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.
Community News
Preventing Sores and Infections with Dentures
Maintaining good oral health with dentures is essential for preventing sores and infections. Poorly fitting or unclean dentures can rub against the gums, causing irritation, painful sores, and increasing the risk of fungal infections such as denture stomatitis. To prevent problems, dentures should be cleaned daily to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Removing dentures at night allows the gums to rest and reduces moisture buildup that encourages infection. Regular dental checkups help ensure proper fit and allow early detection of oral issues. Healthy gums, good hygiene, and proper denture care are key to long-term comfort and oral health.
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.
Be Aware of Scams
Most of us believe that we would never fall victim to a scam. Unfortunately, the scammers are good and so convincing that it happens to many people every year. Here are some tips: *Never give anyone permission to log in to your computer, whether in person or via phone. *If someone calls saying they are a family member in peril, always tell them you will call them right back! *The Canada Revenue Agency will never call you to ask for back taxes. Do not give the caller any information; hang up immediately. *Never pay a fine or penalty with Gift Cards. *If in doubt, call the non-emergency police number and ask for advice.
Self-Care Is Healthcare
February often focuses on showing love to others, but true care starts with how we support our own health. Self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s the foundation that allows your body to function, adapt and heal. Simple practices like nourishing meals, regular movement, quality sleep and moments of rest help regulate your nervous system and reduce stress. Chiropractic care supports this process by improving communication between the brain and body, helping your system respond more efficiently to daily demands. When your nervous system is supported, energy improves, tension decreases and resilience grows. This Valentine’s season, consider prioritizing your health as an act of love, because self-care truly is healthcare.
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective, and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Book an appointment for a medication review with your pharmacist to go through your prescriptions and check for vaccinations that you may have missed. If laboratory tests are needed, an appointment with a virtual doctor can be booked. This is especially important if you don’t have a family doctor. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville today.
Clearing Stress, Restoring Balance
Biofield Tuning (BT) is a gentle sound-based practice that uses tuning forks in the biofield that surrounds your body to help release stress, tension, and unresolved patterns. By working with the body’s natural energy system, BT supports emotional balance and greater ease, especially when fear, self-doubt, or the inner critic begin to take over. When the system is out of tune, life can feel that way too. Rather than pushing for change, BT helps restore clarity and balance through presence and listening. In person and remote sessions are offered.
Wellness Events – February 28!
The Wellness Expo at Beban Park in Nanaimo is a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. See the Expo Website: Wellness.News/ExpoNanaimo for a list of 70+ exhibitors, 10 presentations, and door prizes. FREE to attend 10 am – 5pm.
That evening, the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk takes place in Nanaimo and Oceanside. This annual event supports people who have experienced homelessness. The fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. Go to the website for more information and to register: CNOY.org.
What is Heart Coherence?
Heart Coherence occurs when there is communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain. YES, your heart has a brain. Your heart has intelligence; ~ it doesn’t just “feel”, it “knows”. Information is received by your heart first and then is communicated to your brain. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is heart coherence, and when it occurs, you are supported to become empowered. Call today for a complimentary information session.
“Center Before You Reach” Tip
The most valuable skill that Pilates teaches isn’t what happens on the mat—it’s the pre-activation of your core during daily tasks. Most back strain happens during “mindless” movements: reaching into the backseat of the car, lifting a heavy laundry basket, or even leaning over the sink. The Tip: Before you move your limbs, “zip up” your center. Imagine gently drawing your belly button toward your spine and lifting your pelvic floor—just about 20% effort. By engaging these deep stabilizers before you reach or lift, you create a built-in corset that protects your spine.
Your Body Is Ready for a Reset
If the holidays left you feeling bloated, heavy, or out of rhythm, and you have already abandoned your New Year resolutions, this is your moment to take control. February is still the perfect time to reset your digestion, stabilize hormones, and feel like yourself again. My Metabolic Transformation Program gives you a clear, personalized path to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and boost energy—without guessing or struggling alone. Pair it with Digestive Acupuncture for fast relief from bloating and sluggish digestion, so your body can absorb nutrients, burn fat efficiently, and feel lighter.
