Community News
March Trivia

.1.What food never spoils?
2.What percentage of the immune system is linked to the gut?
3.True or False? Eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids.

Did You Know?

About 60% of your brain is made of fat, which is why healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish, nuts, and seeds) are important for brain health.

Book Club: Just One Heart:

A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness
In Just One Heart, Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a Harvard-trained cardiologist and mindfulness teacher, offers an evidence-based guide to wholehearted living, grounded in the latest research from medicine, psychology, and neuroscience. Blending Western science and Eastern wisdom, this book shares practical tools and daily practices to reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with what matters most—while protecting and strengthening your heart.

BINGO: Normalize Feelings

After identifying what you feel, the next step is to remind yourself that emotions are part of being human. Feeling sad, angry, anxious, or uncertain does not mean something is wrong with you. It means you are having a natural response to life’s challenges. When we normalize our emotions, we remove shame and make space for compassion. Feelings don’t need to be justified; they just are. In the BINGO model, N stands for Normalize, the reminder that every feeling is valid, and that understanding begins with acceptance.

Heart Health, Hearing Health

Healthy aging starts with caring for both your heart and your hearing. Research indicates a significant correlation between cardiovascular health and hearing health. The inner ear relies on steady blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and reduced circulation can damage delicate hair cells, leading to hearing loss. Supporting heart health through regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stress management and quitting smoking can also help protect hearing. Conditions such as high blood pressure can affect blood flow to the ears, making regular checkups essential. At Beltone, we support healthy aging with free hearing assessments and innovative hearing solutions to help you hear your best at every stage of life.

Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

Light therapy can be an effective way to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in seniors, especially during the darker winter months. SAD can cause low mood, fatigue, sleep changes, and loss of interest in daily activities. Light therapy involves sitting near a specially designed light box that mimics natural sunlight, usually for 20 to 30 minutes each morning. This exposure can help regulate sleep cycles and boost mood by supporting healthy circadian rhythms. For seniors, light therapy is noninvasive and easy to use. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting to ensure safe and proper use.

Solutions for Toe Discomfort

Do you have hammer toes? Claw toes? Mallet toes? These are very common lesser toe malalignments that can make it very challenging to fit into footwear comfortably. Over time the forefoot arch, or transverse arch of the foot, begins to splay and drop. This can create high pressure on the ball of the foot, encouraging toes to curl and deform. Custom foot orthotics are a fantastic tool to help alleviate uncomfortable pressure caused by hammer toes. At Common Sense Orthotics, there is an on-site lab, so your local pedorthists can fine-tune your orthotics to best support your tricky toe discomforts! 

Fall Back in Love with Your Home

February is all about love — and that includes loving where you live. Take a moment to appreciate your
home and give it a little extra care. Freshly cleaned floors, sparkling bathrooms, and dust-free corners
can make every room feel more comfortable and inviting. It’s amazing how a thorough clean can renew
your space and lift your spirits. Treat yourself and your home this month — TCB Cleaning Services will handle the work so you can simply enjoy the comfort of a well-cared-for space.

Celebrations of Life Can Aid Healing

Grief can feel overwhelming. Remembering loved ones through celebrations can offer comfort and healing. Whether it’s lighting a candle or sharing stories with family in a personalized celebration, these small acts help keep their memories alive. Celebrations of Life provide a sense of connection, allowing us to process emotions while honouring their legacy. They remind us that love doesn’t end with loss. It transforms into cherished memories that bring peace. Taking time to remember helps navigate grief with meaning and resilience, ensuring that those we’ve lost continue to have a presence in our lives.

Meet the Realtor: Barbara Dias

Transitioning from a longtime family home is more than a move – it’s a significant life event. I specialize in guiding Victoria and Saanich seniors through this process with care, clarity, and compassion. We move at your pace with a customized plan that puts you in control. You don’t have to worry about the details – I bring a trusted network of organizers, movers, and legal experts to handle the heavy lifting. Through strategic preparation and local expertise, I ensure you maximize your home’s value while enjoying a seamless transition. Let’s create a clear path to your next chapter, together.