A common ritual around New Year is to make resolutions for the up-coming year. For many, these resolutions are typically broken within the first couple weeks. The greatest challenges with these resolutions is that they are focused on what we ‘think we should do’ as opposed to what would be really helpful to us. Common resolutions are: exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking, and so on. Now, all of those ideas are healthy, however they are not always a good plan for self-care. Make your New Year’s Resolutions about increasing Self-care, which is about finding activities you enjoy doing, and doing them regularly!

Many people opt for extra support when enrolling in the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program. You can have a friend or family member, a GameSense Advisor, or your counsellor join you. Remember, you can access free support and treatment services any time before, during or after your VSE term through the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. If you wish to renew your exclusion, you can do so in person at any gaming facility in BC, via email at [email protected] or by mailing a letter to: BC Lottery Corporation Manager, Casino Security and Surveillance 74 W. Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2

If your loved one is constantly asking others to repeat themselves, it is an indicator that they may be experiencing some form of hearing loss. Lovingly explain to your spouse that it is becoming increasingly frustrating to have to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Propose that for one week, you will track the number of times you need to repeat yourself. Discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. Test your hearing today.

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!

Our bodies could use some support during the cold season, illness, and especially during times of increased stress. Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stress and bring you back to balance. Here are a some roots for you to consider: *Astragalus – preventing cold/flu, coughs, heart health, immunity. *Ginseng – Panax(stimulating) or Siberian(more yin), both are used for stress, balance, immune support. *Maca – Peruvian ginseng, stress, stamina, libido and vitality. *Ashwaghanda – Indian ginseng, endocrine balance, depression, sleep, thyroid. *Valerian – sedative, sleep, anxiety and stress. While all these roots will support adrenals and immunity, talk to your local natural health advisor to determine which herbs are right for you.

Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Getting out and being social leads to better health and lower rates of depression. Volunteering is a wonderful way of interacting with others in the community and keeping the brain working. Volunteering also has great social benefits. In 2019,
volunteers with the Auxiliary were instrumental in operating nine year-round services at the hospital and Cairnsmore Place, and together with equipment purchases & construction funding for Hospice, this provided over $250,000 in financial support. Please join us!