Community News
Interesting Ear Facts

Ears, beyond hearing, are remarkable for several reasons: *They aid balance, *get bigger throughout life due to natural aging and gravity, *are self-cleaning, *remain alert even during sleep, and *house delicate non-regenerating hair cells crucial for hearing. The ears also regulate pressure changes via the Eustachian tube and are connected to the nose and throat as part of an intricate system. Having two ears helps us figure out which direction sounds are coming from. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, book a free consultation today.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

The Mayo Clinic recommends 7 or more hours of sleep per night for adults. Sleep is very important for everyone, including seniors. Not getting enough sleep contributes to a higher risk of many health issues, including *depression and anxiety, *dementia, *obesity, *cardiovascular disease, and *stroke in older adults. Sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves our brain performance, mood, and health. During sleep, our bodies are working to support healthy brain function. Sleep is a time of healing, rest, and recovery; it touches every aspect of health.

New Year: New Possibilities

With the return of buyers to our market, thanks to interest rate changes, 2025 could be your year to make a move. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, a plan of action would be helpful in your decision-making process. This could include downsizing, house preparation, advice from specialists such as lawyers and financial advisors, and, most importantly, determining where to move! Seemingly daunting, we’ve helped hundreds of people in your position. We’d be happy to chat about your real estate needs.

Community Profile: The Empowered Estate

Confident Planning, Lasting Impact! Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. The Empowered Estate offers a comprehensive way to organize essential documents, personal wishes, and legacy in one place. What makes us unique? Through interactive workshops and monthly ‘accountability parties,’ we ensure your binder gets completed while making the process enjoyable! Shelley Essery brings 20+ years as a legal administrator, combined with a heart-centred approach. Karla Kerr, a licensed funeral director, helps families document wishes and have meaningful conversations. Ready to get started? Join our next workshop today!

Supporting Our Communities

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. This fundraiser helps Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association run programs that provide shelter, care, and holistic support, empowering people to step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2025 takes place on February 22nd, 2025, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.

Dentures to Improve You Oral Health

Start 2025 with a new smile! If you’re considering dentures, now is the perfect time to improve your oral health. Modern dentures offer better comfort, a natural look, and enhanced fit, helping you feel more confident every day. Whether you need full or partial dentures, personalized solutions designed for long-lasting comfort and improved functionality are available. Ready to take the next step? Visit us today at Oak Bay Denture Clinic to explore your options and get the perfect dentures tailored to your needs. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile this year!

Health and Wellness Programs in Victoria

Creating Community Wellness Society (CCWS) is a charitable
organization providing health and wellness programs in
Victoria. The Victoria Community Health Centre (VCHC) is
located at 200-1075 Pendergast Street. From this location in
Cook Street Village, we run a nurse led Community Health
Centre. Our full-scope Registered Nurses provide a wide array
of services including health assessments, injections, wound
care, blood pressure monitoring, ear cleaning, and referral and
assistance with virtual Dr. visits. We also provide wellness
sessions with topics selected by the community. Contact us for
more information.

Exercise & Alzheimer’s

Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.

Profile: James Bay New Horizons Society

We provide accessible programs, services, and volunteer opportunities to our members and residents in general. Our goal is to help people maintain, improve, and develop new skills, interests, and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of our members and visitors. Membership benefits include: *Participate in all programs, services, and special events, including games, painting, movies, music, fitness, and many more. *Borrow books, CDs, and movies at no cost. *Opportunity to become involved with volunteer work. *Meet new friends and more. Contact us today for more information!

Caregiver Compassion Fatigue

Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. Over time, some caregivers may find themselves going through the motions of caregiving without taking time out to focus on their own needs—often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. They may experience compassion fatigue. Here are a few steps to return to feeling positive about caring for loved ones. *Practice a self-care regimen: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep. *Carve out time to spend with friends and maintain social connections. *Find a caregiver support program. Comfort Keepers® can help.