Community News
Words To Live By

Father’s Day is for every guy who holds nothing back…who gives his heart, soul, and energy to those he cares about and still finds a way to love them more every single day. —Andrew Blackburn

Golden Gamers

“Golden Gamers” is a term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.

Spring Clean Your Life

May is a great time to spring clean your home and spruce up your exercise and eating habits. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the May Contest for a chance to win a Holistic Health Plan sponsored by Rose Nutrition.

5 ways healthy hearing can improve your life

“Do you want to go out for dinner?”

That’s a question that always deserves an enthusiastic “Yes!”

But what if you stop yourself from enjoying a restaurant dinner because you find it too hard to follow a conversation in a noisy environment?

There have been tremendous advances in hearing aid technology since your grandparents’ day. Hearing aids can be highly customized to adapt to specific types of hearing loss and they are so discreet, they are barely noticeable.

Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will lead to a happier, more fulfilling life

  1. You’ll say yes more often

Two people feel badly when you have to say “no” to an invitation. You, and the person doing the asking. Think of how much better you’ll feel when you can embrace new opportunities — and try out that new restaurant everyone’s raving about.

  1. No more excuses

It can be difficult to explain why you are isolating yourself. Sometimes you make up reasons not to join friends or family at events. It’s hard for them to understand why, especially since all they want is to spend time with you.

  1. You’ll feel more in control of your life

We waste a lot of energy finding ways to cope with awkward situations. It’s better to turn the awkward situation into a positive one. You’ll be glad you’re doing something about your hearing loss — and others will be, too.

  1. Only actors get applause for pretending to be someone they’re not

Stop nodding your head to make people think you understand what they’re saying. Chances are they haven’t been fooled.

  1. You can live in the moment

You have the right to feel fully involved in life. Your life. It wears you down to keep saying, “Pardon? Can you repeat that?” The only thing that needs repeating is time spent enjoying the company of others.

If you think it’s time to start living life in the fullest, or know someone who needs a gentle nudge, book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-776-4733

Supercharge Your Immune System

Scientist John Stuart Reid made an amazing discovery. He took two test tubes of red blood cells and placed one in a chamber in complete silence and the other was exposed to music. He then measured the number of cells in each tube. The tube exposed to music multiplied so much that they overloaded the cell counter. The cells were brilliant red and robust. The experiment was done with white blood cells with similar results. He concluded that when immersed in music one is supercharging their immune system. Bathe yourself in the sound of music for an immune boost extraordinaire.

Spring Nutrition for Seniors

Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.

It is Time to Garden

Spring is in the air so it’s the perfect time to get outside and start gardening! Gardening a great way to stay active and get some fresh air; it can also do wonders for the soul. There’s nothing quite like watching your plants grow and thrive and seeing the fruits (or vegetables) of your labour. If you’re new to gardening, don’t worry – there are plenty of resources and helpful tips available from fellow gardeners in your community. So grab your gloves and trowel, and let’s get planting! Your mind and body will thank you.

Profile: Heart to Home Meals

Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious, nutritious meals right to your door. The company’s team of experts has developed a wide-ranging menu to suit many tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyles, including high-protein, low carbohydrates and/or saturated fat, low sodium, high fibre, vegetarian, and no added sugar options. Heart to Home Meals has a useful diet coding system to help you choose meals that are right for you. Meals also come in mini versions (for smaller appetites), hearty versions (for larger appetites), as well as minced or pureed options. It’s as easy as ordering online or by phone!

Smell the Flowers

April showers bring May flowers, at least that is how the saying goes. As we enter into May, it is important to remember to stop and smell the roses, or any other flower or scent you like to smell! Often we get so caught up in the “doings” of life, we forget to remember to be. So take a moment every day to just stop, take a deep breath, look around and work to appreciate just being you at the moment.

Setting Healthy Boundaries at Work

Occupational burnout has been defined as a recognizable syndrome by the World Health Organization. Burnout results in physical and mental fatigue, poor productivity and overall health. Employers and employees need to set healthy boundaries to create healthy, high performing workplaces. Here are some great ways to prevent burnout: • Nourish a safe culture making it ok to admit if the workload is too high • Compromise and negotiate workload • Delegate • Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize • Create a ‘not-to-do’ list • Take breaks • Practice mindfulness • Practice saying no • Offer flexibility or telecommuting options Find more workplace wellness tips at WellnessWorksCanada.ca.

Fresh Air & Exercise for Well-being

One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Springtime is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.