Relationships are a key source of strength and help build resilience in these strenuous times. This Valentine’s Day, let’s not forget to remember our significant others… lovers… or those who have stood by us in the darkest times of this past year. Take time to reflect on how important your loved ones are to you, remembering to connect in meaningful ways. Reminding those who are special to you this Valentine’s day how much they mean to you with a call, a thank you, or a hug that lasts just a little longer than usual brings more love into the world
Community News
Online Gaming Player Health
What does player health on online gaming and gambling platforms look like? Playnow, BCLC’s online platform continues to offer player support via their Game Sense Advisor program, including an active chatbox staffed by one of your GSA’s. Players are encouraged to *Stick to their time and financial limits *Take physical breaks from the screens *Walk around and to do something else for a while *Remain sober while playing *Use App-blockers if needed. Feel free to reach out to our outreach team for support. This pandemic is taking a toll on us all. We’re always here to help!
Pharmacy at Home Program
Today we are all staying at home as much as possible so it is comforting to know that a pharmacist can come to you. The Pharmacy at Home Program brings a pharmacist to your home at no additional cost. The pharmacist will identify all the prescription and non-prescription medication you take, discuss how they are best taken and will create a medication management plan. This may mean being able to stay in your own home longer, reduced number of hospital visits and improved quality of life for you and your caregiver. Contact us to book a medication review with your pharmacist.
How to Write a Condolence Note
Finding the words to write a note of comfort to friends and family who have lost a loved one can be difficult. It does not need to be a lengthy message. Generally, a few heartfelt sentences are enough. Simply express your sympathy and let the recipients know that your thoughts are with them during this difficult time. Acknowledge the loss and refer to the deceased by name. Sharing a fond memory of the deceased is a wonderful addition to the message. End the note with a kind word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy
Ozone Therapy Increases Oxygen Utilization
What makes us healthy and invulnerable to disease? Discover this for yourself right now. Hold your breath for 60 seconds. What happened? Clearly there is absolutely nothing as critical to our health as oxygen metabolism. Oxygen utilization is the single most important predictor of your risk for degenerative disease and premature aging. As we get older our cells become less able to efficiently use the oxygen we breathe, some as much as 50%! Ozone therapy activates the immune system, prevents free radical damage and helps the body detoxify, the ultimate preventative tool to stay healthy and happy into old age.
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention
What a tough year it has been! Everyone is at wit’s end with Covid fatigue. With vaccines now rolling out in care homes and the promise for the rest of Canada’s seniors on the heels of that, we will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a long, tough haul so it is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to remain vigilant a little longer. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention line is open 24 hours/day with wonderful volunteers who genuinely care – 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).
Residential Care – Access to 24/7 Assistance
Residential care, sometimes known as complex care, offers 24/7 nursing and care support. This level of care is designed for those in need of intermediate care, extended care, dementia care, respite care and palliative care. Residents receive: *Three meals a day customized as per the individual’s dietary needs *Medication support and management *Assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and other hygiene-related tasks *24 hour on-call nurse *Housekeeping and laundry services *Access to entertainment, activities and socializing. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, occupational and physiotherapists ensure both the body and soul of residents are nurtured.
The Need for Social Support
Feeling that we belong and that others care about us is important to all of us. People need people. Social support is exactly that: the sense of belonging and care we get from others. At uncertain times, it’s important to identify what we need and to remind ourselves that there are people we can reach out to who can help. This support can be in different forms such as *providing knowledge or information *bringing a different point of view *emotional support *immediate assistance. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Community Profile: Ears to You
Today’s technology makes life a little more convenient; a watch that knows your body fat percentage and the ability operate your lawn sprinkler from any time zone. Now you have the convenience of getting the correct hearing aid, at the right price, without leaving your own driveway. So long, boring beige office; this mobile office comes to you. Jeff Campbell, hearing specialist with decade of experience and founder of Ears to You, brings you a truly custom and personalized approach to hearing heath – complete with a streamlined booking system, to-your-door service and diligent follow up.
It’s COLD out there.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a Covid-safe, family-friendly walk to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over 33.5 million dollars in 144 communities across Canada. In Nanaimo and Oceanside, the walks raise funds for the Island Crisis Care Society. This year it is your own self-organized micro-walk! Register now and gather with your Covid-safe bubble (or on your own) and get walking. Please see their website for more information.
Gambling to Relieve Stress?
Covid-19’s second wave crashed hard onto our shores. Although public health orders restricted our holiday festivities, our credit card bills may be starting to pile up. During these times, online gambling can become attractive to people seeking to relieve stress or to alleviate financial burdens. This could potentially place us in a position to gamble beyond our means, especially when left to our own devices and seeking comfort. If you or someone you love is struggling with a gambling issue, please call 1-888-795-6111. Or go to https://bit.ly/3nxYiFV to directly send a message. A Gambling Outreach Support worker will contact you within 24 hours.
