Community News
AJ Pedal Wheelchair

Whether your mobility has been impacted by Parkinson’s, MS, a stroke, or knee or hip trouble, the AJ Pedal Wheelchair is designed to get you moving again. Like a bike, it’s powered by you – so you can reconnect with your body, rebuild muscle tone and improve your cardiovascular system. Designed to maneuver in tight spaces like narrow halls and doorways, the AJ rides easily into elevators, buildings and shopping centres. More robust than a wheelchair, the AJ allows you to pedal through parks, along sidewalks and even ride public transit. One-handed, dual hydraulic brakes allow you to stop quickly with just a gentle squeeze of the brake handle. The comfort-ride shock and pneumatic tires keep you comfortable and confidently in control. Each AJ is hand built in Victoria, BC, using the highest grade aluminum and other durable materials for a safe and sturdy ride.

Acceptance & Adaptability

The Yoga tradition supports us in life by teaching us how to stop fighting with circumstance and to become adaptable. The many and varied practices of Yoga not only support us through difficult times but also offer a practical way to infuse our lives with greater ease, clarity and presence. Numerous practices of Yoga teach us to hone our inner life as well as our relationships with others and with the world at large. Such practices teach us how to cling less, resist less, observe our fears in order to be less reactive and to not buy into our ego-driven thoughts. They also encourage us to live with greater acceptance, compassion and gratitude, no matter the external circumstance. For some FREE Practices for Difficult Times and upcoming Deep Self Care online program go to YogaAndHealing.ca

What’s in Your Smoothie?

Move over, goji berries: there’s a new superfood in town. Meet the Aronia berry! Aronia berries have outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties which have been well documented. They contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown helps in fighting cancer, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce blood glucose in diabetics. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Aronia berries contain five times the antioxidant level of goji berries with no bitter aftertaste.

Online Gaming Player Health

What does player health on online gaming and gambling platforms look like? Playnow, BCLC’s online platform continues to offer player support via their Game Sense Advisor program, including an active chatbox staffed by one of your GSA’s. Players are encouraged to *Stick to their time and financial limits *Take physical breaks from the screens *Walk around and to do something else for a while *Remain sober while playing *Use App-blockers if needed. Feel free to reach out to our outreach team for support. This pandemic is taking a toll on us all. We’re always here to help!

Preserving the Human-Canine Bond

Community volunteers at ElderDog Canada Victoria provide no-cost services such as dog walking, transportation to and from a vet or groomer, foster care when a senior is temporarily hospitalized, and rehoming when keeping the senior and dog together is no longer feasible. Eligible seniors include those who have ongoing health and/or mobility challenges, require temporary support while they undergo and recover from surgery, or must move to a care facility and cannot bring their dog with them. If you are a senior who needs help caring for your dog, you can email ElderDog Canada Victoria at [email protected].

Reiki Really Works

Reiki is an energy healing treatment that works holistically; on the whole body, mind and spirit. Natural healing vibrations are transmitted through the hands of a Reiki practitioner to the body of the recipient. Reiki treatment can relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, accelerate natural healing, balance subtle energies, and support other medical modalities, including traditional therapies. Reputable medical facilities are now offering patients alternative healing programs such as Reiki, and are analyzing the benefits and submitting them for review and compilation. Look at your options on how you can learn Reiki to experience personal healing and also to help others.

Stay Young at Heart

CardioFlex Q10™ is a proprietary collagen precursor formula designed to promote the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and repair connective tissues to support cardiovascular health. Each serving contains 2000 mg Vitamin C, amino acids and other nutrients that help build structural elastin and structural collagen, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex virus/shingles, maintain proper muscle function and generally maintain good health. Excellent for supplementing vegan diets and made in Canada by Innotech Nutrition, a family company.

Class IV Laser for your Injuries

A therapeutic dose of light applied to injured tissue leads to a cellular response that reduces pain and inflammation and speeds up the healing process! The primary target is the cytochrome c complex which is found in the cell mitochondria. Cytochrome c is a vital component of the electron transport chain & as laser light is absorbed, cytochrome c is stimulated, leading to increased production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)/energy within the cell. Nitric Oxide is also produced which improves microcirculation in the damaged tissue, delivers oxygen, vital sugars, proteins, & salts while removing wastes. WHERE THERE IS BLOOD FLOW & ENERGY THERE IS HEALING.

Water: The Elixir of Life

Your body is about 60% water.
Water represents a critical nutrient whose absence will be lethal within days. Water’s importance for the prevention of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases is a scientific fact. But how much? I’m sure you’ve felt some of the effects of your cells being dehydrated, including headaches, feeling foggy, constipation, and feeling sluggish physically and mentally. How much water you need to stay healthy is affected by your health, activity, and environment. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces is a good star and as a bonus can help with weight loss and increased metabolism.

February: The Month of Purification

Welcome, February. Did you know that “Februa” in Latin, means “to cleanse”? If you are new to cleansing, it can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with small steps like avoiding coffee, starting your day with a glass of water, and drinking a minimum of 1.5L of water throughout the day. A cleanse is like a “reset button”, it helps the body do exactly what it is designed to do: clear out toxins and keep you healthy. Not one type of cleansing technique fits everyone, if you are considering cleansing and wish for support, feel free to connect with me.

There’s No Place Like Home

Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!