Do you floss your teeth? Flossing is an activity that you should not neglect. It is as important to floss every day as it is to brush your teeth. Brushing alone can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. Proper flossing helps remove the plaque and debris that adhere to your teeth and gums. It also helps to control bad breath by removing the decaying food that may be stuck between your teeth. Make it a habit to floss at the end of the day. Your mouth will be cleaner and your dental hygienist will praise you.
I Hear You: Why a Hearing Test Matters
Strong relationships thrive on good communication. Here’s why scheduling a hearing test is an act of care for yourself and those you love. 1) Deepen intimacy by truly hearing shared stories. 2) Be present and make memories at gatherings. 3) Reduce frustration and boost happiness by easing communication struggles. 4) Enjoy conversations without constant repeats. 5) Show love by taking concerns about your hearing seriously. Prioritizing your hearing means nurturing trust, joy, and meaningful connections. Contact us today for a free consultation and hearing test. Because hearing well isn’t just about sound—it’s about staying close to the people who matter.
Move to Keep Your Tissues Limber
The fascia is the organ that gives your body its shape. Fascia is plastic, which means it has the ability to change. It will take on the forms that you put it in the most. If you spend a large portion of the day seated in front of a computer with your head and shoulders forward, the front line of your body will likely shorten to help hold you in that position. This puts strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. To help keep your tissues limber and adaptive, try to get up from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes.
Downsizing Seminar; Sept 23 & Oct 29
Thinking about downsizing but not sure where to start? Join us for a FREE seminar from 1 – 3 pm on Tuesday, Sept 23 or Wednesday, Oct 29 at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to make a move, this seminar is for you. Guest speakers include industry professionals: *Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist/Professional Organizer. *Adam Hawryluk, Flawless Financing. Discover mortgage options. *Dale Harvey, Compass Point Financial. How to Make Your Money Last as long as you do. *Colby Althouse, Notary Public, Estate Planning for Seniors. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641.
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
These tips will help you provide the best care for your loved one while maintaining your well-being: *Educate yourself: Learn about the disease’s progression, symptoms, and treatments to better understand and support your loved one. *Create a Safe Environment: Remove hazards and establish a predictable, organized space. *Effective Communication: Use clear, patient communication, maintain eye contact, and listen actively, even when their words are unclear. * Establish a routine: Consistency provides comfort; set a daily schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. * Seek Support for Yourself: Seek help from support groups, respite care, or other family members or caregivers.
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Your Personal Pharmacist can review your medications and supplements and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication. With the expanded role of pharmacists to prescribe medications for minor ailments and their ability to book a doctor’s appointment for you, they are a great resource to help you navigate your health care. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo today.
Pilates for Athletes
Pilates can be highly beneficial for athletes of all levels. Benefits include: *Core Strength and Stability: Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which are essential for stability, balance, and power generation. *Flexibility and Range of Motion: Pilates exercises help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tightness, which can reduce injury risk and improve performance. *Injury Prevention: By addressing muscle imbalances, improving body awareness, and promoting efficient movement, Pilates helps athletes move with greater precision and stability, reducing the risk of injuries. At Return to Form, we help you feel powerful in your body.
Tips to Refocus Your Mind
Do racing thoughts keep you up at night or make it hard to focus during the day? A simple yet powerful solution only requires a pen and a piece of paper. When your mind fixates on emotionally charged or important thoughts, it’s trying to help, but ends up hijacking your focus. Give your brain space to process by writing down everything swirling in your head: worries, to-do lists, questions—anything. No need to filter. Take one minute or five. Once it’s on paper, your mind can refocus. Regularly writing down your thoughts improves mood, reduces stress, and even supports overall well-being.
Seniors Fair – Friday, September 12
Join us for a special event celebrating and supporting our senior community in a beautiful garden setting! Browse a variety of local vendors and connect with valuable community resources. The Seniors Fair takes place on Friday, September 12th between 10 am and 3 pm at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Road. Everyone is welcome to this FREE community event featuring: *Free hearing tests and health services, *Door Prizes, and *Light refreshment. For more information, please call 250-722-2244.
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors
Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D, which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful, so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round, especially in these sunny summer months! * See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you reapply a minimum of SPF 30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum,” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!
Exercise for a Healthy Mind
Regular exercise boosts brain function in seniors by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of chemicals that support brain cell health. Walking, swimming, or yoga enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving skills while lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also supports better sleep and mood, reducing anxiety and depression, which are linked to poor brain health. Studies show that consistent physical activity can even slow the progression of dementia and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors, staying active is not just about physical fitness—it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind.


