Community News
The Little Things That Matter

Often in life, the most meaningful moments are the moments spent with those who teach you something, with those who share laughs with you, and with those who support you no matter what. And within those moments, it’s the little things that become the most significant and valuable. Professional caregivers can be there for you, when you need a little extra hand around the house or someone to accompany you on your outings. Caregivers can help with the day-to-day tasks, so you have time to enjoy the little things in life, while remaining safe and independent in your own home.

Your Child’s Feelings are Valid

When our kids are small and trying to manage emotions, they throw tantrums, throw things, have meltdowns, they scream and they whine. Because they can’t express what they are feeling, this is their way of communicating with us. Society tells us we should punish them for this. We teach and train them not to show their emotions. Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Your feelings are wrong. Be quiet. Eventually they stop expressing their emotions to us. Then when they turn into teenagers, we expect them to feel safe talking to us. We expect them to know that NOW it’s okay. They are subconsciously wired to think the opposite because this is what they grew up learning. Give your child permission to feel. Let them know their feelings are valid and that you care, no matter how small. Make sure they know that they are heard.

Support for Families in BC

The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. FSI supports and services are free to any family. Some of their services include a Resource Parent/Resource Family member peer support program, free webinars, parent/family “meet ups” on Zoom, and downloadable online resources. Check out their website or Facebook page to learn more!

Coming this Fall

New South End location for Adult Day Programs

Circle of Security – Parenting Series
Parenting group at Sundrops
• Understand your child’s behaviours by learning to read their emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of your child’s self esteem
• Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Contact [email protected] to add your name to the email list

Help for Smelly Feet

Do you have bromodosis? Smelly feet is a very common medical condition from buildup of sweat resulting in bacteria growth on the skin. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body with naturally occurring bacteria to help break down sweat. Bad odor forms when bacteria and sweat are allowed to build up. Some simple tips to prevent bromodosis include washing your feet at least once a day and alternating between two pairs of shoes. Choose well-fitting socks like Voxx socks made with antimicrobial fibers to wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and sweet smelling all day.

Summer Pop Up Concert Series

Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.

Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!

Hike for Hospice – Community Fundraiser

The annual Hike for Hospice takes place on September 11th at Westwood Lake Park. Walk, run or hike the 1km or 6km option at your own pace. Register by August 11 to be entered into the Early Bird Draw. Funds raised stay local. Gather your family and friends – walk to honor the memory of your loved ones. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of age, means or culture. Volunteers and professional staff offer free programs resources & education. See their website NanaimoHospice.com/Events for more information and to register for the Hike.

Summer Pop Up Concert Series

Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.

Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth technology allows you to connect two electronic devices without using a cord. Bluetooth hearing aids connects your hearing devices to other devices like your smartphone or TV. They stream sound directly from a technology source into your ear. When watching television or using the computer, the data transfers to your hearing aid from the monitor using radio waves. There’s no need for headphones or a separate Bluetooth headset. Similarly, talking on the phone is now easier than ever. You don’t have to hold the phone up to your ear to hear and enjoy your conversation.

Managing Multiple Medications

If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville.