Community News
Is Your Retirement Plan Complete?

Are pre-arranged funeral arrangements missing from your retirement plan? Here are three reasons to make pre-arranged plans that fit your personality and values, no matter how your lifestyle changes in the years to come: 1. Life insurance does not cover the cost of funerals. Planning helps pay for the full cost before your death. 2. Funeral planning is part of your legacy for your children. With planning, you have peace of mind knowing that your children are protected from certain monetary pressures. 3. Inflation affects lifestyle and funeral plans. We are here to help. Please request our free estate planning kit today.

Tips for Downsizing

So, you’ve decided to downsize. This is a big step for you, so it’s natural to feel a little anxious. This move may be different from others you made when you were younger. That’s because the real estate market is unique nowadays. You’re different, too. Help is available. The first step is to go to our website and download a free ebook that offers you five practical tips that will help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups so that you can take your next steps with confidence. If you are a child helping your parents move, we have an ebook for you as well.

Benefits of a Home Elevator

Home elevators offer comfort, safety, and long-term value for homeowners of all ages. They eliminate the physical strain of climbing stairs, making daily living easier for seniors, people with mobility challenges, and families carrying groceries or laundry. A residential elevator improves accessibility, allowing occupants to remain in their homes longer and maintain independence. It also increases property value and broadens buyer appeal by making multi-level homes more functional. Modern home elevators are quiet, energy-efficient, and designed to blend seamlessly with interior décor. With enhanced convenience, improved safety, and future-proof accessibility, a home elevator is a smart investment in lifestyle value.

When Death Occurs

No matter if a death is sudden or if it is something that was a long time coming, the loss of a loved one makes us feel emotional and overwhelmed. No amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the loss of a loved one. When you are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering. It is a good idea to be aware of what needs to be done within the first 24 hours after death before a death occurs. Contact us or visit our website for a comprehensive list of things that must be done. We are here to help.

Do You Have the Winter “Blues”?

Winter can be a lonely time that restricts our social interactions and activities if we allow that to happen. Now is the time to prioritize social interactions and become more active. Being social and active is associated with many health benefits; activities help our physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health. Walking is a perfect activity that can be done outside when conditions permit or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. Chase away the winter blues! Get out and walk with a friend, socialize, and engage—you’ll feel better for it!

Exercise your Eyes

Do you suffer from headaches, sore neck, shoulder tension or jaw tension? Your eyes could be a part of the issue. With so much screen time, our eyes can get tired and strained. Eyes have muscles that control our focus. We want to be able to take them through a full range of motion and let them relax. Make a full circle with your eyes in one direction, and then the other. How much of your peripheral vision can you see without turning your head or your eyes? Do you notice less tension elsewhere? Try this a few times a day and see what happens.

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 at Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo today.

Wellness Events & Theatre

The Wellness Expo takes place on February 28. It is the place 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. That evening, participate in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY.org) fundraising walk to supports people who have experienced homelessness. February has great theatre productions: Western Edge presents “Clown Fish”; Paul Tedeschini’s own story of loss, the power of choice, and a healing journey. NTG Bailey Theatre presents “Men on Boats”; a true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition on the Colorado River.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Chair

Incontinence, prolapse, and sexual health issues don’t have to be a part of your daily life. Our Pelvic Floor Therapy Chair provides a non-invasive, effective solution designed to help men and women regain control and improve overall wellness using advanced technology to gently stimulate and strengthen the pelvic muscles. While Kegel exercises can provide some benefits, this chair takes treatment to a higher level, utilizing scientific methods to strengthen and improve the pelvic floor. Contact us or go online and book a free consultation today!

Solutions for Toe Discomfort

Do you have hammer toes? Claw toes? Mallet toes? These are very common lesser toe malalignments that can make it very challenging to fit into footwear comfortably. Over time the forefoot arch, or transverse arch of the foot, begins to splay and drop. This can create high pressure on the ball of the foot, encouraging toes to curl and deform. Custom foot orthotics are a fantastic tool to help alleviate uncomfortable pressure caused by hammer toes. At Common Sense Orthotics, there is an on-site lab, so your local pedorthists can fine-tune your orthotics to best support your tricky toe discomforts! 

Unlock Cashflow in Retirement

Are you retired and looking for a smarter way to boost your cash flow? Thousands of Canadians 55+ are using the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank to unlock their home equity, tax-free. Whether covering health care costs, renovating to age in place, supplementing income, or handling unplanned expenses, CHIP offers flexibility with no monthly payments required. You can access funds as a lump sum or in installments and even consolidate debt. Want to see how others are living retirement on their terms? Contact me to learn more.