Low back pain is a common issue that many pregnant women have. As the baby grows, the women’s center of mass shifts more forward, putting more stress on the low back and lower back muscles. In addition, in preparation for the birth, hormones cause loosening of the ligaments. A pelvis that is not moving properly can also contribute to low back pain. A chiropractor trained in the Webster Technique knows how to specifically, and gently, correct pelvis misalignments in pregnant women, helping reduce low back pain and making pregnancy a little easier. Call for a free consultation on how we can help you.

Gambling “responsibly” means different things to different people. Everyone has their own idea of what “responsible”, “safe” or “fun” looks like. Regardless of what responsible gambling means to you or to someone else, some common themes of Responsible Gambling include: 1) always make informed decisions about gambling 2) only gamble with money that isn’t needed for something else; 3) have an awareness of how gambling works and the common false beliefs that can get people into trouble & 4) be aware of your own feelings to avoid being frustrated, anxious or depressed when gambling.

Game theory is the mathematical study of games that goes beyond the theory of probability to include the behaviour of other players. But most of the time, gamblers do not pay strict attention to probability let alone other more complex mathematical considerations. Despite knowing that the odds are stacked against us, and our money likely lost, we continue to gamble for our own individual reasons. Michael Jordan once said, ”I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it’s meant to be, which is fun and entertaining.”

It has been said that variety is the spice of life. With that in mind, Nanaimo’s Parks and Recreation Active Pass may just be the variety you need to keep and get you active. Monthly to yearly passes are available that offer users unlimited access to all public drop-in sessions. This includes public/length swimming, aquafit, public skating, weight rooms, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and sports at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Active Passes are available for individuals or families, and year-long passes can be paid for with monthly installments. Contact our recreation experts for more information.

Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner! It is the time to start planting flowers, veggies and fruit. Planting and digging in your garden requires you to be on the ground and mostly on your knees. Simply using a knee cushion will help take the hard tension off your knees and legs and keep the strain off your back. Always try to take breaks and stand up to give your back a stretch. This will straighten up your spine and prevent your body from being sore and tight the next day. Most importantly, enjoy the sun!

The toxins and chemical in our environment bring an increasing number of health risks. doTerra essential oils can help. When the horizon begins to get smokey, use doTerra’s Easy Air blend. It helps to maintain open airways, combat infection and repair lung tissue. Three to five drops of lemon essential oil in your drinking water once a day helps the liver detoxify toxic substances. Our warming climate brings an influx of insects that are carrying vector borne disease such as West Nile Virus. doTerra’s Terrashield blend can protect us from biting insects…and it smells incredible. Join us for classes to learn more about essential oils.

Elan Wellness offers paths to wellness. A personalized wellness plan is highly individual and is created through collaboration. Whether you want to improve your health, reduce and manage stress, or simply get support in any area of your life, a wellness plan may be for you. It is about taking action and seeing physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional results. Chronic Pain Management Plans work to minimize the experience of pain and to increase self-reliance through nervous system health education, gentle somatic practices, breath work, and meditation practices. Through a set of realistic goals, you will ultimately learn to manage your pain and live a life you love.

Lakeside Gardens Retirement Community presents a Fashion Show and Sale on June 11th. Rack Fashions, a mobile women’s clothing and accessory boutique, will be showcasing their line of current, comfortable and affordable women’s fashion. Their signature pieces have been chosen for the fashion conscious woman in mind. Lakeside Gardens Retirement Community, located on the shores of Long Lake, offers a comfortable lifestyle in an environment that’s open to forming new friendships via various social and dynamic activity programs. Lakeside Gardens is an independent community offering assisted services for those needing just that extra bit of help.

The annual Hike for Hospice takes place on June 15th at Westwood Lake Park. Walk, run or hike the 1km or 6km option at your own pace. The $30 Registration Fee includes swag, prizes and a free BBQ lunch. Family & Team registration available at a reduced rate. Funds raised stay local. Gather your family and friends – walk to honor the memory of your loved ones. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone deserves support, regardless of age, means or culture. Volunteers and professional staff offer free programs resources & education. See their website NanaimoHospice.com for more information and to register for the Hike.