Community News
EnJOY Summer!

You deserve to relax and enjoy the summer. Take walks in the sunshine—by the beach, in the forest, or just around your neighbourhood. Take time to reconnect with yourself! Summer is a time to celebrate the joy of being alive. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are, and how you are. Are negative emotions stopping you from being joyful? A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more time for relaxation, self-care, and joy! Contact me today for a complimentary information session.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

The Mayo Clinic recommends 7 or more hours of sleep per night for adults. Sleep is very important for everyone, including seniors. Not getting enough sleep contributes to a higher risk of many health issues, including *depression and anxiety, *dementia, *obesity, *cardiovascular disease, and *stroke in older adults. Sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves our brain performance, mood, and health. During sleep, our bodies are working to support healthy brain function. Sleep is a time of healing, rest, and recovery; it touches every aspect of health.

Need a Doctor Today?

We can book one for you! Our staff can connect you with Avee Health, a Vancouver-based company that specializes in providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients through businesses like The Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road and in Parksville. With a mission to improve the patient experience, Avee Health works closely with businesses to establish walk-in clinics within their premises, offering a range of primary care services. They provide same-day doctor appointments 24/7 and comprehensive care from prescription refills to addressing minor ailments. Patients enjoy a smooth and efficient experience with easy access to healthcare consultations. Contact us today.

The Link Between Nutrition & Aging

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.

The Link Between Nutrition & Aging

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.

Tips for Healthy Teeth

*Limit Acidic and Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce or eliminate intake of sodas, juices, and certain fruits. If you consume acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait at least 45 minutes before brushing. *Consider Dietary Adjustments: Increase calcium intake through dietary sources like dairy products or supplements to help build stronger teeth. Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and prevent erosion. *Use a Straw when consuming acidic beverages to minimize contact with teeth. *Consider teeth whitening if the enamel has thinned (if you are a good candidate for it).

Downsizing? Start the Process Early

As we get older, most of us start thinking about our home, the size of it, and how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. When is a good time to start the process of decluttering and downsizing? The answer is well before you are forced to do so due to a change in circumstance, health, or mobility. The earlier you start, the easier the process will be. The first step is to go to our website and download a free ebook that offers practical tips that will help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups so that you can take your next steps with confidence.

Need a Doctor Today?

We can book one for you! Our staff can connect you with Avee Health, a Vancouver-based company that specializes in providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients through businesses like The Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road. With a mission to improve the patient experience, Avee Health works closely with businesses to establish walk-in clinics within their premises, offering a range of primary care services. They provide same-day doctor appointments 24/7 and comprehensive care from prescription refills to addressing minor ailments. Patients enjoy a smooth and efficient experience with easy access to healthcare consultations. Contact us today.

Feel and Release Tension

It is a good time to go outside and stand barefoot in the grass; connect with the earth and ground. Where do you notice your weight? Then bring your awareness up through your legs to your knees—do you feel any tension there? Then up to your hips, back, shoulders, neck, face, and head. Notice how you feel and allow any tension to flow out of you into the ground. This exercise is a great way to destress and increase body awareness. If you find it difficult to notice the tension areas or to release them, Rolfing can help get you on track.

Navigating Grief with Compassionate Support

Grief can arise from many experiences—losing a loved one, a relationship ending, changes in health, or life transitions. It’s not always linear, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect. At Sandstone Counselling in Nanaimo, our registered clinical counsellors provide a safe, supportive space to explore all forms of grief—whether it’s recent, long-held, traumatic, or anticipatory. Through compassionate, trauma-informed therapy, we help you process pain, find meaning, and move forward with care and clarity. You don’t have to face it alone.

Prevent Trips and Falls

When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but summer can be just as risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should still take caution. Outdoor rugs, pool decks, sandy shores, and uneven patio flooring can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for summer safety for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape