Community News
There Is No Quick Fix

Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!

Resolutions for 2023

With the start of the new year, we are hopeful that it will different than the last two years. 2022 is now officially over and as we embark on 2023, it is time to move forward. Let’s work on making resolutions that will help us through. Focus on that all-important Self-care (and Community-care)! Find the things in life that are enjoyable (and able to do within the constrictions of the pandemic), and resolve to commit to them regularly. Be specific yet flexible, and most importantly, make them enjoyable (not just healthy)!

Is Your Liver Healthy?

The liver plays a major role in many processes in our body (immunity, hormonal balance, detox). It is negatively impacted by increasing amounts of toxins in our food, household and beauty products and environment. Unfortunately, many of us don’t recognize the cry of our liver for help and don’t realize it has become sluggish and toxic until it starts seriously failing. There are many things you can do to support your liver: good sleep, no alcohol, a better diet (avoiding refined sugars, carbs and fats). In the Harmonic Egg we use orange and yellow lights, flute music and wood elements.

Welcome 2023

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to concentrate on health and wellness? The WellnessHub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource has great information to help you with your health and wellness journey. It 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 WellnessHub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest sponsored by the Float House. The draw date is January 31, 2023. Happy New Year!

Socks for Healthy Circulation

Today’s travel often involves long flights in cramped seats that can be very hard on your circulation. Wearing socks with mild compression will comfortably help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling. The compression steadily squeezes your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. They offer a simple, safe and economical way to keep blood from stagnating. Others things that will help you during long flights include getting up and stretching every hour while flying, staying hydrated and flexing your ankles every 30 minutes.

The Impact of Diet and Stress Reduction

Let’s explore the impact diet, activity, and stress reduction can have on our wellbeing! We already know that chronic stress impacts hormones and causes imbalances within the body; elevated stress causes a weakened immune system and poor digestion. When eating a diet high in processed carbohydrates, the body is being flooded with sugar causing further hormone imbalances, leading to body wide inflammation. Inflammation in the gut causes inflammation in the brain; research is now showing that cases of depression and anxiety are linked to brain inflammation based on the foods we eat! Take control of your health.

Gut Health

Food and beverages are the determinants of our health and the health of our gut. Human microbiome (bacteria and other micro-organisms living in our gut), probiotics and prebiotics are relatively new terms in our everyday vocabulary but their importance on human health cannot be underestimated. With microbiome status being linked to several symptoms and health conditions including mental health, practical knowledge of the management of the microbiome in our gut, gives a promise of improvement of the health of our bodies and how we feel. Our dietary choices should include prebiotics and probiotics and foods to support the microbiome.

Coldest Night of the Year

The Coldest Night of the Year is Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness. Since 2011, it has raised more than $56 million in 166 communities across Canada. The Coldest Night of the year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. Team up, walk, and fundraise! It’s cold out there… but there’s no place like home. The event takes place on February 25th. The event features family-friendly 2 or 5 km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved with the Victoria event that raises funds for Our Place Society.

Cardio Testing at Home

Island Mobile Cardiology Testing offers 12-lead ECGs and Holter Monitoring in your residence, office or clinic on Southern Vancouver Island. When ordered by a physician, their services are covered by MSP. All test results are interpreted by a cardiologist. Their mission is to make cardiac testing accessible and convenient for all patients by eliminating barriers such as transportation, mobility and time. At Island Mobile Cardiology Testing, they strive to reduce stress and increase comfort for patients and caregivers.

Strengthening Bones and Muscles

Our bones play vital roles in the body, providing structural support, protecting organs, and storing calcium. It’s important to build strong and healthy bones during adolescence and imperative to take steps to protect bone health as adults and seniors. Eating certain foods high in calcium, vitamin D, protein and magnesium can strengthen both your bones and muscles. Getting these necessary nutrients can help seniors improve their physical health and mobility. Some foods that are rich in these nutrients include low-fat dairy, fortified plant milk products, nuts, leafy greens, winter squash, fish, liver, egg yolks, whole grains, beans and seeds.