Community News
Weight Loss Medication Stopped Working?

If your weight loss has stalled, the problem may not be the medication. GLP-1 medications help control hunger, but they work best with a solid nutrition plan. You still need a moderate calorie deficit. Without a clear plan, portions can grow while protein, fibre, and water fall short. Getting back to basics with adequate protein, smaller portions, more water and extra fibre can make a real difference. When your nutrition plan supports the medication, weight loss starts moving again. In many cases, the answer is not more medication, but a better plan. Contact us today for more information.

Business Profile: Forge Fitness

At Forge Fitness we believe it is never too late to feel better and get stronger. Our goal is to help you move well, stay active, and enjoy life with less pain and more confidence. What you can expect: •Personalized program designed from your body and goals, •A focus on reducing pain and preventing injury, • Simple, effective strength training for long term health and •A supportive, comfortable training environment. Contact Head Coach Will Curry, a BCRPA-certified personal trainer and Pain Free Performance specialist based in Nanaimo today for your personalized movement assessment.

Hearing Loss and Balance

Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spatial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.

Live Theatre in Nanaimo

Attending a live performance is a positive, communal event that makes you feel connected to other people, which in turn is good for your mental outlook and longevity. Watching a play allows the audience to access different emotions. Whether a tragedy or a musical, there’s likely an element of the storyline that extends beyond personal life experiences. Upcoming live theatre in Nanaimo includes “Two Rooms” at the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s Bailey Studio, April 22 – May 10th and “Boy Player” at the Western Edge Theatre, April 17 – 26th.

Pilates for Better Posture

Spending hours at a desk often leads to poor posture and nagging back pain. The solution isn’t just sitting up straight—it’s engaging your core strength, as taught in Pilates. Pilates focuses on key principles: centring, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. By developing awareness and strength in your deep abdominal and back muscles, you create a natural internal corset. This stability supports your spine and corrects the slouched, forward head posture common from computer work. Integrating just a few minutes of daily core engagement, mindful breathing, and focused movement can transform your static desk body into a dynamic, pain-free structure.

Spring Cleaning and Planning

Spring is the time for cleaning, renewing and organizing. While performing these seasonal tasks, you may consider downsizing. Don’t know where to start? Attend our FREE Downsizing seminar on Wednesday, April 29, from 1 – 3 pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Topics include organizing, financial and estate planning, and mortgage and real estate options. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641. For extra guidance, download a free e-book from our website. It offers five practical tips to help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups. If you are a child helping your parents downsize, we have an e-book for you as well.

Breathing Technique for Calmness

Certain low-impact exercises like meditation, tai chi, and yoga can have an incredible calming effect on the mind and body. Belly Breathing is an exercise that can help seniors breathe more effectively to get the maximum calming benefit. Here’s how: Breathe in through your nose. Pay attention to how your belly fills up with air. Breathe out through your mouth at least two to three times as long as you inhale. Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders as you retrain your diaphragm to take on the work of helping to fill and empty your lungs.

Motivation is Key

Motivation can change anything. When we are motivated, we feel empowered and driven to take action. It helps us set clear goals, develop actionable plans, and stay focused on achieving them. Motivate Me provides personalized support to help you reduce and quit tobacco, vaping and nicotine products through one-on-one and group support. We will empower you with the mindset, tools and encouragement you need to succeed. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of each specific individual and group. It’s time to change how you think about nicotine. Let’s get started.

A Gift for Loved Ones

Pre-planning your final arrangements is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. It ensures your wishes are clearly understood, protects your family from difficult decisions during an emotional time, and can help lock in costs at today’s prices. At Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, pre-planning is guided with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to honouring every individual’s story. Their team helps you explore options thoughtfully and without pressure, creating a plan that brings peace of mind for the future. By choosing Cedar Valley, you ensure your legacy is preserved with dignity, care, and lasting respect.

Adapting to Change

Letting go of long-held habits, especially big life changes like moving from the family home where you raised your children, can feel overwhelming. Our brains are wired to prefer the familiar, even when change is beneficial. The key is to approach change with compassion and curiosity. Acknowledge the memories and meaning attached to the old while gently embracing new opportunities. Break the transition into small steps, keep meaningful traditions, and create new routines in your new space. Talk about the change with supportive friends or family. Over time, the brain adapts. What once felt uncomfortable can become the foundation for a fulfilling new chapter.

Strong Today, Strong Tomorrow

Maintaining muscle and bone strength is one of the most powerful ways to stay active and independent as you age. Strong muscles support your joints, improve balance, and make everyday tasks—like climbing stairs or carrying groceries—easier and safer. At the same time, healthy bones provide the sturdy foundation your body depends on. Strength training with light weights or resistance bands, along with weight-bearing activities like walking or dancing, helps keep both muscles and bones resilient. Fueling your body with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D adds even more protection. A little consistent effort goes a long way toward lifelong strength and confidence.