Community News
You Can Live Independently in Your Home

We all want an independent lifestyle in the familiarity of our own home; as we age, it may become more difficult. Home care services can help. There is a range of services available which include companionship, homemaking services, personal care and nursing care. The services are easy to initiate with a phone call. At an appointed time, a nurse who adheres to all Covid safety protocols, will come to your home to provide an assessment of your needs. The assessment is free with no obligation to purchase. One or more of these services can help you remain in the comfort of your own home.

Live Life to It’s Fullest

A senior once said to me, “The secret to having everything in life, is believing that you already have it.” There is something to that. Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. It’s not the ‘things’ that matter. It’s the people, the experiences, the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to continue to make new friends, have new experiences and make more wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

The Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines were released in September. They include. Guideline 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income, e.g.: $60,000 annual gross income = $50/month. Guideline 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month = roughly once a week. Guideline 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games, including lotteries, sports betting, table games, slot machines, scratch tickets, horse racing, bingo, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gambling. See more at gamblingguidelines.ca . Mental health & addictions, gambling type and reasons for gambling can make these guidelines difficult to follow. Reach out at VI Gaming Support! We’re here for you!

Get Listed on the WellnessHub

Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.

Sport Betting Support

“Sports bettors, who tend to be young men, are the most vulnerable to problematic behavior, according to the NCPG’s National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences. The survey reveals that sports bettors are three times more likely to exhibit problem gambling behavior than other types of gamblers.” (Quoted from onlinepoker.com). Given the popularity of sports betting across North America, and Canada’s soon-to-be new law allowing single event sports betting (Canada.ca DoJ), vulnerable sports bettors may find themselves in a position to engage in more impulsive betting behaviour. Reach out to ViGaminSupport.ca for more info on how we can help!

Career Exploration – Taking Action

In the final stage of the career exploration, we study how to look for and present yourself to possible employers. Whether you are searching online, over the phone, in person or you have a friend or relative in the field, it is important to be prepared. Knowing what employers are looking for is half the battle, the other part is up to you. Ask yourself: *Does my resume speak to the job I’m applying for? *How can I prepare for my dream job – do I need more training? *Do I have a cover letter? *What references do I have that can vouch for my abilities?

Not Just for Style

Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style. You can even order socks with a picture of your dog on them. When choosing socks for appearance only you don’t get the many health benefits related to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Voxx socks not only keep your feet warm and clean smelling, they may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.

Walking in Wet Weather

Fall will soon be here and that usually brings wet, colder weather. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors but be aware of changing conditions. Walking after a rain fall can be risky. Many walkers do not realize how slick the leaves on the ground can be. Wearing proper shoes and using Walking Poles can help reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Make sure that your footwear also provides support for your ankles. Using a pair of Walking Poles allows you to enjoy nice long walks with friends no matter what the weather. Keep doing what you love to do!

Profile: The Medicine Shoppe

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers personalized service. Through their Pharmacy at Home Program, complimentary home visits help you manage your medication schedule or set up your blister pack. Free delivery service is available anywhere in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Errington, Parksville and Qualicum. They also offer Blood Pressure, BMI and Diabetes Monitoring, Foot Care and Compression Sock Fitting and a compounding laboratory to prepare customized medication. Book your Medication Review with your Personal Pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo and in Parksville. Mel and Kristen Azcarraga, pharmacists and owners, are proud to serve their community.

Moving to a Retirement Community

Are you thinking about making a move to a retirement community? Here are some questions to ask when doing your research that will help you make your decision: *Does the facility have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellness of its residents and staff? *Are there cleaning protocols in place? *Is there sufficient staff to ensure extra cleaning and care is in place? *If an infection should occur, what procedures are there to ensure the containment? Answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Good Intentions

Have you heard the expression “Good Intentions”? What does that mean? The dictionary definition of intention is: mentally determining to carry out an action in the future. Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned author and speaker says: “Our Intention Creates Our Reality”. Do you set intentions for your life? September is a great time to set or re-set Intentions. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that keep you from setting positive intentions for your life.