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Community News
Solutions for Toe Discomfort
Do you have hammer toes? Claw toes? Mallet toes? These are very common lesser toe malalignments that can make it very challenging to fit into footwear comfortably. Over time the forefoot arch, or transverse arch of the foot, begins to splay and drop. This can create high pressure on the ball of the foot, encouraging toes to curl and deform. Custom foot orthotics are a fantastic tool to help alleviate uncomfortable pressure caused by hammer toes. At Common Sense Orthotics, there is an on-site lab, so your local pedorthists can fine-tune your orthotics to best support your tricky toe discomforts!
Heart Health, Hearing Health
Healthy aging starts with caring for both your heart and your hearing. Research indicates a significant correlation between cardiovascular health and hearing health. The inner ear relies on steady blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and reduced circulation can damage delicate hair cells, leading to hearing loss. Supporting heart health through regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stress management and quitting smoking can also help protect hearing. Conditions such as high blood pressure can affect blood flow to the ears, making regular checkups essential. At Beltone, we support healthy aging with free hearing assessments and
Free Entry for Seniors
Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade is celebrating its second anniversary in downtown Victoria by offering free entry for seniors on Thursday, February 26 and Thursday, March 26, from 2pm–10pm, at 706 Fort Street (between Douglas and Blanshard). Seniors aged 60+ are welcome to self-identify at the door—no ID required. Free Thursdays are made possible through the City of Victoria’s OUR DWTN Storefront Activation Program. The Artcade is a five-star interactive art experience featuring playful, hands-on musical sculptures by local artists and musicians. It has been featured on CBC All Points West, CHEK News, and The Upside. Come press our buttons!
Companionship Is the Right Referral
February can be one of the hardest months for seniors. The holidays have passed, days are still short, and winter isolation can feel heavier than ever. A companion provides more than help, they bring conversation, routine, and something to look forward to. Regular visits from a Comfort Keepers companion can provide emotional connection, mental stimulation, and reassurance during a time when loneliness often hits. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea, going for a short outing, or simply talking, companionship supports overall well-being. In February, having a friendly, familiar presence can make the month feel warmer, and far less lonely.
Keep Moving and Stay Active
In February, while colder temperatures may keep you indoors, it is important to keep moving and to stay active. Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries, and can help you stay mobile longer. It’s never too late to start, and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine. Walking is an amazing activity that can be done indoors at a mall or outdoors when the weather allows.
Start the New Year with Better Hearing
January is the perfect time to focus on wellness, starting with your hearing. Clear, confident communication supports your relationships, boosts independence, and enhances overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed muffled conversations, increased volume on the TV, or difficulty hearing in noisy places, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Beltone Hearing offers comprehensive hearing assessments, advanced hearing technology, and personalized support to help you hear your best in 2025. Prioritizing your hearing now can prevent further decline and keep you connected to the moments that matter most. Step into the new year with clarity and confidence.
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.
New Year’s Denture Tips
Start 2026 with a fresh, shiny smile and new positive habits! Before bedtime, gently brush your dentures and soak them overnight to keep them comfortable and clean. Rinse your dentures after meals to stay fresh throughout the day. Do a daily smile check in front of the mirror — a simple way to boost confidence and keep your smile looking its best. If your dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, small adjustments can make a big difference. Enjoy every laugh, meal, and moment with ease, keeping that bright, healthy smile all year long!
Business Profile: Earth’s Option
Earth’s Option is a family-owned mobile funeral business. The mobile nature of their business allows them to present options to you in the comfort of your own home. They supply all the same services as traditional funeral homes so you and your family can make decisions that are right for you. Green burials, their specialty, are available without the expense or the environmental impact associated with traditional burial or embalming. In their effort to promote the use of ecologically friendly products, they offer a complete range of green caskets, shrouds, and biodegradable urns in addition to all traditional products.
Victoria Film Festival: Feb 6 – 19
For more than three decades, the Victoria Film Festival has become a go-to event for film lovers every February. The 32nd edition runs Feb. 6–15 at venues across Greater Victoria, including The Vic Theatre. Tickets for more than 100 films—ranging from those with Hollywood stars to international cinema and hidden gems from local filmmakers—go on sale January 9th. More than 350 volunteers help make the Victoria Film Festival happen. For tickets and information on volunteering, please visit VictoriaFilmFestival.com.
