Community News
Living Well

Arthritis Awareness Month, reminds us that staying active and connected can help support joint health and overall well being. At Arbourside Court, residents enjoy opportunities to stay moving through walks, gentle fitness classes, and social activities that encourage mobility and confidence. Healthy meals, supportive neighbours, and an active lifestyle can make everyday living more enjoyable. If arthritis affects your comfort or mobility, speak with your healthcare provider about strategies to manage symptoms safely. Together, we can support independence, comfort, and quality of life every day with encouragement, friendship, and practical choices that help you thrive longer.

Fall Into Wellness

September is an ideal time to reset healthy habits after a busy summer. One way to reduce screen time and recharge is through mindful movement. Hot yoga and Far Infrared fitness combine yoga, fitness, and Pilates in a heated environment designed to encourage flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Taking time away from phones and daily distractions can help improve posture, reduce stress, boost energy, and support better sleep. As routines return this fall, making space for regular movement and self care can benefit both physical and mental wellbeing, helping you feel healthier, more focused, and ready for the season ahead.

Living Well With Arthritis

September is Arthritis Awareness Month, a reminder that everyday tasks can become challenging when joints are painful or stiff. Simple activities like preparing meals, getting dressed, carrying groceries, or keeping up with housework may require more time and energy. Small adjustments can help. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, choose supportive footwear, use lightweight kitchen tools, and build gentle movement into daily routines. For older adults, assistance with household tasks, personal care, transportation, or meal preparation can also help conserve energy for the things they enjoy. The goal is not doing less, but making daily life more manageable.

Bunion Pain and Arthritis

A bunion is a bony prominence that forms on the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe. This occurs when the bones of the forefoot are out of alignment and the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, resulting in a bump. Swelling, soreness, and redness can occur at the big toe joint causing discomfort with pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Causes include poor fitting shoes, hereditary, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. If you have concerns about your feet, come see your local podiatrist at Island Foot Clinics for evaluation today!

Managing Arthritis Naturally

Living with arthritis can make everyday activities more challenging due to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. While arthritis management varies from person to person, gentle movement and supportive care can play an important role in maintaining function and quality of life. Chiropractic care may help some individuals improve mobility, address muscle tension, and support better movement patterns through gentle techniques and soft tissue therapies. Combined with regular activity, stretching, and healthy lifestyle habits, these approaches may contribute to greater comfort and confidence in daily routines. Working with a qualified healthcare professional can help create a personalized plan to support joint health and overall wellbeing.

Summer is Better Together

Spending the summer in a retirement community is a wonderful opportunity to build new friendships and strengthen existing ones. Residents often have fascinating life stories and experiences to share, creating meaningful connections. Participating in group activities like bingo, gardening, arts and crafts, or exercise classes encourages conversation and camaraderie. Holiday celebrations, cultural events, and shared meals also bring people together. These friendships provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and encourage a more active lifestyle. By connecting through shared interests and daily activities, residents help create a welcoming, supportive community where everyone feels valued, included, and less alone.

How Brella Helps

For nearly 50 years, Brella Community Services Society has supported older adults, caregivers, and families throughout Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities. Its mission is to help people age with dignity, remain connected, and continue living meaningful lives.
Many older adults face challenges such as social isolation, caregiver stress, health concerns, and difficulty accessing services. Brella responds with practical programs that help people remain independent while staying connected to their community.
Programs including Better at Home, Social Prescribing, Digital Inclusion, transportation assistance, volunteer services, community meals, wellness activities, and educational workshops help seniors continue living safely in their own homes while maintaining important social connections.
Brella is also a recognized leader in dementia support. Through caregiver support groups, respite services, education, one-on-one guidance, family conferences, and initiatives such as the I’m Still Me project, individuals living with dementia and their families receive compassionate support and practical resources.
Creating opportunities for social connection is central to Brella’s work. Recreational activities, arts programs, support groups, volunteer opportunities, and community events reduce loneliness while encouraging friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Brella also advocates for age-friendly communities by working alongside governments, health authorities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to improve accessibility and ensure older adults remain visible, valued, and included.
Its affiliation with Crescent Housing Society reflects a holistic approach that recognizes affordable housing and community support go hand in hand. Behind every program are dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners working together with one simple belief: growing older should never mean becoming invisible. Brella helps people not only age, but live well.

Begin of a New Era

Transform everyday moments into meaningful wellness rituals with AüRAUM gemstone infused aromatherapy sprays. Crafted with pure essential oils and gemstone essences, each blend is designed to promote relaxation, emotional balance, grounding, or renewed energy. Mist your body, home, yoga space, or meditation area to create a calming atmosphere and support mindful living. These versatile sprays help refresh your surroundings while encouraging moments of peace throughout the day. For an even more complete wellness experience, pair your favourite AüRAUM spray with a VitaJuwel gemstone water bottle or vial, bringing the beauty of gemstone inspired hydration and aromatherapy together in one daily ritual.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Do you get sharp, stabbing heel pain during your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest? The plantar fascia is a thick and fibrous band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. It is a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch of your foot. When this tissue is overused or strained, it develops micro-tears, leading to inflammation and heel pain. The pain decreases as you walk but usually returns after long periods of standing or getting up from a chair. Come see your local podiatrist at Island Foot Clinics for evaluation and treatment today!

Headache Relief Starts Here

Stress, poor posture, and neck tension often work together to trigger headaches and migraines. Hours spent at a computer, looking down at a phone, or carrying stress in your shoulders can tighten muscles, reduce neck mobility, and place added strain on joints and nerves. Over time, this tension may contribute to recurring headache pain. Simple prevention strategies include maintaining good posture, adjusting your workstation, stretching regularly, staying hydrated, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. If headaches are frequent or persistent, Dr. Priscilla may help identify musculoskeletal factors contributing to your symptoms and support improved function, comfort, and overall quality of life.

How Safe is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage in Canada is a safe option when obtained through a federally regulated lender, such as HomeEquity Bank or Equitable Bank. You remain the owner of your home, your name stays on title, and you receive tax-free cash by accessing your home’s equity. You’ll never owe more than your home’s value, and no monthly payments are required until you move, sell, or pass away. Independent legal advice is mandatory, ensuring you understand the terms before signing. As long as you maintain your home and keep property taxes and insurance current, you can remain in your home for life.