Community News
Fresh Air & Exercise

One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. Summer 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.

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.

Meet Your Practitioner

Michael Sorsdahl brings over 18 years of experience in both group and individual counselling/psychotherapy, focusing on helping individuals of all walks of life overcome mental health challenges, transitioning into inspired career/life balanced living. “I am invested in providing you an experience designed uniquely for you, allowing us to create a complimentary plan to achieve your desired results. Highly experienced in PTSD/trauma therapy, military culture, couples, career counselling, LGBTQ+ and Men’s Issues, I believe my integrated and holistic approach will provide you with the greatest chance of success. Together we will move forward to new areas of understandings in life and healthy living.

Words to Live By

“When meditating over a disease, I never think of finding a remedy for it, but, instead, a means of preventing it.” Louis Pasteur

Healthy Low-Carb Broccoli Salad

A delicious high-protein salad that’s gluten-free and perfect for summer! INGREDIENTS: 3 cups broccoli, chopped; 1/3 cup red onion, chopped; 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped; 2 tbsp sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; stevia to taste ~1/8 to 1/4 tsp. DIRECTIONS: Roughly chop cooked bacon and add to a bowl with the broccoli and red onion. In a blender, blend the yogurt, apple cider vinegar and stevia. Pour the mixture over the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine, and sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top. Refrigerate 30 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!

Can Your Body Relax?

Can you sit by yourself and just be? Calm your mind, meditate? Go for a leisurely walk? If the answer is “Not without difficulty”, your body could be stuck in “fight or flight”. The Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary processes in the body including heart rate, blood pressure and digestion. It can get dysregulated with the sympathetic nervous system staying on, often times as a result of chronic stress. Sound is gaining popularity as a gentle, natural and effective way to help our bodies truly relax. Try high-quality meditative music, a sound bath or the Harmonic Egg!

The Benefits of Floatation Therapy

Floatation therapy has numerous benefits that can help improve physical and mental wellness. Research has shown that floating in sensory deprivation tanks can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, relieve muscle and joint pain, boost creativity and enhance mindfulness. The peaceful, meditative environment in a super saturated bath of Epsom salts that has been heated to body temperature can help individuals become more self-aware, increase self-reflection and promote spiritual growth. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying floatation therapy, especially if you have any medical conditions. Float therapy is a simple, effective way to invest in your own health and happiness.

Sports Betting Lingo Confusion

Straight bet? Parlay? Futures? Propositions (prop bets)? Teaser? What do all these terms mean? Puck line? Money line? Run line? What’s going on? Sports betting seems to have taken on a life of its own. If you are confused, overwhelmed or seeking clarity, please reach out to VI Gaming Support. Not only are we here to support people who are negatively impacted by problematic gambling behaviour, we also offer workshops, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness about gambling in its many forms, whether it is online or in person. Contact us today to find out more.

Time to De-Clutter

As we move from the wet and cool spring months into our warmer and sunnier summer months, we are reminded of renewal and growth. A sure way of bringing some clarity in life and making room for growth is through spring cleaning. When we de-clutter our surroundings, we help to de-clutter our minds, and therefore better engage in the world around us. Take the time through the warmer month of June and do that spring cleaning of your surroundings and mind!

Meet the BC-Grown Aronia Berry

The Aronia berry is dark purple, about the size of a blueberry, with three times the anti-oxidants. Its outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties are well documented. Aronia berries contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown may help in reducing inflammation, free radical damage, and blood glucose in diabetics. Local BC Aronia berries are available frozen to make wonderful smoothies. You can also purchase delicious local Aronia berry juice, jams and bottles of vinegar. When dried, they are excellent in cereal, trail mix and salads. Aronia Berries Are Antioxidant Gold™