Community News
Hearing Loss and Balance

Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spatial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.

SOS Golf Tournament

Join SOS for our first-ever SOS Fore Our Community Golf Tournament on June 6 at Morningstar Golf Club. Enjoy an exciting day of golf followed by a delicious dinner. The cost is $180, which includes driving range access, 18 holes, a golf cart, and dinner. Proceeds will support essential programs for local children, youth and families. Have fun with on-course challenges and a chance to win a new vehicle from Parksville Chrysler! Guests will also enjoy a silent auction with amazing products and services from local businesses! Visit MorningstarGolf.com to register yourself or a team.

Live Theatre in Nanaimo

Attending a live performance is a positive, communal event that makes you feel connected to other people, which in turn is good for your mental outlook and longevity. Watching a play allows the audience to access different emotions. Whether a tragedy or a musical, there’s likely an element of the storyline that extends beyond personal life experiences. Upcoming live theatre in Nanaimo includes “Two Rooms” at the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s Bailey Studio, April 22 – May 10th and “Boy Player” at the Western Edge Theatre, April 17 – 26th.

Spring Cleaning with Biofield Tuning

Spring invites movement, circulation, and integration, much like seasonal cleaning – open windows, sweep corners, and refresh what’s been stagnant. Through Biofield Tuning, sound becomes a broom for the unseen—clearing energetic cobwebs, calming the nervous system, and creating space for renewed vitality. By working with tuning forks in the biofield, this process helps the body recognize unresolved emotional patterns and naturally reorganize toward greater ease and alignment. Many people experience a greater sense of clarity, more grounded, and emotional resilience as their system settles and integrates.

Business Profile: Amplifon

Amplifon is your local hearing care expert, dedicated to helping you rediscover the joy of sound. With personalized hearing solutions, advanced technology, and compassionate care, Amplifon supports your journey to better hearing every step of the way. Their experienced hearing care professionals offer free hearing tests, custom fittings, and ongoing support to ensure your hearing aids work seamlessly with your lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring hearing aids for the first time or upgrading your current device, Amplifon is committed to delivering exceptional care and results. Hear life to the fullest – book your free consultation at Amplifon today!

April is “Move More Month”

The message encourages people to incorporate more movement into their everyday lives—whether it’s walking the dog, taking the stairs, cycling to work, or simply spending more time outdoors. However, only 32% of Canadian adults meet the recommended activity level, which is approximately 7,500 steps per day. Movement is a fundamental aspect of healthy living. When paired with supportive practices like acupuncture, it can help reduce stress, improve circulation, support metabolism, and promote overall balance in the body. Health is not achieved through one dramatic change; it develops from small, consistent habits that keep the body active and the energy flowing.

Importance of Dental Hygiene

As we age, maintaining good dental hygiene becomes increasingly important. Poor oral health can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and serious health issues like heart disease and infections. Seniors may encounter challenges such as dry mouth, gum disease, arthritis, or memory loss, which can make brushing and flossing more difficult. Therefore, regular dental checkups and daily oral care are essential.

Mobile Dental Hygiene

At Wandering Pearl, we are operating and providing care under the directive received from The College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia. We welcome clients of ALL ages into our super comfortable, friendly, modern clinic on wheels. It is a safe environment with no waiting room or shared spaces. We provide excellent dental hygiene care including teeth cleaning, polishing, cavity prevention, oral hygiene education, whitening and so much more… all when and where it is convenient for you. We come to you.

It is Time for Joy!

April is here! Flowers are blooming! It’s time to plant new beliefs and intentions for a joyful life! Make your intentions positive, uplifting, and in the present tense. When you state your intentions, do so in a positive tone. Intentions are what you want, not what you do not want. Say the intention out loud to yourself. Reading and hearing it makes it more powerful. Are you ready to plant & birth JOYful intentions for your life? If you are not yet ready, book a Body Code session to release those negative emotions and put JOY back in your life!

Strong Today, Strong Tomorrow

Maintaining muscle and bone strength is one of the most powerful ways to stay active and independent as you age. Strong muscles support your joints, improve balance, and make everyday tasks—like climbing stairs or carrying groceries—easier and safer. At the same time, healthy bones provide the sturdy foundation your body depends on. Strength training with light weights or resistance bands, combined with weight-bearing activities such as walking or dancing, helps maintain both muscle and bone resilience. Fueling your body with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D adds even more protection. Consistent effort goes a long way toward building lifelong strength and confidence.

Need Care But Can’t See Your Doctor?

Access to medical care is one of the most pressing challenges we face here on Vancouver Island. Through our partnership with Avee Health, we are able to provide: *Same-day virtual access to BC-licensed physicians. *Care For Everyone — with or without a family doctor. *A pharmacist assessment of your condition. *Help with booking. *A connection to a doctor. *And, your prescription filled – all in ONE STOP. Healthcare shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us help you. We offer Accessible care right in your community. Here at the Medicine Shoppe, we care about your health!