Community News
Your Personal Pharmacist

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your pharmacist for a free assessment.

Acupuncture for Blood Sugar Balance

Acupuncture, an ancient practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, can be a valuable complementary approach to managing blood sugar levels. 1. Regulates Insulin: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins and improve insulin sensitivity, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. 2.Reduces Stress: Acupuncture promotes relaxation by releasing tension and reducing stress hormones, aiding in glycemic control. 3. Enhances Digestion: Improved digestion can lead to better nutrient absorption and more stable blood sugar. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical advice or medication. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss how acupuncture may help you.

Exercises Simplified

How are your New Year’s resolutions going? It isn’t a surprise if you started strong and have been falling apart as time passes. Many make the resolution to get “healthy” and then get overwhelmed by the many areas that need to be addressed to “become healthy.” Exercise is one such area, so let’s simplify it. Move in whatever way you enjoy and will be able to do frequently. That is it. Movements that involve weight-bearing and elevating your heart rate are ideal, but consistency is the most important. Exercise could include gardening, cleaning the house, and doing at-home exercises.

Prepare for Unexpected Events

Life is full of surprises and unexpected events. When it comes to our families, we want them to be secure and protected. Living benefits can protect your financial situation in the event of a loss of income. Living benefits are insurance products that provide financial support to the insured in case of an unexpected illness or disability. The products include long-term care benefits, critical illness insurance, whole-life insurance, and loss of income due to injury or illness. Mary Ann educates her clients and families about the importance of saving and protection against financial loss. Contact her to learn about your options.

Elderdog – Help for Senior Dog Owners

If you are a senior (55+) dog owner who has trouble taking care of your dog, Elderdog can help. They will help care for your dog so that you can keep love in your home. Elderdog’s volunteers provide free assistance to older dog owners living in Nanaimo, Oceanside and Ladysmith. Their many services include dog walking, transportation to vet appointments and food delivery. If an owner is unable to temporarily care for their dog due to hospitalization or surgery, Elderdog provides foster care in a pre-approved home. To find out more, arrange services or volunteer, visit their website.

Healthy Zucchini Carrot Squares

2 zucchinis grated; 1/2 medium sweet onion grated; 1 large carrot grated; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup whole wheat pancake/waffle mix; 4 large eggs lightly beaten; 1/2 cup olive oil. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with non-stick baking spray. Remove excess liquid from veggies and add to a large bowl. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic power, cheese, pancake mix, eggs and oil until well combined. Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Brain Teasers

1. Which hormone is often called the ‘stress hormone’? 2. What is the smallest bone in the human body? 3. What does a sphygmomanometer measure 4. What is the strongest muscle in your body?

Build New Social Connections

Encouraging seniors to embrace change and build new social connections at a senior living home can greatly enhance their well-being. Socially isolated seniors can be prone to loneliness. Shrinking social circles and the loss of a spouse or friends are some of the reasons seniors become socially isolated. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and make life more enjoyable. Research shows that strong social bonds promote longevity and overall health, emphasizing the value of fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Activities offered at Sherwood House help seniors’ physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health.

Spring Clean the Medicine Cabinet

Here are a few tips to clean up your medicine cabinet and other places where medication and vitamins are stored: Gather all medications in one place. Check the expiration date of each item. Set aside any medications that you no longer take or that have expired. Set aside any medication that is not in its original container or whose appearance, consistency, or odour has changed. Take all discarded medications and vitamins to your pharmacist for safe and ecological disposal. Do not throw them into the waste basket, sink, or toilet. The Medicine Shoppe can help with the cleanup process and disposal.

Wellness Expo – March 23 – FREE to Attend

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® is thrilled to present the 4th Annual Wellness Expo on March 23 at Beban Park Social Centre in Nanaimo. The Expo is FREE to attend. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Explore, transform, escape, and shop! You will find great fashion and products for your home that all contribute to feeling good. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks, and door prizes.