Community News
Music and Palliative Care

Caroline’s dad was in palliative care. She wanted to continue singing to him as she had been at home, but he was no longer responding verbally or otherwise. Would he, could he hear her? As hearing is the last of our five senses to fail, he would likely hear! Research in music and medicine also shows that select music decreases the body’s stress response. In the case of family being unable to make the music happen on their own, a certified music therapist is trained to support the family through music and a caring presence during this time.

Smile Confidently

Dental implants from offer a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide patients with the option of having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances. Dental implants are artificial roots (titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or periodontist (a specialist of the gums and supporting bone). The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile! Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years. On occasion they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Come Row With Us!

Quench Coastal Adventures is more than rowing, it is an experience that will quench your desire for fitness, adventure, nature and connection. Coastal rowing is the new rowing sport, the boats are stable, robust, wind and wave ready, so new rowers can learn with fun and safety. Quench combines the ingenuity of these boat designs with a holistic approach to wellness and all this against the beautiful backdrop of the Salish Sea. If you have ever wanted to try rowing, come row with us. This is wellness at it’s natural finest!

Micro-Needling for Beautiful Skin

Proper functioning of our skin cells is the foundation of healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin! As our outermost defence layer, our skin is susceptible to damage: scars caused by acne and burns, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and of course wrinkles and fine lines. Micro-needling can treat the root of this damage. During a treatment, special micro-needles are used to create thousands of micro lesions in the dermis, and this stimulates growth factors that induce collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving the function of the cells and thus the texture and appearance!

What Defines Addiction?

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?

Counselling and Art Play

Not knowing where you belong or fit in the world can be really uncomfortable. It can affect your sense of self, the energy you have, the goals you set, and the way you relate and compare yourself to others. Mindful art play is one way to change that! Counselling and art play can help expose your inner critic, develop self-compassion, deal with difficult memories, open up your creativity and capacity to cope, and develop your sense of self. Counselling, along with art play, provides a safe and neutral place to explore your feelings and options.

Mental Health Resources

Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has information online regarding different mental health issues? As well, your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch can answer any questions you may have and provide services to the public. Workshops and courses are another great way to learn about these issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association along with other organizations in your community offer this service. Research what organizations are around you and call them to find out times, dates and whether courses are available for free at a cost. Visit your local library to take advantage of free resources or head to a bookstore or shop online to purchase.

Contact Lens Wearers & Light Sensitivity

From computer screens to fluorescent lights many of us spend our days surrounded by bright light. Prolonged exposure means hours of squinting, eye strain and headaches. Did you know a whopping 64% of contact lens wearers are bothered by bright light daily? If you count yourself among this majority, we have some exciting news: ultra comfortable ACUVUE® OASYS contact lenses now come with Transitions™. Just like Transitions™ lenses for glasses, these contacts darken with light exposure without drastically changing the look of your beautiful natural eye colour. They also help with less squinting to bright light and reduced halos and starbursts at night.

Book Club: Beyond the Label

Beyond the Label offers a unique perspective on mental health: it shares the author’s own recovery from four major mental health conditions: anxiety, depression (attempted suicide), bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1. The book outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for how others can achieve optimal mental health. A combination of practical clinical experience and years of lived experience, the book shares insight into how diet, exercise, and sleep can be optimized for improved mental wellbeing, as well as strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions, and building self-love and compassion, among other skills.

Words to Live By

“The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.” – Fridtjof Nansen

Get Energized!

Boost your pre or post workout by incorporating chlorophyll-rich greens with Coconut MCT into your daily routine. Studies have shown when taken before exercising, Coconut MCT may reduce lactic acid build up and encourage the body to burn more fat instead of carbs for energy. These can be found in a greens powder formula at your health food store and added to smoothies or water. Taking it in the morning can also make you feel more energized throughout the day. Look for a greens product with Coconut MCT and Maca for sustained energy plus shelf-stable probiotics included to lighten your supplement load!