Drink cool liquids, go somewhere with cooler air, apply cold to key points of the body, move less, and wear light, breathable clothing.

I Hear You

Ensuring effective communication is crucial for valued relationships. Here are five reasons to prioritize a hearing test: 1. Enhance intimacy and build trust through shared stories. 2. Create lasting memories by actively participating in social gatherings. 3. Improve happiness by avoiding frustration and anger caused by hearing difficulties. 4. Make moments count by eliminating the need for repeated conversations. 5. Demonstrate love by addressing concerns and acknowledging others’ worries. Contact us today for a free consultation and hearing test to strengthen your connections.

Fitness for Seniors

Participating in a balanced fitness program contributes to your well-being at every age, and regular exercise is vital for older adults. Regular exercise can help control blood pressure, body weight, and cholesterol levels. It reduces the risk of hardened arteries, heart attack, and stroke. It also strengthens muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones to help fight osteoporosis and lower your risk of falling or other injuries. Keeping your body strong and limber can help you maintain independence as you age.

Eat Protein to Improve Muscle Mass

You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.