As we settle into the cooler months, here are some tips to stay cozy and warm throughout the night. *Snuggle up with a pet or loved one *Drink an herbal tea or hot water with lemon, ginger and honey before bedtime *Take a bath or hot shower before bedtime to promote sleepiness *Block drafts in the bedroom with thermal insulating window coverings * Toss a hot water bottle under the covers 20 minutes before climbing in *Switch to warmer yet breathable bed linens. Your temperature regulation this winter will improve with breathable wool and organic linens and cottons. Snuggle in and stay cozy for the whole night.
Community News
Improving and Preventing Age Lines
We have all seen ads proclaiming ‘miracles’. What really works is a special formula of pure organic anti-oxidant essential oils with NO FILLERS, bursting with vitamins and essential fatty acids to troubleshoot problem areas like pigmentation, wrinkles and dry skin. The DOUBLE DOUBLE range of products is rich and anti-ageing. For maximum benefits use with BREATHE products which were formulated for all skin types. They lock in moisture, tone and plump the skin and provide nourishment and hydration. They smooth the complexion and brighten dull skin. Most skincare products contain fillers, even those described as ‘natural’. Make sure to read the label. Look for skincare products with no nasty chemicals, preservatives or artificial fragrance.
A Toy for Every Child at Christmas
Can you imagine how a parent would feel if on Christmas morning there were no gifts under the tree for their child? Since 1982, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive has been making sure that every child in Nanaimo has a new toy to unwrap on Christmas morning. Every year, individuals, families, groups and businesses in Nanaimo, with the help of over 100 volunteers, come together to make this happen. You can help by purchasing a toy or gift for a child aged newborn to 16 and dropping it at one of the many drop off locations. Financial donations can be made through Canada Helps.
Events for the Whole Family
The month of December can be overwhelming . We often forget to stop and enjoy moments with our friends and family. Here are some holiday-themed events that the whole family can enjoy:
· SKATES with SANTA: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8 pm at Frank Crane Arena and Friday, Dec. 31, 3:45-5:15 pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre. · DUNK with SANTA: Saturday, Dec. 22, 3-5 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
· WINTER WONDERLAND – $2 Skating Sessions: Dec. 26 to 30 at Frank Crane Arena.
· FINALE 2018 – Family New Year’s Eve Party: December 31, 5-10 pm at Beban Park.
Haven’t Had a Hearing Tested in Years
What does a hearing evaluation look like? To begin, your Hearing Care Professional will take a thorough medical history and inspect your ear canals and middle ears to confirm good ear health. Then sitting in a sound treated booth, while wearing headphones, you will be asked to respond to tones. The tones tested are specific and range from the low to high frequencies that are important for hearing speech. There is also word testing to measure communication abilities and your ability to hear speech in quiet and in noisy situations. If you are over the age of 50 or suspects hearing loss, a hearing evaluation is recommended.
Changing Traditions
The first holiday season after losing a loved one can be a very difficult time. Family traditions and rituals are sacred events that can be adapted to the changing dynamics in the family. By planning for the change, whether it be starting new family traditions or updating old ones, you can help create realistic expectations around the significant events. It is important to acknowledge that things are going to be different. Adjusting to a family member passing is a big transition; be open to the change and accept it for what it is – a new opportunity to create stronger family bonds and traditions.
New Community Support Rep
The GAM Info Rep is a new service offered by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. GAM Info Reps are part of your Gaming & Gambling support services. Like any advisor, the GAM Info Rep is there to support you with your distinct needs every step of the way. Whether you need to inquire about counselling services, legal services, housing, community health, debt management or any other support service, the GAM Info Rep is there to help. Your GAM Info Rep on Central Vancouver island is Tracy Tsui. 778-386-9955 or toll free 1-888-558-2857.
Take Time for Yourself
December is always a month that people look forward to but also dread. We look forward to seeing family and getting a few extra days off work, while we dread the traffic and trying to find the right gift for our loved ones. It is important for us to take a little time for ourselves to relax so we don’t become overwhelmed. Curling up with a good book for 20 minutes, going for a walk, or taking a relaxing bath is all it takes to help us relax. Schedule down time and you will find the holidays a little easier to manage.
Keys to Lifelong Change
A nutritious diet, exercise and stress management are part of developing a healthy relationship with yourself. It did not take you one day to become overweight and out of shape, so you can’t expect to change overnight! Many of us live as “subconscious beings” reverting to unhealthy habits such as binge TV watching, processed foods and drinking alcohol daily. To truly change your health, you need to set slow, manageable goals. The choices you make on a daily basis determine the long term outcome. Consult a Holistic Health Practitioner to find out how you can achieve lifelong change by making small changes today.
New Community Support Rep
The GAM Info Rep is a new service offered by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. GAM Info Reps are part of your Gaming & Gambling support services. Like any advisor, the GAM Info Rep is there to support you with your distinct needs every step of the way. Whether you need to inquire about counselling services, legal services, housing, community health, debt management or any other support service, the GAM Info Rep is there to help. Your GAM Info Rep on Central Vancouver island is Tracy Tsui. 778-386-9955 or toll free 1-888-558-2857.
Sharing Holiday Memories
The holiday season often brings about the feeling of “home” and family traditions. Your loved ones can still be part of the celebration even when they may not cognitively be able to take part in the festivities. The holiday season provides an opportunity to reminisce about special ornaments or decorations that have been set out for the special occasion. These items can help you share holiday memories with your loved one. This is also the time to bring out old photo albums so that you may re-live holidays past through pictures.
