Dementia care requires more than assistance—it requires compassion, patience, and skill. Comfort Keepers’ specially trained caregivers provide personalized support that promotes dignity, safety, and meaningful daily moments. From gentle routines to engaging activities, we focus on preserving independence while offering reassurance and companionship. With Comfort Keepers, families can trust that their loved ones are cared for by professionals who combine expert training with genuine heart, helping clients live comfortably and confidently at home.
Two Ways to Care
February is a good opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead. With that in mind, SOS is asking residents to consider either volunteering or donating monthly. This initiative offers two ways to care, one mission to share. Whether it’s driving someone to a medical appointment, spending time with an isolated senior, or helping at the SOS Thrift Shop, your involvement can change lives. Your monthly donation (whether it’s $10 or $100) will help provide nutritious meals, give parents a break while their children socialize, and ensure low-income residents can file their income taxes, among other essential supports. Please go to our website for more information.
What is Heart Coherence?
Heart Coherence occurs when there is communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain. YES, your heart has a brain. Your heart has intelligence; ~ it doesn’t just “feel”, it “knows”. Information is received by your heart first and then is communicated to your brain. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is heart coherence, and when it occurs, you are supported to become empowered. Call today for a complimentary information session.
Are your Dentures Moving Around?
Denture adhesives, yeah THAT gooey stuff. If your lower denture is moving around too much and causing frequent sore spots, it may be time to try a denture adhesive. Years ago, the formula was changed due to problems caused by overuse. Do they work? Most of the time they last until you have a coffee or a meal, not eight hours as advertised. They are not the best solution, but in a pinch, if you are singing a love song to your spouse, maybe. Just remember to use as little as possible; it should not be a ¼ inch cushion.
So You Want to Age in Place?
Over 90 percent of Canadians aged 45 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to a recent HomeEquity Bank survey. Unfortunately, most people underestimate the actual cost of doing so. To Age in Place, homes often need to be modified with features such as stair lifts, grab bars, and wider doorways. Caregivers may need to be hired to provide in-home support. The costs can really add up. Fortunately, as a homeowner, you can access the equity in your house to pay for these costs. Contact me for more information, or attend my Wellness Expo presentation on February 28th.
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective, and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Book an appointment for a medication review with your pharmacist to go through your prescriptions and check for vaccinations that you may have missed. If laboratory tests are needed, an appointment with a virtual doctor can be booked. This is especially important if you don’t have a family doctor. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe in Parksville today.
Smoking Cessation Action Plan
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking? Your pharmacist can provide advice and guide you through this journey. Here’s an action plan: *Choose a starting point—pick a date, tell your friends and family, and ask them for support. *Meet your pharmacist to help determine how dependent you are on nicotine. *Follow a personalized treatment plan; your pharmacist can prescribe a tailored solution, including nicotine replacement products. *Reward yourself as you progress. Many benefits of a smoke-free life can be felt in the long term, and some benefits are almost instant, so keep on going!
New Mobile Service
It’s a new year, and we’re excited to announce our new mobile services. Friesen Holistic Wellness now offers three ways to experience the brain-changing benefits of Neuromovement® lessons. Private lessons for adults and children are available in our North Qualicum studio, or through a mobile service that brings sessions directly to your home throughout Oceanside—from Bowser to Qualicum Beach, Parksville, and Nanoose Bay. You can also join online group classes from the comfort of home, resuming in February. Contact me to learn how Neuromovement® lessons can support pain relief, improved mobility, stress management, and overall neurological well-being.
In with the New!
As one year comes to a close, another one begins! Could this be the year that you decide to travel? Try new things? Or perhaps make a move? If you’ve been considering a move into a retirement community, you could be doing all of the above. Retirement communities offer many exciting opportunities. Say hello to trying new exercise classes, do some local island travelling, try new foods, new crafts and hobbies, learn about other cultures, educate yourself on new topics, and forge new friendships. Book your tours today and see what new and exciting opportunities await you! Happy 2026!
Start 2026 Strong with a Body Reset
If the holidays left you feeling bloated, heavy, or out of rhythm, this is your moment to take control. January is the perfect time to reset your digestion, stabilize your hormones, and finally feel like yourself again. Our Metabolic Reset Program gives you a clear, personalized path to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and boost energy—without guessing or struggling alone. Pair it with Digestive Acupuncture for fast relief from bloating and sluggish digestion, so your body can absorb nutrients, burn fat efficiently, and feel lighter within days. Step into the new year supported, empowered, and fully aligned with your health goals. Doreen offers free Consultations.
Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk with Exercise
Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.


