Honouring a mother on Mother’s Day after she has passed away can be a meaningful and healing experience. People may choose to reflect on cherished memories, revisit places that hold special meaning, or light a candle in her honour. Sharing stories about her with family or continuing traditions she loved can help keep her presence alive. Some find comfort in writing a letter, planting flowers, or doing an act of kindness inspired by her values. Honouring a mother can also mean living in a way that reflects the love, strength, and lessons she shared.
Community News
Downsizing Seminar; May 27
Thinking about downsizing, but not sure where to start? Join us for a FREE seminar from 1 – 3 pm on Wednesday, May 27, at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Whether you’re planning or ready to make a move, this seminar is for you. Topics include organizing, financial and estate planning, and mortgage and real estate options. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641. If you can’t attend and for extra guidance, you can download a free ebook from our website. It offers five practical tips to help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups so that you can take your next steps with confidence.
Gardening Safety Tips
For seniors, gardening can be a rewarding activity; safety is key. *Start by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with good grip to prevent slips. *Use raised garden beds or kneeling pads to reduce strain on your back and knees. *When lifting, bend your knees, not your back, and avoid heavy lifting. *Stay hydrated and wear a hat for sun protection. *Take frequent breaks, and if gardening outside, work in cooler parts of the day. Finally, *keep tools within easy reach to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching. Gardening should be enjoyable, so listen to your body and rest when needed!
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.
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.
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.
Need Care But Can’t See Your Doctor?
Access to medical care is one of the most pressing challenges we face here on Vancouver Island. Through our partnership with Avee Health, we are able to provide: *Same-day virtual access to BC-licensed physicians. *Care For Everyone — with or without a family doctor. *A pharmacist assessment of your condition. *Help with booking. *A connection to a doctor. *And, your prescription filled – all in ONE STOP. Healthcare shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us help you. We offer Accessible care right in your community. Here at the Medicine Shoppe, we care about your health!
