Butternut Squash Soup. Ingredients: 15 ml olive oil. 1 onion. 1 butternut squash. 2 celery stalks. 2 garlic cloves. 1 potato. 2 ml pepper. 1, 5 L vegetable broth. 250 ml cooking cream. Directions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté onions for 4 minutes. Add squash, celery, garlic, potato, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. In a blender, puree mixture into a smooth soup. Return soup to the saucepan and add cream. Reheat over low heat before serving. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely grated ginger and 1 tsp (5 mL) hot pepper flakes for a warm, spicy kick.
Community News
Words to Live By
“Just as a flower holds itself in the highest regard (no matter the conditions), so must we practice unconditionally loving ourselves.” Keith Macpherson
Health Fun Facts
Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 percent.
Exercise will give you more energy, even when you’re tired.
Always look on the bright side: being an optimist can help you live longer.
Product Profile: VoxxLife Wearable Technology
Over the past five years, Great Socks for All has introduced pain relief and enhanced balance to the people on Vancouver Island. A Canadian, searching for drug free pain relief for his mother’s MS symptoms, spent several years and millions of dollars analysing brainstem functionality and the peripheral nervous system. The result of the research is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet. This pattern is incorporated into VOXXLife socks and insoles. Benefits include enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain, enhanced postural stability and balance, improved mobility and higher energy levels.
Single-Event Sports Betting
The CBC article, “Conservative MP says the Saskatchewan government has ‘dropped the ball’ on single-event sports betting, featured Waugh’s Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act”. Bill C-218, passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent in June 2021, came into force in August 2021. The legislation allows provinces and territories to conduct and manage single-event betting on any sporting event except horse racing. In November, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced that BC residents had placed more than $25 million in single-event sports bets within two months of the legalization. If you run into trouble, support is available. (https://bit.ly/3OJU3Um )
Move to Gain Strength and Mobility
After surgery or injury, it is often very important to exercise to regain strength and movement. If you have been told to exercise by your doctor or surgeon but are not sure exactly what that means, help is available. A kinesiologist can help you develop a strength training program to help with repetitive low back pain, hip pain and knee pain. Here are some tips for a smoother recovery after surgery or injury; ●Move as often as you can. ●Move with intention. ●Move within your pain free range of motion. We can help.
Eye Exams for Seniors
People 65 and older are encouraged to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Eye exams are so important because, as we age, there is a higher risk of eye disease or other conditions that can impair sight. Many conditions have no symptoms which makes regular eye exams even more critical. Eye conditions or problems that can be detected with an eye exam include: *Presbyopia – decreased ability to focus, *Cataracts – distorted or cloudy vision, *Diabetic Retinopathy, *Macular degeneration – central vision loss and *Glaucoma – the “silent thief of sight.” Schedule your eye exam with us today.
No Need to Fear Going to the Dentist
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, ask about oral sedation and nitrous oxide. Your dentist will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Community Profile: Island Mobile Cardio
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.
Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation
At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.
Connecting You with Care
“For over 20 years, Driving Miss Daisy has dedicated itself to the promotion of independence, connecting clients to the community and enhancing their enjoyment of life! Driving Miss Daisy offers services that improve the quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities or special needs. We provide much more than just incidental transportation from point A to B. It’s our commitment to personal, friendly, through-the-door service that sets us apart and makes our clients smile. We assist with: •Medical Appointments, •Rides to/from the Ferry, •Accompaniment, •Grocery Shopping, •Home Support, •Companionship and more!
