Community News
Music and Dementia

The effects of dementia are devastating to individuals and their families. Researchers are keen to find ways to ease its symptoms and restore abilities and memory. Studies on music and dementia have shown promising findings. Did you know that the area of the brain associated with musical memory tends to be least affected by dementia? Music therapy may help reduce cognitive decline while improving the memory of people with dementia. In one study, test subjects performed better on memory tests when they listened to music. It has also been found that the emotional content of music can bring back emotional memories.

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.

Search for Meaning

Depression and anxiety are experiences for many individuals. These conditions can create challenges that feel overwhelming and insurmountable at times. One way to approach this is through existential approaches to counselling. In Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning, he writes how we can fill our lives with meaning by incorporating three main pillars: 1) the freedom to will—choosing your own path to follow; 2) the will to meaning—finding what is personally meaningful; and 3) the meaning to life—one’s personal meaning brought forward by the work or deed and their connection to others.

Join the WellnessHub Today

Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.

Aronia Berries are Powerful Antioxidants

Today more than ever, a healthy immune system is important. According to Healthline, Aronia berries may strengthen the immune system and even counteract some infections. Aronia –grown in BC – contains powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free oxygen radicals from cells. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Research shows that in diabetics, Aronia berry juice, when taken regularly, reduced blood glucose. Aronia extracts have also reduced inflammation and improved immunity. In hard-to-treat cancers, combining Aronia with chemotherapy improved the effectiveness of conventional drugs.

Community Health Centres in Victoria

The Victoria Community Health Co-operative is currently offering Nursing services based on a Community Health Centre model. Services are available at no cost with a BC MSP card. We are located in Cook Street Village at #200-1075 Pendergast Street. Our nurses are able to assist you by providing a nursing assessment and recommendations. We provide navigation services to assist you to connect with other healthcare providers as required. In keeping with the principle of community well-being, we offer wellness sessions on a regular basis. Contact us or visit our website to find out more.

Is My Next Home Big Enough?

The prospect of downsizing is difficult to comprehend. When moving from a family home of over 30 years, often with 3,000 or more square feet, how can one squeeze everything into a 2- or 1-bedroom apartment? It’s remarkable how we typically congregate around the same few rooms in the house: the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, leaving many rooms unused for months or even years! Often, improved configuration actually makes day-to-day living more enjoyable. Careful planning is crucial, with many services available to help. We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.

Rebalance, Reset & Relax

The human body is amazing. It can be rebalanced and reset on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. A therapy session in The Harmonic Egg, a uniquely engineered bio resonance chamber, activates the body’s repair mechanism to promote profound relaxation. With the fusion of advanced technology and ancient wisdom, it uses the vibrational energies of sacred geometry, light, colour and sound. These frequencies vibrate to create a 360 degree amplified resonance experience that returns the body to homeostasis. Each energy therapy session is individually tailored and is precisely controlled, consistent, and repeatable. It is completely non-invasive and 100% safe.

New Technology for Denture Production

New digital representation is replacing the traditional denture impression process, which is not everyone’s favourite procedure. Digital impressions for dentures involve advanced digital technology, such as an intraoral scanner that captures thousands of pictures. The resulting scan is used to create detailed and precise 3D images of a patient’s oral structures, including tissues and teeth. The digital data can be used, both traditionally and digitally, to design and manufacture dentures with improved accuracy and efficiency. This combined approach often takes less time and is convenient for individuals who are unwilling to undergo traditional impressions.

Tips for Spring Cleaning

The green season is upon us and with it comes Spring Cleaning! Many people dread this yearly task; the best way to tackle it is to go low and slow. Go through one drawer or cupboard a day to get the ball rolling in the right direction without taxing yourself. In the bathroom, look for expired medications. Collect these and take them to the pharmacy for proper disposal. Ask for help. Decluttering with the help of a friend can make the task much easier. Or call us to help you! We are here to support you holistically, body, mind, and home.

Navigating Your End-of-Life Planning

The phrase “getting our affairs in order” is commonly associated with preparing for the end of life. However, it’s important to understand that organizing our affairs is beneficial at any stage of life. Estate planning is a crucial step towards ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death and also ensuring your medical and financial affairs are in order during your life in the event of incapacity. Come join us for this free session at St. Patrick’s Parish, located at 2060 Haultain Street in Victoria, on Wednesday, April 24 from 1:30 to 3:30.