Community News
The Power of Fibre

Digestive health doesn’t get much attention—until something feels off. Fiber is the unsung hero that keeps your digestive system running smoothly. It helps move food through the gut, feeds healthy bacteria, and can ease common issues like constipation and bloating. You’ll find fiber in colorful fruits and vegetables, hearty whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Both soluble and insoluble fiber play important roles, working together to support digestion and overall comfort. The trick is to increase fiber gradually and pair it with plenty of fluids. A fiber-rich diet keeps your gut happy—and your whole body benefits.

March Events for Seniors at RDPL

Red Deer Cancer Connect (March. 3 & 17)
Travel Memories: Madagascar (March. 4)
First Thursday Concert Series (March 5)
Symphony at the Snell with RDSO (March 7)
Slide into the Library (March 11)
Radio-Canada Reporter-in-Residence (March 16-20)
Readers’ Theatre (March 19)
Sip n’ Stitch (March 19)
Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (March 19)
Meet Someone Making it in Music (March 20)
Roots and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (March 28)
The Kiss by Fleur Jacobs: New Play Reading (March 29)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)

For full details, visit rdpl.org/events

Outreach Services: We Come to You!

Our Outreach Department is made up of compassionate Coordinators, trained volunteers, and Brokered Workers who help older adults age in place, maintain independence, and enhance their quality of life — all from the comfort of your home.
Need help with any of the following?
• Applying for the Alberta Seniors Benefit
• Completing government forms
• Home maintenance or yard care
• Finding housing resources
• Transportation to medical appointments
Call 403-343-6074 to book an appointment and get connected with an Outreach Coordinator who will complete an intake and develop a personalized care plan.
Referrals are welcomed from individuals, families, friends, caregivers, other agencies, and healthcare professionals.

Strengthen Bones with Nutrition

The Mediterranean diet is not only heart healthy but also supports strong bones. Research shows that women who follow this diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, tend to have better bone density. Including calcium and vitamin D–rich foods such as leafy greens, yogurt, and fish helps build and maintain bone strength. Pairing the diet with regular exercise, like walking or resistance training, further enhances bone health, especially in the lower back and hips. Adopting these habits can be a simple, enjoyable way to protect bones as we age.

Nourish Your Body Daily

March is Nutrition Month, a time to focus on the powerful role food plays in overall health and wellbeing. Good nutrition fuels the body, supports brain function, strengthens the immune system, and helps prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Small, consistent choices made each day can have a lasting impact.
Nutrition Month is an opportunity to reflect on eating habits and make positive changes. Adding more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, staying hydrated, and including quality protein sources can improve energy levels and mood. Planning meals ahead of time and reading food labels can also help build awareness around ingredients and portion sizes.
Healthy eating does not have to be complicated or restrictive. It is about balance, variety, and enjoying food while nourishing the body. Sharing meals with family, trying new recipes, and supporting local food producers can make the experience even more meaningful.
March is the perfect reminder that investing in nutrition is investing in long term health. One small change, such as packing a healthy lunch or swapping sugary drinks for water, can start a ripple effect toward better habits. This month, celebrate the benefits of mindful eating and take simple steps toward a healthier future.

Volunteer With Seniors

Make a difference in your community. SSNVI is looking for volunteers in the Comox Valley and Campbell River. If you have a few hours a week to connect with local seniors, volunteer with us. Our team offers training with ongoing support and matches you with a senior on our waitlist. Now is the perfect time to join! To learn more call or email us. Comox Valley [email protected] and for Campbell River [email protected]

Fuel Your Gut Brain

The gut and brain are closely connected through what is known as the gut brain axis. This communication system links the digestive system and the central nervous system, influencing mood, focus, and overall wellbeing. A healthy gut supports balanced brain chemistry, while poor digestion can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and low mood.
Nutrition plays a key role in this connection. Fiber rich foods, fermented options like yogurt and sauerkraut, and a variety of fruits and vegetables help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. These microbes produce compounds that support brain function. Choosing whole, nutrient dense foods helps strengthen this powerful relationship between gut health and mental clarity.

Campbell River Threshold Singers

Pure Joy Threshold Choir sings at many thresholds of life. This choir of 15 individuals from Quadra Island and Campbell River sings to those in palliative care/hospice, to shut-ins, newborns, and at celebrations of life. The Threshold Choir is non-denominational and serves religious and non-religious clients. Songs are short and are selected according to the client’s taste. When singing at bedside, 2 to 4 members attend and sing in soft voices. This service is free and the choir sings by invitation only. To make a request, or join the choir, contact Mary at (250) 202-1003. *There is also a Comox Chapter, information to come.

Caregiver Support Groups

SSNVI hosts a monthly opportunity for caregivers to meet in a friendly, supportive environment where they can interact with, receive, and give support to other caregivers. Currently, these groups are held in Comox.
Groups held: First Tuesday, and second Thursday of each month from 1-3pm.
If you are interested or want to learn more about our Caregiver Support groups, please contact the office by email [email protected] or by phone at 250-218-3011.

Power of Light for Cellular Healing

Photobiomodulation is an evidence-based therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. The ARRC Elysium LED Bed combines six optimized light wavelengths with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) to reduce inflammation and pain, improve circulation, and enhance energy production (ATP). By supporting mitochondrial function, this therapy promotes recovery, resilience, and overall cellular performance. Benefits may extend to the nervous system, immune system, muscles, joints, and skin. By lowering oxidative stress and calming inflammatory signaling, photobiomodulation supports whole-body healing and helps patients feel restored, energized, and balanced.