Community News
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.

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.

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.

Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis

Arthritis is a serious and debilitating condition affecting 1 out of every 5 Canadians. Causing pain and mobility restriction due to chronic inflammation, arthritis can lead to irreversible damage to the joints. There are several measures that we can take to treat and prevent this condition. To reduce your risk of arthritis, you can; *Control your blood sugar levels to reduce inflammation, *Exercise and stretch daily to keep your joints mobile, and *Eat fish twice a week to get your Omega-3s which help reduce inflammation (Yummy!).

Benefits of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.