Did you know regular dental cleanings can help keep your pet healthy, happy, and pain-free? Plaque on teeth calcifies into tartar, which traps bacteria, leading to gingivitis—early gum disease. Gingivitis causes irritation, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, but can be reversed with non-sedation ultrasonic cleanings. If untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease, causing pain, tooth loss, and potentially affecting organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. While periodontal disease is incurable, it can be managed with regular ultrasonic cleanings. This safe, effective method uses vibration and tiny bubbles to clean teeth above and below the gumline.
Community News
Diet & Your Child’s Oral Health
Your child’s diet plays a key role in dental health. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive on sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. Surprisingly, sugar isn’t the only concern—fermentable carbs like white bread and chips break down into sugar, fueling bacteria. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns against bedtime bottles, as sugary liquids pool around teeth, leading to decay. Time and frequency also matter; sticky foods like raisins cling to teeth, prolonging acid exposure. Frequent snacking or sipping juice increases cavity risk. Encouraging balanced meals, limiting sugary snacks, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help protect your child’s teeth from decay.
Are you Living Your Great Life?
If you feel that you are not living the life that you want, you are not alone. Many struggle with clarity, time, or energy to pursue their dreams. Whether you’re thriving or in deep struggle, we help create big, lasting changes. From birth, we absorb beliefs that shape our experiences—many false and limiting. We uncover these blocks and provide tools to realign with your true self. Imagine having everything you need to transform your life. How does that feel? What could change? Make a Wave has helped countless people shift from what they don’t want to what they do. Let’s guide you into your GREAT LIFE!
Happy Place Found
Yoga Therapy is the practice of simple movement and the relationships between each segment in your body. We focus on nervous system down regulation and learning to listen and communicate clearly through movement. This supports pain management and healthy long term body mechanics. Each person will find their own individual senses and sensations, proprioception (where you are in space) by way with interoception (feeling where you are in space with/through sensation). Yoga Therapy does not replace Asana/Yoga practice, it supports it and keeps your movement sound and pain free.
Ask The Expert
Q: Is it worth getting expensive sunglasses? I’m still upset that I lost my favourite pair. A: Most inexpensive sunglasses sold in Canada have adequate UV protection, and those are way better than having nothing to protect your eyes. Pricier sunglasses will often have well-designed optics, lens filters and coatings; well-built, durable and comfortable frames; good warranties; trendy fashions; and brand names. Keeping track of your glasses can be like taking care of your keys or cell phone!
A Collaborative Plan for Your Injury
It can be frustrating when getting treated by a single practitioner for weeks with no end in sight. At Origin Integrated Health, we go for a collaborative approach! We offer you an individualized treatment plan to follow that most often involves collaboration between experts in the field. We treat the cause of your pain and focus on strengthening your imbalances in motion. We call upon: Myofascial techniques and Class IV Laser with a Chiropractor. Inter-muscular Stimulation or Acu-Stimulation with a Physiotherapist or Acupuncturist.
Active Rehab with an Athletic Therapist or Kinesiologist. Injection therapy with Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Let’s make you a master plan to get YOU BETTER!
Healing Chronic Pain Naturally
Chronic pain in your hips, shoulders, neck, knees, hands, or feet can limit mobility and impact daily life. Natural approaches like CellSonic Regeneration therapy help by reducing inflammation, decalcifying joints, and energizing cells for deep healing. Combined with Deep Tissue Non-Surgical sessions, these methods can improve strength, balance, and overall function—without drugs or needles. Addressing the root cause of pain supports long-term recovery and better movement. Don’t let discomfort slow you down—explore natural solutions for a faster, more effective path to relief.
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Treat Yourself to Lunch Without Breaking the Bank!
Evergreen Club Kitchen has lunch specials at a great price. Evergreen Club is a 55 and older seniors’ organization, located in the Florence Filberg Centre at 411 Anderton Avenue. They have lunch specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after 11:30am, for a delicious $7.50. You can see their monthly menu online at www.craevergreenclub.ca
A wonderful way to treat yourself or a friend to lunch. Evergreen Club Kitchen offers a full menu, frozen take-away meals, and are even open at 8:30 am for the early risers.
No need to be a member, drop-ins welcome. But the Evergreen Club has so many events, groups, and social events you may want to check out their incredibly reasonable membership fee.
If you are in Comox there is the d’Esterre Senior Centre at 1801 Beaufort Ave with Dei’s Café. Monday through Friday 8am to 12:30pm, with hot entrée lunch on Tuesday and Thursday.
d’Esterre Centre also offers drop-in activities and events such as a Pub night once a month, contact the office for sign-up, or visit their website to all the events and activities offered in the month of March, https://comoxseniors.ca/activities/
2025 Seniors Resource Guide
Get your copy today at our office located at C1-450 8th Street in Courtenay. If you would like to have the guide available at your business or service, email [email protected] and we will drop some off for you.
Spring at SSNVI
The month of March marks the transition to longer days, warmer temperatures, and new growth. We are planning lots of great things for spring at Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI).
Workshops and Partner Events
SSNVI is putting together a series of workshops with community partners to be held on March 25, April 22, May 27, 10:30 – 12:00, CV Presbyterian Church, 725 Aspen Rd.
More information coming. Check our resource page at https://ssnvi.ca/education-sessions/
Or get on our email list to be notified about these workshops and others at [email protected]
Income Tax Filing Support
Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) will once again be providing simple income tax return preparation for seniors 55+. Income thresholds apply ($40,000 for a single person, $50,000 for a couple). This service will begin at the beginning of March and run through the end of April. Returns are typically completed with seven calendar days. Currently, this service is only offered to SSNVI clients in the Comox Valley. Though drop ins are welcome, we do suggest calling before coming by the office. 250-871-5940.
Get Connected – Volunteer with Us
If you are looking for a way to connect in the community, check out opportunities with the Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI).
Interested in participating in the Seniors Intergenerational Action Network? This partnership program links seniors and families with young children in the Comox Valley. Weekly activities are being organised at the Comox Recreation Centre. To find out more, please consult the Comox Recreation Guide or contact Ann Brown at [email protected] , or Christopher Bate at [email protected]
Healthy Eating for Healthy Aging
March is Nutrition Month, a great reminder that what we eat plays a key role in overall health, especially as we age. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports energy, brain function, and heart health. Hydration is just as important—aim for plenty of water throughout the day. For seniors, meal planning helps maintain proper nutrition. Eating smaller, frequent meals can be beneficial, and including calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based options supports bone health. Good nutrition fuels a strong body and mind, keeping us active and independent for longer!
Nutrition for Good Oral Health
The nexus between nutrition and senior oral health plays a pivotal role in overall well-being, especially with the heightened risk of tooth loss in aging. Optimal nutrition can mitigate challenges associated with tooth loss, impacting overall health. Water, with its fluoride content, combats tooth decay and enhances saliva production, crucial for pH regulation. Crunchy vegetables like carrots stimulate gums and support dental health. Dark, leafy greens provide essential calcium and minerals. Fiber-rich fruits such as apples and pears neutralize mouth acids effectively. Protein-rich foods like nuts, fish, and meat contribute to mouth-healthy saliva production, highlighting the integral connection between nutrition, dental health, and overall well-being in seniors.
