Community News
Silence is Golden

As we are all involved in our daily lives, we fill our days with phone calls, watching TV, attending zoom meetings, and looking after loved ones. How often are you taking a break? Taking a moment, or even better, taking 10 minutes every day where you sit in silence, clearing your mind from the “chatter” can improve your overall feeling and boost your energy. It’s ok, all those things you feel the need to do will still be there when you “get back”. You may even decide that it all doesn’t need to happen right now. Permit yourself to find quiescence.

Are You Listening to Your Body?

We may think we are relaxing when sitting down or when we are sleeping but are our bodies truly relaxed? Sometimes the body forgets how it feels to relax. If we listen, our bodies will tell us on what level we need to release and heal before it needs to act out in pain to get our attention. Try to relax your hands. Did your shoulders drop? If so, this is an indication that there is tension in your shoulders. Pay attention to what is running through your mind. It often digs up things that need to be released. I can help.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

Increasingly, pharmacists are seeing drug shortages, more complex drug therapy problems in our aging population, people taking medication to combat side effects and a growing movement towards living healthier. Compounding pharmacies can prepare medications that are not commercially available and create unique products to suite an individual’s particular situation. Reasons to turn to a compounding pharmacy include; inability to swallow a pill, an allergy to gluten or dyes, or a drug may be in short supply. A compounding pharmacy can add appealing flavours, create unique dosage forms and provide innovative delivery methods to make it easier for you to take your medicine.

Celebrate Spring with Healthy Habits

Spring is a great time to start new and healthy habits. Here are a few to try: *Sleep – Getting enough sleep makes you feel good and has a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Strive for 7 to 9 hours daily. *Nutritious meals – Cooking meals at home is a fun activity that often brings people together. *Go outside – Spending time in green space has an array of health benefits. *Visit your doctor annually. *Check your hearing health once a year and *Visit your dentist. Are you ready to start new, healthy habits? We’re here to help.

Overcome Physical Employment Barriers

“We’ve learned that we can help people get close to one hundred percent of their physical capability through the use of assistive technology, whether it’s high tech, low tech, software, hardware, or ergonomics,” says Nate Toevs, Marketing Manager for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program.
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services is for people who have a barrier to their employment or self-employment activities. The focus is on people with disabilities, but it’s also for people who have an old injury or chronic pain. The program provides funding for assistive technology, ergonomics, restorative supports including canes and crutches, hearing aids, vehicle modifications, and more.

Help with Filing Low-Income Tax Returns

Filing your Income Taxes can be the key to unlocking unclaimed government benefits and recovering overpaid taxes. It also helps relieve the stress of piles of unfinished business. SOS works in conjunction with the Revenue Canada Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to help low-income residents file basic tax returns at no cost. This service does not assist with bankruptcy, deceased, or self-employment returns. The income threshold is $35,000 for one person and $45,000 for a couple (limit increases by $2,500 for each dependent). To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, this service will be offered by phone. Contact us for more information.

Reluctant to Accept Help?

It can be difficult to accept help. Seniors often associate accepting help with losing their independence. It sometimes feels that by accepting help, we are telling the world that we are no longer able to live independently. Installing a medical alarm system can increase your independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in your home. In fact, with a locally monitored system, you may be able to remain in your own home, comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.

Local Health & Wellness Information

Is it March already? How are your New Year’s Resolutions to take better care of yourself in 2022 faring? We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, your local, online Health and Wellness resource for great information that can help you get back on track, or to continue on the right track. The WellnessHub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics, along with services, products and events. The Hub is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the March Contest which recognizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Fitness, Food and Mindset

There are three key factors when it comes to our physical health; Fitness, Food and Mindset. Fitness or any activity that gets you moving is important but not in the way you might think. Focusing on muscle growth and cardiovascular performance is WAY more important than how many calories you burn. You can’t out-train a bad diet. Therefore, focus on whole foods, eat your veggies and good quality fats and proteins. Lastly, our mindset can be what unconsciously drives our behavior, so unless limiting beliefs are addressed, they can lead you back to old habits that won’t help you reach your goals.

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.

You Can Live Independently in Your Home

We all want an independent lifestyle in the familiarity of our own home; as we age, it may become more difficult. Home care services can help. There are a range of services available which include companionship, homemaking services, personal care and nursing care. These services are easy to initiate with a phone call. At an appointed time, a nurse who adheres to all Covid safety protocols will come to your home to provide an assessment of your needs. This assessment is free with no obligation to purchase. One or more of these services can help you remain in the comfort of your own home.