Community News
Helping Someone Deal with Grief

When someone close to you is grieving, it is important to recognise that everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace. Here are some ways to help: Be respectful of their coping methods. Your loved one may not have the answer when asked, “What can I do to help?” Try to spot their needs; Mow their lawn, bring in groceries. There is plenty of support at first, but it will dwindle long before the need does. Let your loved one know that you are aware that they are still in pain, and continue to “Be there for them” as long as it takes.

Online Health and Wellness Resource

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the Wellness Hub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. There are currently a few events listed and we are hoping that soon it will be filled with local community events. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the October Contest. The draw date is October 31, 2021.

Sores in the Mouth

Mouth sores can be caused by infections – bacterial, viral or fungal, a loose orthodontic wire, an ill-fitting denture or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling. Some of the most common mouth sores are: *Canker sores, small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border, *Cold sores are groups of fluid-filled blisters, *Candidiasis, occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. Mouth sores may also be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem. So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it is a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.

Be Proactive with your Safety

We all need to be proactive about our own health and safety and to have options in place so that help can be summoned in an emergency. Some folks let neighbours know they are up and about each day by simply opening the blinds. A daily scheduled phone call is also a good way to ensure that someone knows you are safe. These systems can be developed with neighbours and family. Nanaimo Lifeline can offer additional help. We provide wearable waterproof buttons that can be pressed in an emergency to get you the help you need.

Renew Your Prescriptions Your Way

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers FOUR Ways to renew your Medication, saving you time and ensuring that you never miss a dose. *Our Medicine Shoppe Mobile App is simple, fast, and efficient for regular medication renewals. *Online Renewals – Ideal for long-term drug therapies and regular medication. Renew your medication, set automatic renewals and create reminders. *Medication Synchronization – Synchronize all multiple prescriptions at once. We will contact you once your prescriptions are due to renew. *Phone – call us to renew your prescription. We also offer curbside pick-up and home delivery, making access to your prescriptions easier than ever.

You Can Live Independently in Your Home

We all want an independent lifestyle in the familiarity of our own home; as we age, it may become more difficult. Home care services can help. There is a range of services available which include companionship, homemaking services, personal care and nursing care. The services are easy to initiate with a phone call. At an appointed time, a nurse who adheres to all Covid safety protocols, will come to your home to provide an assessment of your needs. The assessment is free with no obligation to purchase. One or more of these services can help you remain in the comfort of your own home.

Live Life to It’s Fullest

A senior once said to me, “The secret to having everything in life, is believing that you already have it.” There is something to that. Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. It’s not the ‘things’ that matter. It’s the people, the experiences, the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to continue to make new friends, have new experiences and make more wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines were released in September. They include. Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. See more at gamblingguidelines.ca . Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out at VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you!

Selective Hearing?

Would you know if your hearing was impaired? Those with hearing loss are often the last ones to recognize it. Unless related to physical or medical trauma, hearing loss generally occurs slowly over time. The process presents itself as people mumbling, unclear voices, or difficulty hearing through background noise. Friends and family are usually the first to notice when they aren’t being heard, or when they are consistently asked to repeat themselves. You may be tempted to brush it off as selective hearing. But if those close to you have said they suspect you have a hearing loss, it’s time to get your hearing checked.

Options for Complex Care

Residential Care provides medically complex and specialized services for individuals suffering from chronic health issues and functional limitations. If you or your loved one is physically dependant with medical needs that require professional nursing care, look for a residence that provides personalized attention and compassion while respecting the individual’s dignity and independence. When choosing residential care for a loved one, it is important to maintain their quality of life. Look for one with comfortable living space and an individual care plan with 24 hour support in place.

Get Listed on the WellnessHub

Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.