People who reside in our independent living community don’t think of themselves as old folks. Residents are artists, writers, photographers and learners, exploring and discovering new things every day. Aging is inevitable; growing old is a choice. Janet Lancey wrote about the label old. In Janet’s words, “Age is not a number, and it has nothing to do with appearance or status. It is, indeed, how you choose to lead your life”. Janet emphasized the importance of grasping opportunities to keep growing, learning, and helping others gain better lives. Residents are encouraged to participate in an array of activities.
Community News
Social Connection is Important
Social isolation, especially among seniors, is a growing problem which was elevated by the pandemic. Social isolation is associated with many health risks including; high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors living alone, a daily Check-In Service can be very beneficial. A check-in service offers a daily phone call and human contact. It provides a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. Nanaimo Lifeline’s Check-In Service aims to support seniors by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within their community.
Are Your Hormones Out of Balance?
Hormones affect many areas of your health; mood, metabolism and sexual/reproductive function. Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body. Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Compounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. With your healthcare provider’s prescription, we can help establish a hormone replacement regimen that brings your hormones back into balance to closely mimic what your body has been doing naturally for years. Kristen offers professional consultations to women interested in hormone replacement solutions.
Community Event – CNOY
Have you registered to walk? The CNOY winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities supporting people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. CNOY funding goes towards life-enhancing programs such as the employability program and life skills programming for people who have languished in isolation, helping them move beyond the basics of shelter and sustenance towards real change and hope. The event takes place on February 25th and features family-friendly 2 or 5-km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.
Prioritize Social Interactions
The winter months can restrict our social interactions and activities if we allow them to happen. It is time to prioritize social interactions and become more active. Being social and active is associated with many health benefits; Activities help our physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health. Walking is a perfect activity that can be done outside when conditions permit or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. Once we start, we tend to do more healthful things, so get out and have a walk with a friend, socialize and engage – you’ll feel better for it!
Superbowl
In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sports betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas oddsmakers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in their neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?
Suffer from Anxiety?
Hypnotherapy can help. Hypnotherapy is a therapy that accesses our subconscious mind to bring peace to our inner world allowing safety, confidence and healing to be our new normal. Many clients find hypnotherapy to be the key to a lifelong change. It is effective, and brief and allows a level of security to be realized that talk therapy cannot reach since hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious mind directly. It can help to clear: depression, disordered eating, anger and much more.
Wellness Expo – FREE Community Event
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living™ is thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Wellness Expo on February 25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. The Expo is FREE to attend. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks and door prizes.
Let’s Talk About Chocolate
Chocolate is made from the seeds or nibs of the Cocoa tree. Dried nibs are crushed with sugar and dairy, to make milk chocolate. My favourite kitchen staple, Cocoa powder, is made by crushing the nibs into cocoa liquor. Then liquor is pressed to separate out the cocoa butter and the cocoa powder. Good quality chocolate is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, which is one of the reasons ladies crave it around that time of the month. It can also be a source of antioxidants WHEN minimally processed as the processing can cause the antioxidants to denature.
Eat Right for Your Heart
The facts: in Canada *1 in 2 people are overweight, *11.7 million people live with diabetes or prediabetes, *and 2.6 million have heart disease. 80% of chronic diseases and premature death are preventable with healthy living. Healthy eating is key. It is time to take back our kitchens and commit to making healthy food choices for ourselves and our families. It is possible to cook and eat healthily on a budget. It is recommended that heart-healthy meals be low in sodium and low in sugar. Epicure offers meal solutions low in sodium and sugar that are also gluten-free.
There Is No Quick Fix
Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!
