Community News
Give the Gift of Beautiful Skin

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a special day to treat your loved one; it is also a great time to treat yourself. This year, instead of gifts that will last a few days such as chocolates or flowers, give a gift that will nourish and protect their skin. When selecting gifts of beauty, look for natural, handcrafted skin products made without harmful chemicals or allergens. Pure, organic ingredients such as Coconut oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter and Essential Oils soothe, nourish, and moisturize skin – naturally. This Valentine’s day, give the gift of luxurious skin care products to yourself and to your loved one.

Community Profile: IRIS

IRIS has been serving downtown Nanaimo for over 20 years. They take pride in providing expert care from the Optometrists to the Opticians and staff members. Their collaborative eyecare services include eye health and vision examinations, a large selections of frames & sunglasses, contact lens fittings and adjustments and alignments. IRIS Nanaimo is very pleased to welcome Optometrist Dr. Amir Anoushehpour to the team. Dr. Anoushehpour and Dr. Ng are firm believers that communication and working with the patient is the key to success in experiencing better vision and managing eye health Saturday appointments are available.

Soul – Mind – Body and Essential Oils

The foundation of holistic health is based on Soul – Mind – Body. *Soul: our intuitive ability and our drive for meaning and purpose, connection, competency, autonomy, security, and creativity. *Mind: Rational thought AND Emotions. Emotions rely information when we learn to understand them. *Body: Physical Form. How these three interact is what determines our health. Treating only the body will not lead to healing if the illness is a manifestation of suppressed emotions or thwarted spirit. Essential Oils have been used for spiritual work as long as there has been spiritual work. Holistic health comes with holistic tools.

Great Socks for Travel

Many of us have compression socks for traveling. On the day of travel, put them on when you get up; that is when your legs are less swollen. This allows your body to adapt to the socks. Make sure to leave them on for a few hours after you land to again allow your body to adapt. Wearing the socks for the extra time can reduce any swelling of the legs much more effectively than if they are taken straight off. Travel socks do not work unless you wear them. If the ones you have are not comfortable, look for a different kind.

Natural Foot and Back Pain Relief

Did you know that lack of stability and balance account for a large portion of foot and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology. Come see a balance demo at the Wellnessnews Women’s Expo on February 8th at the VI Conference Centre.

Gambling Support and Treatment Services

Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at selfexclusion@bclc.com or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2

Keep Skin Hydrated This Winter

Winter weather can bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin all over your body. As soon as you turn on the heat inside your house, be it electric, wood or natural gas, your skin begins to dry out. During this time, it is very important to use skincare products that hydrate, nourish and pamper the skin. If not hydrated, skin can get so dry that it begins to flake or crack. Use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to nourish and repair your skin – naturally.

Tips for Good Health in 2020

One of the top resolutions for the New Year is to be healthier. The whole process can feel like an impossible task so here are some tips: •GET MOVING: you don’t have to run marathons. Getting out for a brisk 30-minutes daily walk burns calories and is a free, easy way to be active. •FIND AN ACTIVITY YOU LOVE: Our Active Passes offer unlimited entry to all of our public swimming, skating, weight rooms and gymnasium activities. •BUDDY UP: invite a friend to join in your wellness journey. It’s more fun, and it holds you more accountable.

Role of a Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; and are trained on diseases, symptoms, treatment and signs that require an appointment with a doctor. Your pharmacist will ensure your prescribed medication is appropriate for your health issue, is the correct dose based on your weight and kidney health and does not interact with any medication you are already taking. As appropriate, you pharmacist may suggest a complementary treatment to prevent side effects and can help ensure that you aren’t taking drugs that are no longer needed. If you feel unwell, your pharmacist may recommend an OTC medication or refer you to a health care professional.

Time for a Retirement Community?

January means back to the regular routine after getting together with family over the holidays. Sometimes these holiday gatherings bring new worries. As our family member ages, concerns about how to manage health problems start to crop up. Most people would like to stay in their homes and have family members help them out. But this isn’t always possible. You may not have training to provide the care. Or it could be distance—family members may live far apart. This is where a retirement community with a long-term care option can provide a safe and structured environment for you or your loved one.

Tips to Shovel Snow Safely

With the return of snow shovelling as the full body seasonal workout, there is an increased risk of sprains and strains. Prevent injuries by employing a few tips: *Do a 5 minute full body warm up before shovelling. * Scoop and push small amounts of snow. *Lift and move weight with your legs. *Engage core muscles to assist in stability, balance and limb movement. *Check your posture. As we tire our posture tends to fail. This is the time for a break, sip hot cocoa and reset yourself. For instruction on effective posture and core awareness, ask your Physiotherapist!