Wintery conditions do not usually last long on Vancouver Island but it is good to be prepared for snow and ice. When walking outdoors, wear shoes or boots with traction because there is nothing worse than having footwear without grip. Make sure that your footwear also provides support for your ankles as that can help you avoid a slip. Using Walking poles is a great way to avoid slips and to get steady balance. Sign up for a free Walking pole seminar and be weather ready!

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 [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2

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.

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.

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!

Hearing loss develops gradually, making it hard to catch. Signs of hearing loss include: *Turning up the volume of the TV or radio, *Frequently asking other to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly, *Perceiving usual background noise as unnaturally loud and *Having to concentrate very hard during conversations. If you think you are experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to see a hearing care professional. It is recommended that you get your hearing tested every three years beginning at the age of 50, or earlier if you are experiencing hearing loss symptoms. Book your free hearing test with a hearing care professionals today!

Each January, many of us set big health goals only to get overwhelmed and quickly stopping because it is too hard. When setting goals, it’s easier to do small, simple things. This can be as simple as a 10 minute walk a day, cutting down coffee by one cup a day, or stretching for 10 minutes before bed. Another simple goal is regular chiropractic care to ensure proper structural alignment. This will reduce muscle imbalances which can lead to overworked muscles and joint injury. Call for a free consult to see how a chiropractor can help you get better this year.

Navigating the information on CBD oil can be mind boggling. Is it hype or a miracle? The truth lays in the Endocannabinoid system which was discovered when scientists began exploring cannabis. They discovered a master regulator in our body for maintaining homeostasis and building resiliency. The Endocannabinoid system has multiple receptor sites. Understanding how these receptors are activated is your golden key to better health. Some of its major functions include: *Modulates brain function, *Regulation of hormone secretion, *Lipid synthesis, *Energy homeostasis and *Glucose metabolism. Find out more in an upcoming a class or webinar.