Community News
‘I hear you:’ Three words that let people know you care

We all want to be heard. It means that we are valued; that others care about us. When we aren’t heard, misunderstandings can arise. Opportunities can be missed.

Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the people we love. What if the heart is willing but our ears aren’t up to the task?
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will strengthen and enhance the important relationships in your life.
1. Improved intimacy

Sharing stories about both the ups and the downs of our lives creates a special bond in our closest relationships. It establishes trust and a sense of security. We need to be able to hear those stories.

2. Creating shared memories

If you remove yourself from family or social gatherings because you are apprehensive about being able to follow conversations, you’re missing out on all the little things that bind us together.

3. Being happy in the moment

When you can’t hear properly, you feel frustrated. And frustration turns to anger. Anger pushes people away from us and that’s not what we want, is it?

4. Making those moments count

We can waste a lot of time asking people to repeat themselves. Spend that time fully engaged with the person you’re talking with.

5. Listening is a show of love

We hate to break it to you but you’re probably not the only one who has noticed you’re having problems hearing. By being willing to do something about it, you are demonstrating that you understand the concerns of people who only want what’s best for you.

The team at HearingLife Canada can help. Click here to find a hearing centre near you or book your free hearing consultation here. Call 1-888-514-9515 if you want to be heard, too.

Stay Healthy While Travelling

Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, abnormal blood clotting disorders or obesity you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include; *Maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization, *Contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours, *Wear below-knee graduated compression stockings, and *Choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.

Help is Available

December can be a challenging month at the best of times. Online gambling and sports betting have gained incredible popularity recently. Vulnerable people can be at an increased risk of developing gambling issues when combined with the financial and emotional stress the holiday season can bring. If gambling which was once a light-hearted and fun activity has become a coping mechanism for emotional and/or financial relief, reach out to VI Gaming Support. We are available by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram) or online on our website. Our toll-free support line is open 24/7. You are not alone.

Count Your Blessings

December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. At Wellnessnews, we hosted our Wellness Expo in 2023 and introduced a SeniorsNews newsletter in Victoria. We continue to publish four additional local newsletters here on the island and also grow the WellnessHub, our local online resource. We are grateful for these and many things that we take for granted; clean air, water from the tap and feelings of wellbeing. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.

Meet the Practitioner – Elise Mahadevi

Elise has 30 years of professional experience using a technique of deep tissue bodywork combined with Acur@Pressure. She has fast-tracked hundreds of clients out of pain and immobility so that they can move, work and play pain-free. Many of her clients suffer from spinal misalignments and muscle imbalances which she addresses using her understanding of anatomy and physiology. During a session, Elise uses a combination of techniques similar to Lomi Lomi, Thai Yoga and Swedish Massage, reflexology and energy work. She offers new clients a special introductory rate. Mobile sessions are available between Duncan and Nanaimo and office sessions are available in Duncan.

Embrace a Healthier Future

Are you ready to take control of your health and embrace a brighter future? As we age, strength and nutrition become increasingly crucial in maintaining optimal well-being. Don’t let age be a barrier to your wellness journey. Together, we can defy expectations, challenge stereotypes and discover the incredible potential of our bodies. Come and join Body Tempo Health and Fitness today. Invest in yourself and experience the transformative power of strength and nutrition as you age. By joining our club, you’ll gain access to a supportive community, expert trainers, and personalized fitness and nutrition programs. Your healthier, happier future awaits!

Sharing Time and Holiday Memories

The holiday season often brings about the feeling of “home” and family traditions. Many activities can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. The holidays provide an opportunity to reminisce about special ornaments acquired over the years and decorations that have been part of many special occasions. It is a perfect time to bring out old photo albums so that you can re-live past gatherings through pictures. Sing along with traditional and modern holiday favourites is always a crowd pleaser. The gift of time is the most thoughtful present you can give! Spending time with family and friends is priceless.

Balance Hormones with an Endocrine Massage

An endocrine massage is a very relaxing soft touch massage using Young Living essential oils and crystals. We absorb so much stress from the world into our endocrine system. This stress can unbalance the body and deplete our energy centers leading to Adrenal burnout. Through the use of Young Living essential oils, we help cleanse the endocrine system and balance the body’s hormones. Crystals are used to balance the chakras in the body which run along the same paths as the endocrine glands. An endocrine massage helps to realign the energy centers in the body. Book your massage today!

Gambling Awareness and Education

Gambling has become progressively more complex with the growth of online gambling products worldwide, including sports betting apps, websites, as well as a variety of in-person and lottery products. Vancouver Island Gaming Support (VIGS) helps navigate this emerging landscape. VIGS contracts with Gambling Support BC (GSBC) to offer education and awareness workshops to anyone in the community interested in learning more about gambling-related topics. Topics include seniors and casinos, young adults and sports betting, affected families and friends, brain chemistry and behavioural addictions and more. We also provide outreach support and counselling services at no charge. We are here to help.